Hand-washing silk dress?

Question

i have a beautiful light gray silk dress that i have worn only once. i spilled some sort of drink on the front and it has a slight stain.

what is the right way to hand-wash silk?

Answer 1

I would double check the washing instructions on the tag.  Make sure it doesn't say "dry clean only" because some silks cannot be washed.



If the tag states that it can be handwashed, I usually wash the garment in Woolite ( cold water), rinse it, and let it drip dry.

Answer 2

i've got a silk skirt, and i hand-wash it exclusively. what i do is use cold water and diluted detergent, and gently rub it and wring it out, and let it hang-dry. hasn't done me wrong yet!

Answer 3

Before you dunk the whole garment in water wash a test patch on an inside seam to see if the silk shrinks. "Silk garments can shrink if the fabric has not been washed prior to garment construction," notes www.srfabrics.com.

If your test patch does not shrink you can probably wash the garment. The WinterSilks Web site recommends Silk Wash. This product may be used in a washing machine or for hand-washing. Use lukewarm water when you wash clothes in Silk Wash. Though garments can be dried in an automatic dryer on the fluff setting, WinterSilks says it is best to roll them in a towel and lay them flat to dry.

But www.fabrics.net says silk clothes can only be dried in an automatic dryer ONLY if the fabric was dried this way before being made into clothing. Sun-drying silk is not recommended. The Silk Road Textile Merchants have posted detailed washing instructions on their Web site.

1. Follow the directions on the soap you use. You may use Ivory Snow powder, Woolite, or a special silk soap.

2. Use lukewarm water.

3. Rub the silk gently to remove dirt, but do not wring it.

4. Rinse in clear, cool water several times.

5. Fill the sink, add 1/4 cup white vinegar to the water, and rinse the garment again.

6. Rinse the garment one last time.

7. Roll the garment in a towel to remove excess water.

8. Lay the garment flat to dry or hang it on a padded hanger.

9. Iron on the wrong side, using a cool setting, while the garment is still wet.

Silk is a durable fabric and your clothes will last for years if you treat them right. Follow these instructions to the letter. Don't turn your silk clothes into a science experiment!