SILK CARE AT HOME
HANDWASHING SILK
Many people are often put off from purchasing pure silk garments when they read the 'DRY CLEAN ONLY' instructions on the care label.
But after having too many expensive gowns ruined by these 'Professional' cleaners, I decided that surely,
it could not be worse to do it myself.
Here are the instructions I have used for over a decade, that have kept the life and colour of my silks for the longest time...
1) Select a good quality liquid laundry detergent that is suitable for 'Wools and Delicates'
2) Pour 10-15ml of liquid detergent (usually 1 or 2 cap-fulls) into a bucket or basin of about 10-15 liters of cold to lukewarm water and mix it well.
*Remember: the warmer the water, the more colour will disperse from the garment. So for bright and dark silks you want to keep the water as cool as possible, you can increase the temperature to no higher than 40 degrees celsius if you are washing white, or very pale-coloured silks.
​
3) Immerse your garment into the water mixture and swish and squeeze it around in the water for about 5-10 minutes.
**Focus on areas of concern by squeezing the silk in the water repeatedly, like a stress ball. Take off any jewellery that may cause abrasion prior to handwashing.
4) Always rinse with cold water only, until you are no longer getting a foamy detergent through the rinse.
*** You can add a cup of white vinegar to your cold water rinse to seal the silk fibres, which will prevent further colour runs and prolong the smooth satin finish.
​
5) Squeeze out the excess water, NEVER WRING OR TWIST the silk, as this may cause damage to the delicate fibres.
​
6) Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel all the way so that the full garment is inside the towel and press down.
This will gently absorb much of the water, reducing any more colour runs and speed up drying time! Hang up to dry flat or over a rail if possible.
​
7) Once the garment is dry, you can iron the item inside out, with plenty of steam on a medium setting.
Et Voila! You have a lovely fresh item to enjoy.
​
****Bonus Tip: You can maximise your wears in between washes, by thoroughly steaming the garment in between two towels on a high setting. Focusing on areas of concern, such as under the arms and around the neck. You can do this as often as you need, until you feel it is time for a proper wash.
​
​
​