Silk is a rich and fragile textile that needs special care to preserve its beauty and durability. It seems intimidating to wash silk at home, but the proper steps can make sure your silk clothes remain in good condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash silk clothes.
Step 1:
Read the Care Label
First off, check the care label on your silk garment. Silk articles are “dry clean only,” but some allow hand washing or even a machine wash. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Step 2:
Gather Your Supplies
You will need:
A gentle detergent designed for silk or delicates
A clean sink or basin
Cool or lukewarm water
A soft towel
A drying rack or hanger
Step 3:
Preparing the washing solution
Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water. Add a small amount of silk-friendly detergent; read the instructions on the packaging to know the amount to be added. Gently mix the water to evenly distribute the detergent.
Step 4:
Colorfastness test
Test a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric in the washing solution by dipping it. If the color does not bleed, then you can wash the garment.
Step 5:
Washing the Silk Garment
Submerge the silk garment into the water and agitate gently with your hands. Do not scrub, wring, or twist the fabric because these actions will cause damage to the delicate fibers.
Let the dress soak for no longer than 3-5 minutes.
Step 6:
Rinse Through
Drain the sudsing water and fill the basin with fresh cool water. Rub the garment gently to swish them around. Repeat this until all suds are removed.
Step 7:
Remove Excess Water
Spread the silk dress flat on a clean, dry towel.
Roll the towel and garment together, pressing gently to absorb excess water. Do not wring or twist the fabric.
Step 8:
Dry the Garment
Unroll the towel and reshape the garment if needed.
Hang the garment on a drying rack or hang it to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Direct sunlight can fade the color and weaken the fabric.
Step 9:
Iron (Optional)
If your silk clothing has wrinkles, you can iron it on a low-heat setting while it is still slightly damp. Between the silk and the iron, you should put a clean cloth or pressing cloth to prevent direct contact with the iron, which could damage the silk.
More Tips
Do not use bleach or harsh detergents on silk.
Do not tumble dry silk garments.
Store them in a cool, dry place. It is highly recommendable to use a breathable fabric bag for this purpose in order to keep dust and insects away.the flow of these simple steps, and thus you’ll be able to wash them at home, keeping your silk clothes looking elegant for many years. A little added care will keep silk clothes with their natural shine and softness.