Silk’s combination of softness and strength has made it a favorite fabric for almost 5000 years. As a natural fiber fabric, silk can keep its original color and texture for years if properly cared for.
Washing
Drycleaning Dry cleaning is preferred for dupioni silk, finer silks like chiffon and Habutai, as well as for variegated or hand-dyed prints and silk ties. However, because not all dry cleaning methods are suitable for all fabrics, let your dry cleaner know that your garment is silk. In addition, make sure the dry cleaner knows how to clean silk and treat silk items separately from rougher fabrics.
Handwashing All silk can be hand washed, although dupioni silk may lose some of its firmness and color in the process. Before hand washing a silk item, make sure the seams have been serged to prevent raveling. If you have hard water, first add a pinch of borax or a few drops of ammonia to the washing water. Then dissolve a small amount of mild detergent such as Woolite, Ivory soap flakes, or baby shampoo in the water. Maintain a constant lukewarm temperature throughout the wash to avoid stressing the fibers. Soaking silk can cause the dyes to run and should be avoided. After washing, rinse the silk thoroughly in cool water.
Machine washing Wash silk only in machines that are specifically designated as safe for silk and make sure the inside of the machine free from any soap residue that might stain the garment. To protect the garment from friction from the agitator, place the garment in a mesh bag or a pillowcase tied closed. Use a small amount of a mild, non-alkali detergent and wash on the gentlest cycle available in water no hotter than 86°F (30°C). The spin cycle can be used, but should be kept short.