How to Wash Silk
Silk is one of the most popular and in demand fabrics in the fashion industry. This is a must-have for all fashion fanatics. As a natural fiber, you have to give extra care when washing it to avoid ruining the material. Here are some steps to wash your silk properly.
Things you’ll need:
Basin
Mild soap
Water
Towels
Vinegar
Silk stain remover
Steps:
Remove any surface dirt by shaking your garment or brushing it gently.
Check for color bleed.
Use a small cloth or cotton and dip it in cool water with mild soap.
Select a concealed area on the fabric and lightly blot it.
Wait for a few seconds and blot again, this time using a damp cloth or cotton.
If the damp cloth gets tinged with the silk’s color, you need to dry clean your fabric.
If the color doesn’t bleed, you can proceed to washing your silk.
Handwash:
Prepare a basin of lukewarm water with mild soap.
Soak your silk in the basin and let it stand for 5 minutes. If there are serious stains on your fabric, wait a little longer.
Gently rub stained areas. Be careful in rubbing to avoid damaging the silk.
Rinse it with water until soap is removed. You may mix vinegar with water to quickly remove the soap and preserve the sheen of your silk.
Use a cold water for the last rinse.
Machinewash:
Put the silk inside a pillowcase or a shirt. Be sure to tie it tightly.
Use lukewarm water and a mild soap.
Set your machine on gentle wash.
Never put your silk in a dryer.
To dry your silk:
Put the garment between two towels and roll it to remove excess water.
Place another towel on a flat surface and lay your silk on the towel. This will absorb any water that wasn’t removed from rolling the silk.
Air dry your fabric. Never put it under the sun, because this will damage the silk.
Tips:
You may use a stain remover for stains that are hard to remove.
Before soaking your silk, spray just a small amount on stained areas.
Remove the stains with a clean cloth. Lightly rub the stain in circular motion from its edges to the center.
Let the garment stand for a few minutes before soaking it in water.
Ironing your silk
Iron your silk only when necessary.
Place a clean cloth on top of your garment.
Use the low heat setting of your iron. Too much heat will ruin your silk.
You can also just iron the inside of your silk.
Clear your working area before washing to avoid accidentally damaging your fabric.
Liquids like perfume, alcohol and detergent can damage your silk.
You may use vinegar or lemon juice to check for color bleed.
Always be gentle in washing your silk. Rubbing too hard or setting your machine on a long cycle may ruin the silk.
It is safer to hand wash your silk.
Taking care of your silk is really very easy. With proper care, your silk will last a very long time.