How to wash and take care of your silk clothing

Natural silk is one of the most precious fabrics there are. Nothing compares to the smooth feeling of silk against the skin, not to mention how gorgeous a silk garment looks. If you want to make your silk clothing last for years, you need to take good care of it. A silk blouse is not something you can throw in the washer with the rest of your laundry. Silk deserves better and we’ll show you exactly how to wash and care for your delicate items.

 

To dry clean or not to dry clean

When you buy a splendid silk blouse or dress, you might be tempted to take it to the dry cleaner’s and let them deal with it. However, this can be expensive and not always practical. What if you need to wear that blouse the next day? The good news is you can wash silk clothing at home, but you'll have to be extra careful.

Test the colors

If it’s a new item, test to see if the colors do not bleed. Soak a piece of cloth in water with a mild detergent and rub it on a hidden seam. If the colors come out, forget about washing and take it to the dry cleaner.

 

Use the delicate cycle on the washer

If you put your silk in the washer, use a gentle cycle and cold water. Silk doesn’t require tumble drying as such items dry very fast anyway.

Before you put your silk items in the washer, check the label on each of them and make sure it’s allowed. You cannot use regular detergent on silk clothing as it might damage the colors. Look for a detergent for delicate items and only wash with similar colors.

To avoid snagging, place your silk items in a mesh bag or a white pillow case.

Never use fabric conditioner on silk.

 

Hand wash delicate items

If it’s a silk blouse or another small item you can easily wash it in a basin or in the silk. Fill it with lukewarm water, add a few drops of delicate detergent and stir well before putting the blouse in,

Rinse abundantly, but don’t ever twist or wring your silk garments as this can damage the fibers.

 

Remove excess water with clean towels

Spread one towel on a flat surface and lay the silk item on top of it. Cover it with another towel and press gently. Leave for a few minutes till most of the water is absorbed by the towels.

Don’t dry silk in direct sunlight

Exposure to direct sunlight can damage both colors and fibers. Hang your silks away from the sun. Don’t use wood hangers as they might stain your silk clothing.

 

Delicate care with water and vinegar

If you don’t have a delicate detergent you can trust, best use a mixture of water and white vinegar. Put ¼ cup of white vinegar for every gallon of tepid water. Stir well before putting the silk item in the solution. Let it soak for 3-5 minutes, then gently swish it around the wash basin. Remove the item from the solution and rinse it very well with cold water, until you get rid of the vinegar smell.

Water and vinegar solution is also good to restore the natural shine of a faded silk garment.

Never spot-treat silk clothing

If you get a stain on a precious silk item, wash it. Never use stain remover as it might destroy the colors. Better take the item to the dry cleaner’s.

 

Iron the silk items while damp

If you don’t wring the silk item and hang it carefully on the rack, it won’t need much ironing. Check the label before using the iron.

Iron any silk item inside out, preferably while it’s still damp. Use the delicate setting on your iron and/or cover your silk garment with a clean white piece of cloth to avoid applying too much heat on it.