Whenever using any cleaning product, such as vinegar or alcohol, first test it out on a hidden portion of whatever item you’re washing. If any discoloration occurs, bring the item to a local dry cleaner to have it professionally cleaned. For spot-treating stains, the faster you get to the stain, the better. Immediately flush the affected area with cold water, rubbing the silk against itself to work the stain out without wearing the fabric. If water doesn’t work, proceed to use a natural cleaning product. Never use chlorine bleach on silk.
Mild solutions made with lemon juice or vinegar are good for getting out stains from perspiration or deodorant. Never apply undiluted vinegar or any other cleaner to silk. Always make sure vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, or alcohol are diluted with lukewarm water.
Diluted alcohol is great for getting out ink stains. Use ammonia to remove stains from chocolate, wine, or cosmetic products.
If you have hard water, mix a teaspoon of borax with the washing water. [5] X Research source Lukewarm water should be the warmest water your silk comes into contact with. Never use hot water on silk.
Wash only one silk item at a time. You don’t want to risk mixing colors.
When finished washing the silk item, pour the water out when finished washing your garment. Give the wash basin a good rinse to remove any lingering detergent or suds.
If you haven’t already spot cleaned with vinegar, consider rinsing the garment in a vinegar solution. White vinegar removes soap, restores shine and softens silk. Add 1/4 cup (50 ml) white vinegar to the basin of cold water. Gently move the garment around in the water to thoroughly rinse it. Empty the basin, then fill it one more time with cold water, and give the silk one last rinse. Alternatively, or if white vinegar is not available, add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) hair conditioner into the rinse water to soften your silk garment. [9] X Research source
Never put silk items into the dryer. The heat from the dryer will destroy the silk fibers and shrink the garment.
Make sure any wood hangers you use won’t leave any dye or stain residue on your garment. Avoid drying in direct sunlight, or you’ll risk discoloration or fading. Do not dry silk on a radiator or any other heat source.
Before using an iron, try hanging the silk item in the bathroom while you take a hot shower to release lingering wrinkles. Close the door and keep any vents off so the shower produces as much steam as possible. If you do use an iron, don’t wet a wrinkled spot, as this could cause rings or increase the risk of puckering or burning the fabric. Turn the garment inside out before you use the iron.
