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.
Stains
Harsh chemicals can damage silk irreversibly, so bleach or any product that contains bleach, enzymes, or whiteners should never be used with silk. Faded or yellowed colors can be rejuvenated by rinsing the garment in water with a few tablespoons of white vinegar. A vinegar rinse also helps protect the fabric from alkali damage. To keep white silk bright, add half a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide or a few drops of ammonia to the wash. Recent perspiration stains can be treated with a tablespoon of ammonia in half cup of water. Older perspiration may be impossible to remove, but treating them with a vinegar solution can fade them. To prevent greasy stains from setting, sprinkle the stain with talcum powder and lay the stained part of garment on a paper towel until you can get the garment to a dry cleaner. For more serious stains, rather than trying to treat the stain at home, take the garment to the dry cleaner’s as soon as possible.
Drying
Silk should never be dried in a machine drier as the dry air and friction can damage the fabric. To dry silk, first roll it up in a towel and press out the excess water. Once the silk is no longer dripping wet, hang finer silk up to dry and lay heavier types on a flat surface. Heat sources and direct sunlight can yellow silk, so allow the garment to dry in a cool place. Even in cool air silk can still yellow. To prevent this, the garment can be ironed dry instead.
Ironing and Storage
Silk should be ironed only when damp. If the garment has dried, before ironing add moisture to it with a damp cloth. Use a low setting without steam and iron on the reverse side of the garment. Apply only gentle pressure to the silk to smooth the wrinkles out. For long-term storage, keep silk in a cotton pillowcase or other material that can breathe. Avoid plastic, which holds in moisture and encourages mildew growth.
Despite its luxurious appearance, silk is relatively easy to care for. With proper cleaning and care, your silk garments can stay looking new for as long as you own them.
External Links:
Iris Silk Sleepwear - Detailed instructions for washing silk by machine or hand