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Quick Tips for Washing Silk Garments.

WnJ Services understands how difficult it is to wash silk garments. The fact that silk is considered as one of the world’s most luxurious fabrics and that it often requires high expenses of dry cleaning does not help either. That being said, we would like to share these steps to wash silk thoroughly and without having the extra cost to take it to the dry cleaners.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Mild soap (no detergents!)
  • Tub or basin large enough to hold water and garment
  • Plastic bag
  • Towel
  • Vinegar

Steps for Washing Silk Garments

  1. Check color fastness of silk first by treating hidden part of clothing. If color transfers, dry-clean only.
  2. Soak the fabric in lukewarm water with a mild soap for about 5 minutes or less. Make sure the water is not too cold or too hot as this will stretch or shrink the garment.
  3. Rub stains very lightly under the soap-water, careful not to rub too hard as this can damage the fabric irreparably.
  4. Rinse with water containing 1/4 cup vinegar. This will remove the soap and help restore shine.
  5. Final rinse with cold water alone.
  6. Take out of the water and wring excess water out by spreading the garment out on a towel and rolling it up. The towel will absorb the water, and the garment will get an effective, yet mild wringing.
  7. Leave the garment on the towel and let it dry somewhat.
  8. While still damp, place in a plastic bag and place the bag in the refrigerator for half an hour.
  9. Take the bag out and the garment out of the bag and use an iron on low heat to lightly press the fabric. Do not iron the outside of the material, but on the inside that is not seen.

Tips

  • If you clean the garment in the kitchen or bathroom, make sure the countertops are clear and clean so as to avoid snags, rips, or harmful chemicals to touch the garment.

Warnings

  • Do not allow perfume, cologne, or alcoholic beverages to touch the garment during the washing process. These liquids can disturb the dye and cause the garment to bleed.
  • Iron only on the inside of the garment. Silk garments are treated a special way and the inside will not usually damage under heat.
  • Use a very lightly-heated iron. Excessive heat will damage any silk garment.
  • Do not use detergents. These are too abrasive and will cause damage.

This article was adapted from www.wikihow.com/Wash-Silk-Garments.


For more information, please visit us at www.wnjservices.com.
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