Silk - How To Wash And Care For Your Silk Garments

Many are put off purchasing silk garments because they believe they are difficult to care for. Some silks are washable, with others dry cleaning is recommended. 

Test your garment for colourfastness before washing. Dab an inconspicuous area, like an inside seam with a damp clean cloth or Q tip. If the colour bleeds, the garment will have to be dry cleaned. Always ask your dry cleaner if they clean silk.

For hand washing, use lukewarm/cold  water and a small amount of delicate liquid detergent. Lightly agitate for 3 to 5 minutes and rinse well in lukewarm/cold water. Place on a clean dry towel to rid the excess water. Do not wring or twist as this damages the silk fibres. Also never soak, boil, bleach, or use stain remover. Hang to dry on a hanger suitable for delicate fabric.

Dry silk away from the sun or direct heat, as this weakens the silk fibres, resulting in tearing and fading. Shake the garment a few times during the drying process. Silk air dries quickly. Lightly iron press with a delicate silk iron setting while the garment is slightly damp and press on the wrong side of the fabric. Do not steam as this leaves watermarks on the fabric. 

Always hang delicate silk garments on considered hangers and store in breathable cotton bags, which keeps the garment out of the sun, dust and protected from moths. Bags of lavender and Cedar balls are the most natural moth repellents. 

Do not cover silk in plastic.