About Washed Silk Fabric

Washed Silk Fabric is a soft, crinkled material that feels like suede. It’s a staple for blouses and sleepwear, and it drapes beautifully.

Before washing, spot treat any stains with cool water or diluted white vinegar (to help keep color). Hand wash or machine wash your silk item one at a time.

Care

While silk garments often have care instructions that read "dry clean only," the truth is that they can be washed at home—as long as you take a few precautions. In fact, a little care can actually help your silk clothing look better and last longer.

Before washing your silk fabric, check the label to see what temperature the garment can be washed at and what type of detergent is recommended. Typically, silk can be washed at temperatures between 30 degrees and 40 degrees.

Place your silk item in a mesh laundry bag and wash it alone, or with other delicate items in the same washing machine load. Be sure to use a detergent designed for delicates and follow the dosage instructions. Rinse well in cool water. If you’d like, add a bit of a gentle fabric conditioner (like Comfort) to your final rinse water. Do not wring your silk, instead gently squeeze out excess water by rolling it in a clean towel.

Washing

Silk is a delicate material, so most of the time we take it to the dry cleaners. But with a little extra care, you can wash your silk blouses, dresses, nightgowns and sheets at home without paying for dry cleaning every time.

First, read the care label on your garment. If it can be machine washed, put the item into a mesh laundry bag that is designed for this purpose. You can also add a couple tablespoons of white vinegar to the washing water. This stabilizes colors, prevents color bleeding, and deodorizes your silk.

After a half hour or so, remove your silk from the soaking liquid and rinse it well in cool water. Then, gently press it dry with a towel and hang it to air dry. Avoid aggressive wringing, which could damage your fabric. This is a good time to check the item for any remaining wrinkles, and if there are any, hang it overnight to air-dry further.

Drying

If the silk care label says "dry clean only", it is best to take the piece to a (environmentally friendly) dry cleaner. However, washing silk at home is possible for most items if the proper steps are followed.

Fill a sink or large wash bowl with cool water and add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar or a silk laundry detergent that is free of enzymes. Submerge your silk item and swish it around, letting it soak for about half an hour. Drain and rinse, swishing the silk in clean cold water until it is completely clear of soapy residue. Do not wring -- aggressive wringing can warp silk.

Hang your silk in a dark, cool place to dry. It is a good idea to put it into a breathable fabric bag to help prevent moth damage. After the silk is completely dry, it can be pressed with an iron set to a low heat. Then, it can be rolled and stored in a dark closet.

Stain Removal

Stains on silk are difficult to remove, but prompt treatment with the right methods improves the odds of a successful outcome. Regardless of the type of stain, always start by blotting it with a cloth instead of rubbing, as this spreads the stain and may ruin the fabric. Always use a mild solution such as vinegar, lemon juice or bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), mixed in with lukewarm water to remove stubborn stains.

Before you apply any spot-removal solution to the stain, test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area such as the inside of a hem. Avoid bleach, which can discolor some silks and is especially damaging to delicate fabrics. If the fabric is not colorfast, you can try a commercial dye transfer inhibitor to prevent bleed-through. It's also a good idea to sort your laundry, separating light and dark items to prevent dye transfer when washing. This will help prevent a single stain from staining the entire load of laundry.