How to Treat and Wash Silk
By following these steps, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your silk garments, ensuring they remain a luxurious addition to your wardrobe for years to come. Treat your silk with the care it deserves, and it will reward you with timeless elegance and comfort.
Silk, with its rich history and luxurious feel, is a cherished fabric. Its delicate nature, however, demands special care. To ensure your silk garments retain their elegance and last for years, follow these expert tips on treating and washing silk.
Silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms. Its smooth texture and natural sheen make it a popular choice for clothing, bedding, and accessories. Due to its delicate structure, silk requires specific care to avoid damage.
You can handwash and wash in maschine. This is how you do both:
🍋 Pre-Washing Tips
Handle silk with clean hands to avoid transferring oils and dirt onto the fabric.
🍋Hand Washing Silk
- Use Cold Water:
Fill a basin with cold water. Hot water can cause silk to shrink and lose its shape. - Mild Detergent:
Use a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. I use Milo.
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they can damage silk fibers. - Soak Gently:
Submerge the silk item and gently agitate it in the water. Don’t let it soak for no more than five minutes. - Rinse Thoroughly:
Rinse the fabric in cold water until all the detergent is removed.
🍋 Machine Washing Silk
- Use a Mesh Bag:
Place the silk garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from damage during the wash cycle. - Delicate Cycle:
Set your washing machine to the delicate or silk cycle, and use cold water. - Mild Detergent:
Add a small amount of gentle detergent like Milo that is suitable for silk. - Avoid Spin Cycles:
If possible, avoid using the spin cycle to reduce the risk of damage.
🍋 Drying Silk
- Air Dry:
Lay the silk garment flat on a dry towel, reshaping it to its original form. Avoid direct sunlight as it can fade colors.
Do Not Wring! - Instead of wringing, lay the silk item flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll up the towel with the silk inside to remove excess water.
- Hang Dry:
If you hang your silk items, use a padded clean hanger to prevent stretching and avoid hanging in direct sunlight.
🍋 Ironing Silk
- Low Heat:
Set your iron to the lowest setting (silk setting) to avoid burning the fabric. - Damp Cloth:
Place a damp cloth between the iron and the silk garment to protect it. - Iron Inside Out:
Iron on the reverse side of the fabric to preserve its sheen.
🍋 Storing Silk
- Avoid Sunlight:
Store silk items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. - Breathable Storage:
Use breathable fabric bags or pillowcases to store silk. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause mildew. - Avoid Mothballs:
Instead, use natural repellents like lavender sachets to protect against pests.
Additional Tips 🩷
- Spot Cleaning:
For minor stains, use a gentle, spot-cleaning approach with a mild detergent and a soft cloth. You can also use Milo on the spots. Leave for max 30 minutes before you rinse/wash. - Professional Cleaning:
For heavily soiled or intricate silk items, professional dry cleaning is recommended.