How to Wash Silk at Home (and When to the Dry-Cleani)

Silk is timeless. From a flowing blouse to a sleek cheongsam or soft pillowcases, it adds an instant touch of elegance. However, its beauty comes with delicate care required; one wrong move and its soft sheen can fade.

The good news? You can wash silk at home, if you know the gentle way to do it. And for pieces that are too precious to risk, professional dry cleaning is the safest choice.

Here’s your complete guide on how to wash silk safely at home and when rely on The Care Laundry’s expert dry cleaning services in Singapore.

Why Silk Needs Extra Care

Silk is a natural fiber made from silkworm threads, giving it softness and shine, but also making it sensitive to:

Heat
Harsh detergents
Friction

Think of silk like your hair skin: it thrives with gentle care. Hot water, strong chemicals, or rough handling can dull its sheen or weaken the fibers.

💡Pro Tip: Before washing, always test for colorfastness. Dab a small hidden area with a damp cloth; if the color transfers, the dye may bleed during washing.

How to Wash Silk at Home (Step-by-Step)

If your silk garment is labeled safe for hand washing, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare a Gentle Wash

Fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water. Do not use hot water as it can shrink the material.
Add a few drops of mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics like silk or wool.

Step 2: Submerge With Care

Turn the garment inside out and gently place in the water.
Let it soak for a few minutes, then lightly swirl it around.
Avoid rubbing, twisting, or wringing the fabric; silk prefers a calm soak, not a workout.

Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly

Drain the soapy water
Rinse under cool running water until it feels clean

Step 4: Towel Dry (No Twisting!)

Lay the garment flat on a clean towel.
Roll the towel gently to press out excess water.
Never wring or twist – this can damage the weave.

Step 5: Air Dry in Gentle Condition

Hang on a padded hanger or lay it flat on a drying rack.
Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can fade colors or stiffen silk.

💡Pro Tip: If ironing is needed, use a silk or low-heat setting with a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric.

How to Wash Silk with A Washing Machine

While handwashing is safest, machine washing is possible with extra caution and care:

Check the care label: Always follow instructions for washable silk
Protect the fabric: Place silk items in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snags, pulls, and friction.
Load properly: Wash with similar delicate items and avoid overcrowding the drum.
Use gentle detergent: Formulated for silk or delicate fabrics.
Select the right cycle: Opt for a delicate or hand-wash cycle to minimize agitation and spinning.
Remove excess water carefully: Lay washed garments flats on a clean towel and roll the towel to absorb water.
Air dry properly: Use padded hangers or lay flat to maintain shape.

Pro Tips Caring for Silk

Smooth out wrinkles: Iron on a low or silk setting: avoid spraying or wetting the fabric directly.
Handle stains promptly: Blot spills gently with a clean cloth and use a mild stain remover. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can damage silk fibers and cause discoloration.
Store with care: Keep silk in breathable garment bags or in clean, dry drawers lined with acid-free tissue paper to maintain its quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using regular detergent or bleach-based products.
Washing dark or patterned silk without testing colorfastness.
Hanging silk under direct sunlight or near heaters.
Ironing directly on the fabric.

Tip: If your item has stains, color bleeding, lining, embroidery, or embellishments, avoid home washing and seek professional care.

When to Leave It To The Dry Cleaning Pros

Some silk pieces can be cared for at home, while others require professional handling to maintain their shine and shape.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Type of Silk Item	Best Cleaning Method	Reason
Plain silk blouse or scarf	Hand wash at home	Simple, light fabric
Brightly dyed or printed silk	Dry Clean	Prevents bleeding and fading
Structured garments (suits, dresses)		Lined or stitched fabric
Embroidered or beaded silk		Protects delicate embellishments
Stained or discolored silk		Require solvent-based stain removal
Vintage or heirloom silk		Preserves color and shape

Why dry cleaning works: Special solvents lift dirt and oil without the friction that damages silk. It preserves the beauty and lifespan of your garment.

The Care Laundry: Singapore’s Professional Dry Cleaning

At The Care Laundry, every silk item is treated with the utmost care. Our dry cleaning process is gentle, safe, and effective, designed for premium fabrics like silk, satin, and wool.

With The Care Laundry, you’ll enjoy:

✅Stain removal without harsh scrubbing
✅Preserved fabric texture and sheen
✅Convenient service – available online or at our outlet island-wide

Whether it’s a silk cheongsam, wedding gown, or luxury pillowcase, we ensure it returns spotless, smooth, and perfectly cared for.

📍Visit our outlets or book online to experience professional silk care in Singapore.

Our Outlet Locations

📍Tampines

Tampines Mall

B2-K1

📍Choa Chu Kang

Lot One Mall

B2-K1

📍FairPrice JEM

50 Jurong Gateway

Road

📍FairPrice NEX

23 Serangoon

Central

Can you wash silk at home?

Yes! Hand-washable silk can be cleaned with cool water and gentle detergent. For delicate, colored, or structured silk, professional dry cleaning is safer.

Can you wash silk in the washing machine?

Yes, with caution. Use a mesh bag, delicate cycle, cold water, and avoid spin cycles or tumble drying.

Does silk shrink when washed?

Yes! Silk can shrink up to 5-10% in hot water or harsh detergent. Always wash in cool water and let it dry naturally.

Is dry cleaning better for silk?

Absolutely. Dry cleaning uses special solvent that lift dirt and oil without water, preventing shrinkage, fading or fiber damage, especially ideal for structured or valuable silk.

How often should silk be dry cleaned?

Everyday items (shirt, dresses): Every 3-5 wears
Occasional pieces (gowns, cheongsams): Before and after storage to prevent yellowing.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to wash silk at home helps keep fabrics fresh and beautiful. But for anything delicate, valuable, or sentimental, professional dry cleaning is the smarter choice.

With The Care Laundry, you’re not just getting a cleaning service, you’re getting fabric care expertise trusted by households across Singapore.

Give your silk the care it truly deserves. Gentle handling makes all the difference in preserving luxury fabrics.