How to Care for Silk

From the office to cocktails—your favorite silk pieces get a lot of wear. Here’s how to keep them looking fresh for years to come. 

What’s the first fabric that comes to mind when the occasion calls for something polished and refined? You can’t go wrong with timeless and elegant silk. Derived from the silkworm, this luxurious fiber has been prized for centuries for its natural resiliency and lustrous finish. 

It’s relatively easy to clean and freshen your silk pieces—in ways that are friendly to your budget and the environment. While care can vary depending on overall fabric composition, you can generally follow the guidelines below to keep your garments crisp and clean. 

1. CHECK YOUR LABELS

You may not know it, but dry cleaning silk clothing is entirely optional. A trip to the cleaners may actually set a stain that you could have easily treated at home. In most cases, you can safely wash silk items yourself making sure you follow care instructions as specified on the garment labels.

It’s always good practice to check care labels and fabric compositions first. Certain trims, linings and details (such as beading or sequins) may require dry cleaning.

2. TREAT/PRETREAT STAINS

When it comes to treating stains, time is of the essence. Avoid using commercial stain removers, which can end up damaging the color or fabric—simply reach for a clean, damp cloth and gently blot any fresh stains as soon as possible. If you find yourself dealing with a set-in stain, use gentle detergent (the same as you would use to wash the entire garment) to spot treat the area. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, then wash as usual.

Deodorant stains can be treated with an equal parts white vinegar and water solution. Gently rub in with a clean cloth, rinse and air-dry.

3. BANISH ODORS

The secret to getting rid of unwanted odors is a simple pantry staple: distilled white vinegar. Soak the item in a basin or sink filled with cold water and 1 cup of vinegar—let sit for 30 minutes before washing as usual.  

4. WASH COLD

Rest assured, you can easily wash silk pieces at home in cold water either by hand or in the machine on the delicate or gentle setting. Only use mild detergent and, if necessary, non-chlorine bleach.

A simple way to extend the life of an item? If you machine wash your silks, use a mesh laundry bag to protect clothing against damage and snags—the same goes for any non-silk delicates you throw in the wash.

5. LINE DRY

Think of treating silk like you would treat your hair. Silk fibers tend to be weaker when wet, so don’t wring out your damp silk items, Instead, hang them to dry on a clothesline or rack.