Who doesn’t love the luxurious feel and lovely finish exuded by silk. But as much as we hate it, this delicate fabric tends to ruin quite easily, especially in a rough wash and spin cycle. But don’t worry. You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that you can easily eliminate loose stains and reinstate the silky luster at home with few considerate tips.

Before getting started, be sure to always read the care label on your silk garment. The label will reveal whether the silk is washable or not. In case you are unsure, we recommend you to consult with the professional dry cleaners at 5th Avenue EnRoute Cleaners to decide how to best treat your silk pieces.

To successfully clean and care for your silk garments at home, you must focus on the following elements:

• Gentle detergent
• Never use bleach or harsh stain remover
• Avoid excessive wringing

From delicate Tommy Bahamas silk shirts to Gucci silk scarfs, find out how to best care for your silk garment pieces to preserve their style for longer use.

See Care Label

The manufacturer’s care label should always be your first point of reference. If it says “dry clean only,” be sure to follow the instruction because the clothing piece might have inner structure materials (for example interfacings) that can get ruined by hand- or machine-washing. Even if the washing label doesn’t specify dry cleaning, silk garments can still be dry cleaned. 5th Avenue EnRoute Cleaners also provides other laundry services and ironing.

Pre-treat Stains

Before tossing the silk into a washer, be sure to inspect the garment for any stains. Most silk stains can be removed using a damp microfiber cloth. For stubborn stains, take a small amount of gentle detergent to scrub the stain off since strong formulations can harm the fabric.

Wash in Chilled Water

Always use chilled water to wash your silk garments. You can also give the garment a vinegar rinse to restore its silky luster.

5th Avenue EnRoute Cleaners: Preserving Your Style Since 1999

There are no shortcuts when caring for delicate and luxurious fabrics like silk. That’s why it is highly recommended to seek professional help on how the fabric should be washed, ironed, and stored.

With 20+ years of experience under our wings, 5th Avenue EnRoute Cleaners has been providing a range of garment care services including alterations, wash and fold cleaning, dry cleaning, and other services in Willow Lawn, Ladysmith, Ashland, Fort Gregg Adams and Mechanicsville. To sign up and benefit from our incredible discount offers, click here.