Silk is a fabric made from natural fibers created by the silkworm. It is a delicate fabric suitable for winter and summer, which needs a special treatment. Manufacturers always recommend dry cleaning silk clothing. However, with some special treatment, you can clean silk clothing using soap and water. Use these tips to clean silk.
Steps
Step 1. Determine if the color will fade
Test a hidden part of the garment by touching it with a cotton soaked in water. If the color of the garment does not fade on the cotton, then you can wash it by hand.
Step 2. Treat the stains
Wet a sponge with cold water and a little diluted vinegar. Blot the stains until they disappear.
Step 3. Prepare the water
Fill a basin with warm water. Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of mild detergent or shampoo to the water. Thoroughly mix the detergent or shampoo into the water.
Step 4. Put the silk garment in the water
Immerse it completely. Let it soak for 5 minutes.
Step 5. Wash the garment
Move the garment gently in the soapy water. Scrub the stains with your fingers or a sponge to clean the garment. Empty the water from the basin when you have finished washing the garment.
Step 6. Rinse the silk garment in a vinegar solution
White vinegar removes soap, restores shine and softens silk. Fill the basin with cold water. Add 50 ml of white vinegar. Gently move the garment inside. Empty the bowl again.
Step 7. Rinse it with cold water
Add cold water to the bowl. Rinse it a second time with fresh water. Turn the garment inside out making sure you have completely removed the soap.
Step 8. Dry the silk garment
Remove it from the water. Roll it up in a soft towel. As you do this, press the towel against the garment to expel any remaining water.
Step 9. Let the garment dry on a flat surface
Step 10. Finished
Advice
- Add a tablespoon (5 ml) of hydrogen peroxide to the water to lighten white silk garments.
- Put a tablespoon (5ml) of hair conditioner in the water to rinse the garment to further soften it.
Warnings
- If the color fades when you test with cotton, have it dry cleaned by a specialist.
- Never wash silk garments in the washing machine. The heat from the washing machine will destroy the fibers of the fabric and cause the garment to shrink.
- Do not hand wash silk garments with beading, embroidery or sewing work. To clean these garments, you will need to seek professional help.