The Rules for Washing Silk

  • Always check the care label first — some silk garments really are dry-clean only
  • Use cool or lukewarm water — hot water damages silk fibres and causes colour bleeding
  • Use a pH-neutral detergent (silk wash, Woolite, baby shampoo or a tiny drop of regular mild detergent)
  • Never use bleach — it destroys silk fibres immediately
  • Keep soaking time short — under 5 minutes
  • Handle gently — silk fibres are weakened when wet and tear more easily

How to Hand Wash Silk

  1. 1

    Test for colourfastness

    Dampen a hidden area (inner seam) with water and blot with a white cloth. If colour transfers, the silk may bleed in washing — take it to a dry cleaner instead.

  2. 2

    Fill a basin with cool water and a tiny amount of detergent

    A small amount goes a long way with silk — too much detergent is hard to rinse out and can leave residue that dulls the fabric.

  3. 3

    Submerge and gently swish

    Turn the garment inside out. Submerge and move gently through the water. Do not scrub, twist or rub. Pay attention to underarms and necklines where body oils accumulate — gently press the water through these areas.

  4. 4

    Rinse thoroughly in cool water

    Drain and refill with clean cool water. Gently squeeze clean water through until all soap is gone. A final rinse with a teaspoon of white vinegar in the water restores silk's sheen and removes any detergent residue.

  5. 5

    Remove water — do not wring

    Gently press the garment against the basin. Lay flat on a clean dry towel, roll the towel around it and press gently to absorb moisture.

  6. 6

    Dry in shade away from sunlight and heat

    Hang or lay flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight (which fades silk rapidly) and heat sources. Silk dries quickly — usually 1–2 hours.

  7. 7

    Iron while slightly damp on silk setting

    Iron inside out on the lowest silk setting with no steam. Steam can cause water marks. Iron while the fabric is still slightly damp — it irons out beautifully at this stage.

Water marks on silkIf you get water marks, re-wet the entire garment evenly in clean water and lay flat to dry — this usually eliminates the marks by making the moisture distribution uniform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some silk items labelled machine washable can be washed on a delicate or silk cycle in a mesh bag with cool water. Many silk items are not machine washable — check the care label carefully. When in doubt, hand wash.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water. Apply gently to the stained area and let sit for 5 minutes. Rinse with cool water. For stubborn stains, a paste of cream of tartar and lemon juice left for 30 minutes can help. Never use commercial stain removers on silk unless specifically labelled safe.