How to Care for Silk

From the office to cocktails—silk makes a statement. Learn how to keep your favorite silk pieces looking fresh for years to come. 

What’s the first fabric that comes to mind when the occasion calls for polish? 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. 

If you're wondering how to clean silk dresses and shirts at home or how to store silk clothing, the good news is it's easier than you think. While care can vary depending on overall fabric composition, you can generally follow the guidelines below to keep your garments looking great for many more years.

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.

Wondering how to remove deodorant stains from silk? Try a solution with equal parts white vinegar and water. 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 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. For best results, place your silk clothes in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from snags and friction during the wash cycle.

5. LINE DRY

A question we're frequently asked: Can you tumble dry silk? We don't recommend it; however, you can safely dry silk at home on a clothesline, rack or padded hanger.

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.