Here’s a cleaning tip I learned the hard way: Never use bleach to clean silk. In fact, if you have the means, I would highly recommend that you send all stained silk to the dryer cleaner. In my opinion, professional cleaning is the only way to go when you are trying to salvage deep-set stains on silk items.
If you are determined to clean dirty silk at home, then consider these other don’ts:
Don’t dry silk in direct sunlight, as doing so can cause yellowing or fading.
Don’t try to clean silk with rubbing alcohol. In addition, don’t douse your silk shirt with hairspray or perfume, as it may cause discoloring.
Don’t throw silk items into a washing machine that has an agitator. The wringing and twisting may disfigure the garment.
Don’t place silk items in the dryer. High heat can shrink silk, or at the very least, cause fading. Instead, hang delicate items or let them dry on a flat surface so they hold their shape.
Most manufacturers of silk garments allow for hand washing of shirts and skirts. However, you should never soak silk in liquid for a prolonged amount of item. Rather, wash your silk items in warm water, rinse them immediately, and then roll them in a towel to remove excess water.
Silk blend items can be run through a washing machine if the label says so. Just make sure you use the delicate cycle. Also, it’s best to use a mild detergent. If your washing machine has an agitator, then consider placing your silk item in a mesh bag before placing it in the washer.
If your silk shirt or skirt is wrinkled after it dries, then press it with a cool iron. Typically, it is not a good idea to iron silk. A better idea is to hang the silk item in the bathroom and run a hot shower. The steam from the shower should reduce the wrinkles.