How To Wash Silk Garments

Silk is a delicate fabric made by the silkworm's cocoon threads. It is soft, breathable and oh-so-elegant. However it is difficult to clean and most labels prescribe sending the garment to the dry cleaner's. But Yours Truly neither has time nor money to spend on such a service, so I decided on a DIY method. It's quick, cheap, and effective. So here's how to wash a silk top at home in seven steps. 

What you'll need: 

• Clean sink
• Shampoo
• 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
• Towel 
• Item to clean!

Do NOT wash your silk with anything other than a mild shampoo. Silk fibers are delicate, like hair, and it's the best soap to use. Also, silk has a tendency to leak color, so wash the item by itself. The vinegar helps to mitigate color bleeding but it will not prevent it entirely.

Ok, let's get started! 

1. Clean your sink. Make sure there is no soap residue, toothpaste, food scraps, etc as that will stain the fabric. Fill it with cold water; cold discourages color leakage. 

2. Add 1/4 cup of vinegar and a quarter-sized dollop of shampoo. 

3. Lower the garment gently in the water. Scrub lightly. Make sure you don't pull apart the fibers, it'll damage them beyond repair. Spot wash with shampoo. 

4. Rinse with cold water. 

5. Once rinsed, lay out to dry on a towel. Be careful not to stretch it out too much. 

6. Roll the garment up in the towel to wick away moisture. Let sit for 45 minutes. 

7. Unroll the towel and let the item dry overnight. 

Voila! 

Happy washing. 

Love,

Yours Truly