Laundry experts tell you how to clean and care for silk clothes
Before hand washing silk, you must first ensure that the colors on these delicate garments will not fade when exposed to soap and water.
If you're a regular at the dry cleaners and have your delicates cleaned by professionals, there's one fabric that can save you from that dilemma: silk. While this smooth, lightweight fabric may feel like it needs a professional, you can actually launder these items at home with a gentle touch.
Color fastness test
Unfortunately, dyed silk can fade, so test the garment for color fastness before washing. Use a damp, clean cloth or cotton swab to dab it on an inconspicuous area, such as the inside seam. If the color fades, take the clothes to a laundromat. David Whitehurst, owner of award-winning Champion Cleaners in Birmingham, Alabama, says bright, dark and patterned clothes are best left to professionals. "These clothes may fade a little more if they are washed at home than if they were dry-cleaned," he said.
If you do take your silk garment to a professional, Whitehurst recommends making sure to point out the stain and inform them of any home solutions you've tried, as this may affect the outcome. Also let them know in advance if you have color fastness issues.
How to clean silk at home
1. Remove stains
No need to buy stain remover specifically for silk. Instead, make your own solution by mixing 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. "This formula is particularly good at removing deodorant and sweat stains," says Whitehurst.
After testing for colorfastness, pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle and spray onto the stain. Using a sponge or turning the cloth over, gently spray the mixture into the stained area. "The key is to be gentle as friction can damage the fibers," he says.
2. Wash your hands
While you can wash silk items on the gentle cycle, Whitehurst says it's best to wash these velvety-soft items in the sink one by one. Fill the sink with cool or cold water to maintain the color, then add a mild detergent that doesn't contain harsh ingredients. Whitehurst recommends using a mild shampoo (such as Ivory) or a mild detergent (such as Woolite).
Place the clothes in the water, stir, and let sit for a few minutes. "Silk removes dirt quickly, so the process doesn't take long," he says. Next, pour away the soapy water and rinse with cold water.
How to dry silk
Never wring silk clothing or throw it in the dryer, Whitehurst says. To remove excess moisture, place wet clothing on a white cotton towel. Fold the towel and pat dry gently. Then, use a padded hanger to hang the shirt or dress over the tub to drip dry.
Pro Tip: Don't hang items in your sink out in the sun-this will speed up fading. The drying process should not take more than one hour.
How to care for silk
As mentioned above, silk items are very fragile. In addition to taking care when washing and drying, you should also practice proper care when dealing with imperfections (such as wrinkles) and storing silk.
wrinkle removal
Although steaming silk can be tricky, Whitehurst prefers using a steam iron, as long as your steam iron is designed for delicate fabrics. If you only have an iron, turn the clothes (which should always be slightly damp) inside out and choose the low setting. You can use a steam iron to dry your clothes, but make sure the temperature isn't too high. If your steam iron drips and leaves water spots, soak the garment in cold water and let it dry. The stain should disappear.
storage
For everyday storage, hang silk garments on plush hangers in your closet to prevent them from slipping. Use the wide rod to hang pants around your legs, or attach clips to the hem. For long-term storage, remember that moths love to eat natural fibers like silk and wool-so be sure to clean your silk clothes before putting them away.
Laundry experts tell you how to clean and care for silk clothes
Before hand washing silk, you must first ensure that the colors on these delicate garments will not fade when exposed to soap and water.
If you're a regular at the dry cleaners and have your delicates cleaned by professionals, there's one fabric that can save you from that dilemma: silk. While this smooth, lightweight fabric may feel like it needs a professional, you can actually launder these items at home with a gentle touch.
Color fastness test
Unfortunately, dyed silk can fade, so test the garment for color fastness before washing. Use a damp, clean cloth or cotton swab to dab it on an inconspicuous area, such as the inside seam. If the color fades, take the clothes to a laundromat. David Whitehurst, owner of award-winning Champion Cleaners in Birmingham, Alabama, says bright, dark and patterned clothes are best left to professionals. "These clothes may fade a little more if they are washed at home than if they were dry-cleaned," he said.
If you do take your silk garment to a professional, Whitehurst recommends making sure to point out the stain and inform them of any home solutions you've tried, as this may affect the outcome. Also let them know in advance if you have color fastness issues.
How to clean silk at home
1. Remove stains
No need to buy stain remover specifically for silk. Instead, make your own solution by mixing 2 cups of warm water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. "This formula is particularly good at removing deodorant and sweat stains," says Whitehurst.
After testing for colorfastness, pour the mixture into a clean spray bottle and spray onto the stain. Using a sponge or turning the cloth over, gently spray the mixture into the stained area. "The key is to be gentle as friction can damage the fibers," he says.
2. Wash your hands
While you can wash silk items on the gentle cycle, Whitehurst says it's best to wash these velvety-soft items in the sink one by one. Fill the sink with cool or cold water to maintain the color, then add a mild detergent that doesn't contain harsh ingredients. Whitehurst recommends using a mild shampoo (such as Ivory) or a mild detergent (such as Woolite).
Place the clothes in the water, stir, and let sit for a few minutes. "Silk removes dirt quickly, so the process doesn't take long," he says. Next, pour away the soapy water and rinse with cold water.
How to dry silk
Never wring silk clothing or throw it in the dryer, Whitehurst says. To remove excess moisture, place wet clothing on a white cotton towel. Fold the towel and pat dry gently. Then, use a padded hanger to hang the shirt or dress over the tub to drip dry.
Pro Tip: Don't hang items in your sink out in the sun-this will speed up fading. The drying process should not take more than one hour.
How to care for silk
As mentioned above, silk items are very fragile. In addition to taking care when washing and drying, you should also practice proper care when dealing with imperfections (such as wrinkles) and storing silk.
wrinkle removal
Although steaming silk can be tricky, Whitehurst prefers using a steam iron, as long as your steam iron is designed for delicate fabrics. If you only have an iron, turn the clothes (which should always be slightly damp) inside out and choose the low setting. You can use a steam iron to dry your clothes, but make sure the temperature isn't too high. If your steam iron drips and leaves water spots, soak the garment in cold water and let it dry. The stain should disappear.
storage
For everyday storage, hang silk garments on plush hangers in your closet to prevent them from slipping. Use the wide rod to hang pants around your legs, or attach clips to the hem. For long-term storage, remember that moths love to eat natural fibers like silk and wool-so be sure to clean your silk clothes before putting them away.
