Silk is a long-term purchase. It’s a fabric that’s best purchased with the idea of having it for a long time. Investing in classic styles and avoiding passing fads will keep your purchases current season after season.
In addition, how you store, wear, and wash your silk has an impact on how long it lasts. The reason for this is that when it comes to caring for silk, we’re talking about the whole picture.
As a starting point: It’s always best to leave your silk to the professionals at a dry cleaners when it comes to washing it, as some labels recommend. Even if you’re in a pinch and need to wash your silks at home, here’s how to do it safely and without causing any damage.
Hand Wash
When washing silk, it is important to separate colors and read the detergent label. It is imperative that you only use laundry detergents that are labeled as “suitable for silk” or “delicates” when washing silk by hand. Bleaching your silk is a no-no because it will damage the fibers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Silk Clothes
The following is a step-by-step guide for your convenience:
- Use a mild silk-friendly detergent in cold water to wash your silk garment.
- Allow it to soak for a while (no more than 5 minutes).
- Slowly and delicately wiggle the garment.
- Fresh water should be used for rinsing.
- After the final rinse, add a fabric conditioner to keep the fabric feeling hydrated (or even a small amount of hair conditioner).
- Use cold water to thoroughly rinse off any remaining soap.
- Wringing out your silk will damage the fibers, so it’s best to ball it up. In order to remove any remaining moisture, lay it flat and roll it in a clean towel.
- Lay out to dry on a flat surface.
Creases and Wrinkles
Silk can be steamed to remove most wrinkles, but not everyone has access to a steamer. Hang your silk in the bathroom while you’re taking a hot shower for an easy steamer trick.
If you can’t get the creases out by steaming, here are some tips on how to iron silk safely:
- Set the iron to low heat and turn your clothes inside out (or the silk setting).
- Ensure that a cloth is placed in between the silk and the iron when ironing once it has been allowed to dry completely.
- You may get water stains on silk if you spray or wet it while ironing.