How To Wash Silk Clothes

No other material feels quite like silk on the skin. Silk both looks and feels luxurious, and it may have you assuming you need to bring your silk garments to a professional cleaner. However, cleaning silk at home is easier than you may think. As you follow certain steps and are gentle, you’ll save yourself a few bucks at the dry cleaners. Don’t avoid luxury or designer fashion because of the expense of both the initial purchase and cleaning bills. At Buy Outlet, we hope to make high-end fashion affordable for every person. We already sell your favorite silk garments for the best designer deals in the market. Now, we want to show you how to wash silk clothes without spending a ton.

What Makes Silk Special?

Silk has been hailed as a high-end, valuable material for centuries. It has a high cost to produce, is buttery soft, and looks stunning. Any person shines in a flattering silk dress or top. Cleaning silk at home is worth it because the luxurious material is even better than it looks. The material itself resists bacteria and mold, making it cleaner and better to have against your skin. Many people nowadays invest in silk pillowcases to minimize the skin irritation, breakouts, or dermatitis from the bacteria that collects on more typical pillowcases. Another fun fact to know alongside how to wash silk clothes? Silk is the strongest natural fiber in the world.

Silk is also a very versatile material that can be worn on any number of occasions, depending on how you style it. For formal occasions, silk is an easy choice. Even a plain, simple silk dress looks elegant and fancy with no extra effort. You can wow the crowd with the right accessories, like an upscale jacket or sparkly stilettos. For just a casual dinner and drinks with friends, pair your silk top with some trendy jeans and cute sneakers.

Cleaning Silk at Home

Before learning how to wash silk clothes yourself, be sure to double-check the fabric care label. Just the words, “Dry Clean,” means that’s only a recommendation whereas, “Dry Clean Only,” specifies that this particular garment is especially delicate. In these cases, it may be best to bring the piece to a professional cleaner. Otherwise, you can gently hand wash your silk clothes.

It’s key to avoid chlorine bleach, and instead only use a detergent specifically created for delicates. Additionally, some silk pieces will bleed in the wash. You can test for colorfastness by dabbing a wet, white cloth on a damp portion of the garment. While learning how to wash silk, you should note that silk should only be washed in lukewarm water at the warmest. We recommend filling a basin with cold water and just a few drops of detergent. Soak your silk clothes for three minutes, then use your hands to gently remove any dirt. When finished, rinse the clothes in cold water and use a towel to remove excess water. You can hang silk garments to dry, and you should not use a dryer.

That being said, cleaning silk at home in a washing machine is okay if you are careful. The best method for how to wash silk is to place it inside a mesh laundry bag before placing it in the machine. It’s also a good idea to only wash silk with other delicate, soft garments. Again, the detergent used should be specifically created for silks or delicates. Wash your clothes in cold water on the most gentle cycle, and when done, do not put them in the dryer. 

You should store your silk clothes in a cool, dry place away from any moisture. Additionally, silk can be damaged by spending too much time in direct sunlight. After learning how to wash silk, invest in some form of moth repellent that will also protect your silks. If you insist on ironing your silk clothes, ensure the material is completely dry before beginning, and place a cloth between the silk and the iron. The iron should be on the low setting, and it’s wise to turn the garment inside out.

Browse Our Collection

When shopping for silk attire, Buy Outlet has you covered with all your favorite designer brands for less. Our garments are personally inspected to ensure quality and authenticity before we ship them for free to your door. Now that you know how to wash silk, upgrade your style with discounts on the latest trends at Buy Outlet.