How to Care for Silk So It Lasts a Lifetime

Washing silk often — as frequently as after each wear — helps silk last longer, said Julie Ann Clauss, a fashion archivist. That’s because silk holds on to odors and stains easier than other fibers. “You might not realize that you’ve stained a silk piece or that you’ve perspired into it, and you can be shocked when you go back to wear it again to discover that there are sweat rings on it or a stain,” she said.

Despite what the tag might say, you probably don’t have to dry-clean silk. The experts I interviewed agree that, under most circumstances, you can hand-wash silk or even use a washing machine.

To test if a silk garment is okay to hand-wash, Wirecutter’s laundry expert Andrea Barnes recommends examining both the quality and colorfastness of the garment. You can test for quality by scrunching a silk garment and then releasing it. If the garment appears smooth when you open it up, it’s likely safe to carefully wash by hand after being tested for colorfastness. If it stays crinkled, it’s better to dry-clean it, Andrea says.

If the silk garment passes the scrunch test, you should then test it for colorfastness by wetting a cotton swab and rubbing an interior hem or side seam to see if the dye comes off. If you see dye on the swab, take it to the dry cleaner instead.

Hand-washing with a gentle detergent in cold water is preferred over machine-washing, especially if you’re cleaning delicate or precious items in your wardrobe. We recommend several detergents for hand-washing in our guide, including Soak Laundry Rinse and Dirty Labs Hand Wash & Delicates Detergent. Clauss also recommends the Forever New Powder Delicate Laundry Detergent, which she said is the product of choice for archivists.

To wash silk by hand, fill a basin with cold water. You shouldn’t use your tub or sink, since leftover mineral deposits, which often show up as white chalky dust, can damage your garment, said Clauss. It’s also important to use a gentle detergent.

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You can also wash silk in a machine, provided you use cold water and a gentle cycle. A mesh laundry bag can help reduce snags and tears. Clauss recommends reserving the machine for pieces like sleeping garments or camisoles, not dresses or gowns. Although using the machine is risky, it can prove beneficial when drying silk, since the spin cycle can get rid of excess moisture.

To dry silk, hang it rather than put it in the dryer, which can damage its fibers. Gently pat out excess water with a towel, and never wring or twist it. Then lay it flat on a surface with good ventilation.