Silk is world’s most luxurious fabric and sought after for millennial. It’s made from natural fibers of moth caterpillars giving the fabric a stunning shine and smoothness. Cleaning or washing silk requires special care by following wash-care directions from the manufacturer. In the case of a spot or simply the usual cleaning, here’re a few steps on how to wash silk.
Determine the color fadedness
Blot a particular area of the silk fabric with a moistened cotton ball to spot test. If the color doesn’t come off onto the cotton ball, it’s safe to hand wash the garment however with gentle hands. While using any specific cleaning product such as alcohol or vinegar, test it first on an inconspicuous area to prevent discoloration and garment safety.
In case the color starts fading off, bring the item immediately to a professional dry cleaning service without any further experiment. The fastest and best way to treat the spots is when they happen. Immediately rinse the area with cold water while rubbing the garment against itself to work the stain out. Go for a natural cleaning product if water doesn’t work!
The spot treatment
Create a solution by mixing either white vinegar or lemon juice with lukewarm water and apply on a discreet area of the garment first. If the color remains intact, you may dip the stained area directly into the fabric or gently spray the solution on the spot.
The mild solution also works perfectly on deodorant or perspiration stains. Make sure products such as vinegar, lemon juice, alcohol or ammonia are diluted in lukewarm water as the direct application may give counter results. Never wash a silk garment with chlorine bleach!
Cleaning tougher stains
For totally stubborn stains like food residue or any other that fail to go with water, go for a slightly stronger treatment. Increase the ratio of vinegar or ammonia in water and dip the garment but not without testing it first as usual! Diluted alcohol is excellent against spots from ink, chocolate, wine or any other cosmetic product.
The hand wash trick
Fill up the wash basin or a bucket with cold water and add mild detergent or soap, work up the lather. If it’s hard water, pour a teaspoon of borax as well. Remember, the water temperature must be cold or lukewarm; hot or boiling water would ruin the silk garment for good!
Completely immerse the garment in water and gently pulse with your hands to ensure the soap penetrates through the fibers. Do so for almost four minutes and wash only a single silk product at a time to avoid the risk of blending colors.
Delicate rubbing
Delicately rub the silk against itself and with your fingers without using any abrasive tool. The friction is enough to sponge out even the toughest stains, but just in case it doesn’t work, take the garment to a professional cleaner.
Conclusion
The above steps provide an easy and effective solution on how to wash silk safely!