How to Wash Silk at Home, Safely

Silk is a protein fibre – that sets the rules

Silk is spun from protein, just like wool and hair. That means the fibre is strong when dry but more vulnerable when wet, and that it will not take what cotton takes. Ordinary detergent is often alkaline and contains enzymes and optical brighteners – enzymes actually break down protein fibre, and the alkalinity leaves silk dull and stiff. Chlorine bleach yellows and weakens silk. So the whole recipe is: mild, cold and gentle.

• Use a pH-neutral wash made for silk and wool – not ordinary laundry detergent.
• Never chlorine bleach, and never enzyme ('biological') detergent.
• Cold or lukewarm water – heat can shrink it and weaken the colour.
• Skip fabric softener; a splash of white vinegar in the rinse restores the sheen instead.

Always test the colour before you wash

Silk is often dyed with colours that are not fully fixed, so dyed silk – especially deep red, blue and black – can bleed. Check before you put the whole garment in water. Dampen a hidden seam or hem with a white cloth or cotton bud and lukewarm water, and see whether colour transfers onto the cloth. If it does, do not soak the garment at home – it belongs with a professional. If you wash it anyway, wash the silk alone or only with identical colours.

How to hand-wash the silk

Hand-washing gives you full control and is the safest way at home. If your machine has a genuine silk or wool programme with a low spin, that can work too – but hand-washing is always the safest choice.

1. Fill a clean basin with cold or lukewarm water and a little silk/wool detergent.
2. Put the garment in and move it gently around for a few minutes – do not rub, wring or leave it soaking for long.
3. Rinse in clean, cold water until all detergent is out.
4. Optionally add a splash of white vinegar to the final rinse to dissolve soap residue and add shine.
5. Press – do not wring – the water out gently, and roll the garment in a dry towel to draw out the rest.

Dry and iron without damaging the fibre

Sunlight and strong heat are silk's worst enemies – both can yellow the fabric and weaken the colour. Lay the garment flat or hang it on a padded hanger at room temperature, away from direct sun, radiators and the tumble dryer. If the silk is creased, iron it on low heat (silk setting), preferably inside out while it is slightly damp, or with a thin cloth in between. Water droplets can leave rings on some silks, so use steam with care and test on a hidden area first.

When should silk go to a professional?

Some silk garments you should not wash at home: if the label says 'dry clean only', if the piece is lined, structured or pleated (ties, blazers, dresses with interfacing), if it has deep or uneven dye that bleeds, or if sweat and deodorant marks have already yellowed the fabric. If you are unsure, or the garment is expensive or has sentimental value, you can send it to us. We clean and treat silk according to the garment and its care label, gently. You order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions