How to Wash Silk - The Right Way

Step 2 - Mix Detergent

• Mix a small amount of warm water together with some of the washing powder or detergent you plan to use.  This will help the detergent dissolve first and is especially important for powders. You don't want any white residue left on your precious silk garments.
• Make sure you use a gentle washing powder suited to delicate fabrics. 
• Do not add bleach to silk fabrics. The delicate fabric will be ruined by bleach and you are likely to end up with holes.

Step 3 - Wash

HANDWASHING - Once you have tested your silk, you are ready to wash gently in a basin of lukewarm or cold water. Swish the fabric around in the water with some gentle squeezing.  Try not to wring or scrub the fabric.  If you have a soiled area rub it gently with your fingertips.  It is better to let the silk soak for a short time up to 30 minutes rather than continually moving it around. Wet silk is even more delicate than dry silk.

MACHINE WASHING - If you want to risk machine washing, then wash silk on a delicates cycle with cold or lukewarm water. Small items may wash well if they are enclosed in a net washing bag. These are often called lingerie washing bags and are used to wash bras and delicates. Wash the item separately and not with your normal washing load. Take the silk garment out of the machine immediately when the cycle is finished and don't let it just sit there.

STAINS - Try seeing if stains are removed by simple washing and soaking. If you want to try a stain remover, make sure you read the instructions and ensure it is suitable for silk. Do a test in an inconspicuous place first to see if it removes color. Spray at your own risk. In saying that, if your silk garment is stained it may be ruined anyway so it may be worth the risk. If you have any doubt, you may be best taking the garment to a dry cleaner to remove the stain.

Step 4 - Rinse

When you are sure the garment is clean empty the water out of the basin and rinse the garment in cold water until you are sure there is no more soap. Most machine washes will have a rinse cycle so this is only relevant for hand-washed silk items.

Step 5 - Drying

• Do not squeeze the wet silk.  Instead, lay the garment flat on a towel and roll up the towel to include the silk garment.  Squeeze the towel to draw the water out of the silk.  Open the towel and repeat the process if the silk needs to dry out further. 
• When you are sure there is little or no water left in the fabric lay it out flat to dry on top of a towel.  The reason it is best to dry silk flat is that it can go out of shape easily and stretch when it is wet. Drying it flat minimizes any loss of shape and stretched out places where the hanger is placed.
• Dry in the shade away from sunlight or excess heat.
• IMPORTANT - Do not put silk into a dryer.

Step 6 - Ironing Silk

Ironing silk takes a little extra care to protect this delicate fabric

• Ensure your silk garment is completely dry before you attempt to iron it. Wet or damp spots can leave marks as the area heats up.
• Turn your item inside out so you will be ironing the wrong side of the fabric. This will prevent iron marks on the right side.
• Use a pressing cloth so that the iron does not touch the silk directly
• The iron should be on low heat. Some irons have a specific silk setting so check your dial first.
• Do not spray the silk with water or ironing sprays as it may leave marks. Also check that your iron does not emit water spots which may mark the silk.

Step 7 - Storing Silk

Now you know how to wash silk you need to hang it up. If you plan on storing your silk garment it is important to prevent it marking and getting damaged.

• Always store silk away from light so the colors do not fade.
• Silk is a natural fiber so it is important to protect it from moths and silverfish.
• If you have a plastic bag over your silk garment, do not seal it completely so it can breathe.