How to Wash & Care for Silk: A Simple Guide for Scarves, Dresses and Delicates
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Silk is one of the most beautiful fabrics you can own, and one of the most misunderstood when it comes to care. Treated well, a silk scarf or dress can look luminous for decades. Treated like the rest of your laundry, it can lose its sheen in a single wash. This guide walks you through exactly how to wash silk, how to care for silk clothing, and how to keep every piece looking its best, whether it is a printed scarf, a slip dress or a hand-made piece cut from an upcycled sari.
Why silk needs a gentler approach
Silk is a natural protein fibre, closer in structure to your own hair than to cotton. That is what gives it that soft drape and quiet shine, but it also means silk reacts badly to three things: heat, harsh alkaline detergents and rough friction. Avoid those, and most of the care work is already done.
Before anything else, check the label. If a piece says dry clean only, respect it. If it does not, most silk can be gently hand-washed at home.
How to wash a silk scarf by hand
Hand-washing is the safest method for a silk scarf or any lightweight silk piece. It takes about ten minutes:
- Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water, never hot (aim for under 30°C).
- Add a small amount of a pH-neutral or silk-specific detergent. A drop of gentle baby shampoo works well too.
- Submerge the scarf and swirl it gently for two to three minutes. Do not rub, wring or scrub.
- Rinse in fresh cool water until the water runs clear. A teaspoon of white vinegar in the final rinse helps restore shine and remove soap residue.
- Press the water out gently between your palms or against the side of the basin. Never twist.
Can you machine wash silk?
Sometimes, but carefully. If your machine has a dedicated silk or delicate cycle, place the item in a mesh laundry bag, use cold water, a gentle detergent and the lowest spin setting. Skip the machine entirely for anything with beading, embroidery or hand-painted print: those pieces should always be washed by hand.
How to dry silk without damaging it
Heat and direct sun are silk’s enemies. To dry it well:
- Lay the piece flat on a clean, dry towel, roll the towel up and press to absorb excess water.
- Then air-dry it flat or on a padded hanger, away from direct sunlight and radiators.
- Never tumble dry silk: the heat and tumbling will dull and weaken the fibres.
How to remove stains from silk
Act quickly and gently. Blot, never rub, a fresh stain with a clean, damp cloth. For oil-based marks, a little talcum powder or cornstarch left on for a few hours can lift the oil before washing. Avoid bleach, stain sticks and enzyme detergents, all of which can eat into the protein fibres. When in doubt with a precious piece, take it to a specialist.
How to iron and steam silk
If a piece needs smoothing, iron it inside out on the lowest silk setting while still slightly damp, with a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the fabric. Better still, hang it in a steamy bathroom or use a handheld steamer held a few centimetres away: steam relaxes creases without any risk of scorching.
How to store silk so it lasts
Store silk clean, dry and out of direct light. Fold scarves loosely or roll them to avoid hard creases, and give dresses room to breathe on padded hangers. If you use moth protection, choose cedar or lavender rather than chemical mothballs, which can leave odours and residue on delicate fibres.
Caring for upcycled sari silk
Every scarf and accessory and many of the dresses at I was a Sari begin life as a pre-loved sari, rescued and remade by artisans in Mumbai. That history is exactly why gentle care matters: you are looking after a fabric that already has a story, and helping it last for the next chapter too. The same simple habits (cool water, mild detergent, no wringing, no direct heat) keep upcycled silk looking vivid for years.
Caring well for what you own is one of the most quietly powerful parts of dressing sustainably. If you want to go deeper, read our guide to what sustainable fashion really means, our tips on choosing a sustainable dress, or the story of how upcycled saris are changing fashion.
Looking for a new piece to care for? Explore our latest new-in arrivals.