You have worked calmly with a delicate fabric and sewn a garment you are proud of. Now it needs looking after. Silk is stronger than it looks, but it needs gentle handling: a poor wash, the sun or a drop of perfume can spoil it. With these tips, your garments will last for years. As always, what the label of your fabric says comes first: some silks only allow dry cleaning.
Before washing
- Check the label or the seller’s information. Some silks are hand-washed and others need professional cleaning.
- Test in a hidden spot or on a scrap to see how it reacts to water and detergent.
- Remove stains as soon as possible, without rubbing, with a clean cloth and cold water.
How to wash it
- By hand in cold or lukewarm water, or on a delicate cycle inside a laundry bag, if the label allows it.
- With a gentle detergent suitable for delicate garments. No bleach.
- Without wringing or scrubbing. Move the garment gently in the water.
- Rinse well until no soap is left.
How to dry it
- Lay it on a clean towel and roll it up gently to remove the excess water.
- Let it dry in the shade, flat or hung, away from direct sun and heat.
- Avoid the tumble dryer, which can damage the fibre.
How to iron it
Iron on the wrong side, at the lowest temperature and while the fabric is slightly damp. Do not use direct steam, because water can leave marks on some silks. If you want a reminder of the care taken when sewing this fabric, see how to sew silk without ruining it.
How to store it
Hang it on a padded hanger or fold it without squashing, somewhere dry and airy. If you store it for a long time, it is better in a breathable fabric cover, not plastic.
The most common mistakes
- Washing in hot water or with bleach.
- Drying in the sun.
- Spraying perfume or deodorant onto the garment, which can stain silk.
- Ironing dry on high heat.
If you want to know which garments look best in silk, we cover it in which garments call for silk and which do not.
