Silk is one of the most elegant, versatile and comfortable fabrics available, and silk clothing can be a part of anyone’s wardrobe. Silk is very durable, but it still requires care and maintenance to keep its great looks. Below, you will learn how to clean, press and store your silk clothing.
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Take it to the Cleaner’s
The care label on most pure silk garments recommends dry cleaning. For lighter silks like chiffon or dupioni, this is the best option. For other silk varieties, dry cleaning can help the garment retain its texture—but there are risks involved. The silk can be damaged by the dry-cleaning solution, and damage can also occur if the items are placed in the same vat as rougher fabrics. To ensure proper care, tell your dry cleaner that your items are pure silk and should be handled carefully.
Wash it by Hand
Silk has been woven for thousands of years, but the dry-cleaning process has only been used since the mid-19th century. Any silk labeled “dry clean only” can be hand washed if the seams are tightly stitched, and you aren’t worried about a bit of color loss. Lower-quality silks can become dull after a hand washing, but better items last longer. Wash your silk in lukewarm water with Ivory soap, Woolite, or even shampoo. Rinse in a weak vinegar/water mix to revive faded color, and rinse again in cool water.
Machine Washing
Generally, machine washing is not recommended for silk as damage can occur due to other garments and the machine’s agitator. If your washer’s instruction manual says that silks can be safely washed, it’s OK to do so. Before the wash, check the machine for soap residue and dirt. Put the garments into a mesh pouch, or a pillowcase that’s been loosely tied. Use mild detergent and the gentlest cycle possible, and shorten the spin cycle.
Stain Treatment
A vinegar/water rinse will remove yellowing that may appear on lighter coloured silks as they age. Sweat stains can be washed out if they’re new, but older stains may become permanent. Silk is strong, but harsh chemicals can damage it—do not use whiteners, enzyme products or bleach.
Drying Silk
Even if your silk is machine-washable, never dry your items in a clothes dryer. The aridity and friction can damage the garment beyond repair. Roll the item in a bath towel, gently pressing out the water. Don’t wring it out; instead, hang it to dry or lay it flat. Don’t dry your silks outside, as sunlight can cause yellowing.
Pressing Silk
Silk clothing should be pressed while it’s still damp. If your item has completely dried, dampen it before you iron. To minimize the risk of damage, turn the garment inside out and iron on a covered ironing board. Use the lowest setting possible, and avoid using steam or pressing on the garment’s seams.
Storing Silk
Keep your silk clothing in a breathable bag. Don’t use plastic, which can cause mildew and yellowing. Like other organic fibers, silk is popular with moths—store mothballs or cedar chips with your garments.
Silk may still be considered a luxury item, but proper care is not expensive. A gentle wash and dry, along with careful storage, can keep your silk clothing looking soft and shiny for years to come.
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Written by James with the help of Silk experts Patra.
