Silk is one of the more sustainable fibers you can bring into your wardrobe. It insulates in the cold, moves moisture in the heat, and drapes in a way few other fabrics can match. It also lasts, provided you give it a little attention.
Start in the closet. Silk fabric is delicate and wears down quickly when it's crowded. Hang blouses and dresses on sturdy wooden hangers rather than thin wire ones, which put pressure on the fabric and pull it out of shape over time. Give each piece room to breathe.
Before you wash anything, check the care label. Some silk garments will mark from water alone. If the label says dry clean only, take the piece to a certified eco-friendly dry cleaner rather than risk it at home.
Wash as infrequently as you can. Hand washing is the gentlest method and the one we recommend. If you prefer to use a machine, the wool or delicate cycle works, but it carries a real risk of color loss and distortion over time. When in doubt, wash by hand.
Use a detergent made for delicate fabrics. Silk needs a gentle, dedicated formula that cleans without stressing the fiber. Steamery's Delicate Laundry Detergent is designed for exactly this, keeping silk clean, bright, and smooth wash after wash.
Wash at 30°C. Keep temperature at 30°C for regular washes. A single 40°C cycle is possible if you're tackling a stubborn grease stain, but treat it as an exception, not a routine.
If you're machine washing, always use a laundry bag and fill the drum no more than halfway. Silk can share a load with wool, but keep colors separate. Silk bleeds in water, and mixed colors can leave permanent marks.
Air often, wash less. After each wear, hang your silk pieces somewhere they can breathe. A light mist of Steamery's Fabric Spray refreshes the fabric and neutralizes odors without a full wash. Silk is naturally resistant to dirt and dust, so most pieces need washing only a few times a year. What cannot wait is a spill.
Dry in the shade. Silk dries quickly, thanks to how well it wicks moisture. Hang pieces in a shaded, well-aired spot after washing. Direct sunlight bleaches the fibers and weakens the fabric over time. Never put silk in a tumble dryer.
Act the moment it happens. Rinse a fresh spill with cold water before it has the chance to set, then work gently at the mark from the inside of the garment using a small amount of your delicate laundry detergent or bile soap. For grease stains, acetone or chemically pure benzine can help lift the mark. Test on a hidden seam or inner hem first to make sure it won't damage the
