How to wash and care for silk: hand washing, drying, pressing and storage

Check the care label first

The label tells you what the maker recommends, and with silk it matters more than with most fabrics.

• "Dry clean only" usually means the dye, the weave or the construction may not survive water. Structured pieces, linings and some printed silks fall into this group.
• "Hand wash" means a gentle wash at home is fine.
• "Machine washable silk" exists, but only use a delicates or silk programme if the label clearly allows it.

If there is no label, treat it as delicate: hand wash only after a colour test, or take it to a dry cleaner.

Test the colour first

Silk dyes can run. Before washing a piece for the first time, dampen a hidden spot, such as an inside seam, with cool water and press a white cloth against it. If colour comes off on the cloth, have it dry cleaned instead.

How to hand wash silk

1. Fill a clean basin with cool water. Lukewarm at most. Hot water can damage silk and make colours run.
2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent made for silk or delicates, and mix it in before the silk goes in. Avoid biological detergents, which contain enzymes designed to break down protein stains and can weaken silk. Never use bleach.
3. Turn the piece inside out and submerge it. Swirl it gently for two or three minutes. Do not leave it to soak for long.
4. Do not rub, scrub or wring. Silk fibres are easily damaged when wet.
5. Rinse in cool water, changing it until no suds remain.
6. Press out the water: lay the piece on a clean, dry towel, roll it up and press gently.

How to dry silk

• Unroll it and lay it flat on a fresh towel, or hang it on a padded hanger.
• Keep it out of direct sunlight, which can fade colours and weaken the fibres.
• Keep it away from radiators and other direct heat.
• Never tumble dry silk unless the label says you can.

Pressing silk

• Press while it is still slightly damp, on the low or silk setting of your iron.
• Iron on the inside, or use a pressing cloth such as a clean cotton tea towel, to avoid shine.
• Do not spray water directly on silk. It can leave water marks. Press it damp instead.
• A steamer on a low setting, held a little away from the fabric, also works well for blouses and dresses.

Marks and stains

• Act quickly and blot, never rub.
• For a fresh water-based mark, blot gently with cool water on a white cloth.
• For anything oily or set in, take it to a dry cleaner and tell them what the stain is.
• Do not use household stain removers on silk without checking the label of both the garment and the product.

Underarm marks are common on silk blouses. Let deodorant dry fully before dressing, and wash or air silk soon after wearing.

How to store silk

• Store it clean, as marks left for months can set and attract moths.
• Hang blouses and dresses on padded hangers so the shoulders keep their shape, or fold them loosely with tissue paper between the folds.
• Use a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic.
• Keep it out of the light, as strong light can fade silk over time.

Our guide to washing and storing knitwear has more advice on keeping moths away, which applies just as well to silk.

Buying second-hand silk

• Ask for a photo of the composition label. "Silk feel" or "satin" does not mean silk.
• Look for water marks, faded patches and underarm marks.
• Check the seams for pulling, as silk can fray where it is stressed.
• Ask the seller whether it has been washed or dry cleaned.

If a piece arrives and is not as described, message the seller through the app and open a problem report on the order within 14 days of delivery. Our guide to buying second-hand safely explains how it works.

Selling silk

Photograph silk in soft daylight, as its sheen can look very different under a flash. Show the composition label clearly, mention any marks honestly, and give the measurements in cm. Silk slip dresses and blouses are popular party pieces, so late autumn is a good time to list them. Our guide to second-hand Christmas party outfits covers what party buyers look for.

The short version

Check the label. Dry clean what says so. Hand wash washable silk cool with a gentle non-biological detergent, never wring it, dry it flat or on a padded hanger out of the sun, and press it damp on a low setting. Store it clean, hung or loosely folded, in breathable bags.