How to Clean Silk Clothes

What You'll Need

• Mild detergent or baby shampoo
• Lukewarm water
• Clean white towel
• Padded hanger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Check the care label

   Some silk garments are dry clean only. If the label says hand wash or machine wash on delicate, you can proceed with home cleaning.

2. 2

   Fill a basin with lukewarm water

   Use lukewarm water -- never hot. Add a tiny amount of mild detergent or baby shampoo. Swirl to mix gently.

3. 3

   Submerge and gently agitate

   Place the silk garment in the water and gently swish it back and forth for 3-5 minutes. Do not wring, twist, or scrub the fabric.

4. 4

   Rinse with cool water

   Drain the soapy water and refill with cool clean water. Gently swish the garment to remove all soap. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the final rinse to restore sheen.

5. 5

   Dry flat on a towel

   Lay the garment flat on a clean white towel, roll the towel to press out excess water, then unroll and reshape. Dry flat away from direct sunlight.

Pro Tips

• TIPAlways test an inconspicuous area first with water to check for color bleeding before washing the full garment.
• TIPIron silk while slightly damp on the lowest heat setting, on the reverse side, to avoid water spots and shine marks.
• TIPStore silk on padded hangers in a breathable garment bag to prevent snags and dust accumulation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing hot water, which causes silk to shrink, lose its sheen, and become stiff and brittle.
• XWringing or twisting silk, which stretches the fibers permanently and distorts the shape of the garment.
• XApplying deodorant or perfume directly onto silk, which causes permanent staining and fiber damage.

Frequently Asked Questions