How to Wash and Care for Silk: A Simple Guide

Silk is luxurious, but it doesn't have to be high-maintenance. With the right approach, you can safely wash most silk items at home and keep them looking beautiful for years.

Before You Wash: Test for Colorfastness

Always test your silk for colorfastness before washing. Dampen a cotton swab and dab an inconspicuous spot, like an inner seam. If color transfers, it's best to take your piece to a professional dry cleaner.

Brightly colored, dark, or heavily patterned silk items are more likely to fade with home washing, so consider professional cleaning for these pieces.

What You'll Need to Wash Silk

• Cool water
• Gentle detergent (or mild shampoo)
• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Clean basin or sink
• White cotton towel
• Padded hanger

Step-by-Step: How to Hand Wash Silk

Treating Stains

Mix 2 cups of lukewarm water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. This homemade solution works great on perspiration and deodorant stains. Spray it on the stain and gently work it in with a sponge—no harsh rubbing, which can damage silk's delicate fibers.

Washing

Fill your basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent. Place your silk item in the water, swirl it gently, and let it soak for just a few minutes. Silk releases dirt quickly, so there's no need for lengthy soaking. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cool running water.

Drying Silk Properly

Never wring out silk or put it in the dryer. Instead, lay your wet garment on a white cotton towel, fold the towel over, and gently blot to absorb excess water. Then hang it on a padded hanger over your bathtub to air dry—away from direct sunlight, which causes fading. Most items dry within an hour.

Removing Wrinkles from Silk

Steaming is the safest way to dewrinkle silk. Use a steamer designed for delicate fabrics and keep it at a moderate temperature. If you're using an iron, turn the garment inside out while it's slightly damp, use the lowest setting, and hover the steam over wrinkles without direct contact. Or place a clean cotton cloth over the silk and iron on the lowest heat.

If your steamer leaves water spots, simply dunk the entire item in cool water and let it dry—the spots will disappear.

Storing Your Silk

Hang silk items on padded or fuzzy hangers to prevent slipping. For pants, use a wide bar or clip hanger. Before storing silk away for the season, always wash it first—moths are attracted to natural fibers, and clean garments are less appealing to them.