How to Wash Silk

Silk is one of the most beautiful fabrics to work with and one of the most punishing to get wrong. The good news is that many silk garments can be safely hand washed at home — the key is knowing which ones, and going through the right sequence every time. At our Maple Ridge facility, silk care is some of the most detail-oriented work we do, and the principles behind it are worth understanding whether you are washing at home or bringing it to us.

Silk as a Fibre

Silk is a protein fibre produced by silkworms and shares some characteristics with cashmere and wool: it responds poorly to enzymes, is sensitive to heat, and can be damaged by mechanical agitation. Unlike wool, it does not felt, but it can lose its natural lustre, water-spot, and stretch permanently if handled incorrectly when wet.

The smooth, reflective surface that makes silk so visually striking is also what makes damage visible. A scuff mark, a water stain, or a heat-dulled area shows clearly on silk in a way it might not on a matte fabric.

Before You Wash: the Colorfastness Test

This step is non-negotiable for any silk garment you have not washed before. Dampen a small, inconspicuous area — inside a seam allowance, under an arm — and press a white cloth or cotton tip firmly against it. If the cloth picks up colour, the dye is not stable enough for soaking. Saturated colours — particularly deep reds, purples, and greens — bleed more often than lighter, neutral tones.

If colour transfers, the garment either needs dry cleaning or must be hand-washed extremely quickly without extended soaking, which significantly increases the risk and is generally not worth it.

Setting Up the Wash

Use a clean basin or sink with enough cool to lukewarm water to submerge the garment without overcrowding it. Add a small measure of a detergent formulated for silk or delicates — not a standard household formula with enzymes or brighteners — and mix it into the water before introducing the garment. Even distribution matters because concentrated detergent on silk can strip colour in the contact area.

The Washing Process

Lower the silk into the water and move it gently through the solution with slow, deliberate pressing motions. The goal is to let the water carry away dirt and oils, not to physically scrub the fabric. A brief immersion — a few minutes for everyday soil — is all that is required. Longer soaking in anything but pure water increases the risk of dye release and fibre stress.

Rinse by draining and refilling with clean water at the same temperature. Temperature changes can cause silk to stiffen or distort. Repeat until the water runs completely clear and the fabric no longer produces suds when pressed.

Drying and Finishing

Lift the garment out of the rinse water supporting its full weight. Squeeze gently — do not twist — to remove as much water as you can. Lay it on a clean dry towel and roll together to absorb more moisture. Unroll and either lay flat or hang carefully on a smooth hanger, depending on the garment.

Silk can be air dried or placed in a dryer on the very lowest setting if the care label permits it, but air drying is always the safer default. Keep silk away from direct sunlight and direct heat during drying.

For finishing, use a handheld steamer or an iron on its lowest setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. This removes wash wrinkles and helps restore the characteristic drape and lustre. Never press silk with a hot iron directly — it will dull the sheen permanently.

When Professional Cleaning Is the Right Call

Heavily embellished silk, silk velvet, vintage pieces with unknown dye history, and any garment with a dry-clean-only label should go to a professional. The same applies if you encounter set-in stains involving grease, ink, wine, or makeup — these require targeted treatment that is difficult to manage safely at home.

The Laundry Brothers offers wash & fold and dry cleaning pickup across Greater Vancouver, seven days a week. See service areas →