How to care for silk

Hand wash cold with silk detergent, air dry in the shade.Silk is strong but delicate. Heat, sunlight, and harsh detergent dull it. Check the label first, as many silk pieces are dry clean only.

Washing

  • If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner.
  • Otherwise hand wash in cool water (up to 30°C, 86°F) with a mild or silk-specific detergent.
  • Rinse well. Do not wring: roll in a towel to remove water.

Drying

  • Air dry flat or on a padded hanger, away from direct sunlight and heat.
  • Do not tumble dry.

Ironing

  • Iron on low or the silk setting, inside out and while slightly damp, or use a pressing cloth.

Storing

  • Hang on padded hangers or fold in cloth. Avoid plastic bags.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Using bleach or strong detergent.
  • Drying in the sun, which fades and weakens it.
  • Spraying perfume on silk, which can stain.

Always follow the care label on the garment. Blends, dyes and finishes can change what a piece can take, and a lower temperature is always safe. Thraed records the fabric of each piece you scan, so it is in your closet when you need it.

Questions

How do you wash silk?

If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner. Otherwise hand wash in cool water (up to 30°C, 86°F) with a mild or silk-specific detergent. Rinse well. Do not wring: roll in a towel to remove water.

Can you put silk in the dryer?

Air dry flat or on a padded hanger, away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not tumble dry.

How do you iron silk?

Iron on low or the silk setting, inside out and while slightly damp, or use a pressing cloth.

What are the biggest mistakes with silk?

Using bleach or strong detergent. Drying in the sun, which fades and weakens it. Spraying perfume on silk, which can stain.

More: Cotton · Wool · Linen · Cashmere · All wardrobe tools