How to Fix Silk After Washing: A Comprehensive Guide

Maintaining the beauty and integrity of silk after washing can be tricky.

The fragile fibers can easily become stiff, develop snags, lose color, shrink dramatically, or even get ruined beyond repair with improper washing techniques.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I wish I had known earlier about caring for silk after washing. You’ll learn:

• Common washing mistakes that damage silk and how to avoid them
• Step-by-step instructions for repairing and restoring silk fabric
• Proper techniques for hand washing and machine washing delicate silk items
• Tips for treating and preventing water damage on silk
• When to seek professional help from a dry cleaner

Follow these tried and true methods to keep your silk clothing, pillowcases, and accessories looking and feeling luxurious wash after wash.

Understanding Silk Damage

Before we dive into solutions, let’s look at what exactly can go wrong when washing silk and how to identify if your silk item is damaged.

What Happens If You Wash Silk Wrong?

Silk is made from delicate fibers produced by silkworms, so it requires very gentle cleaning methods.

Here are some common mistakes made when washing silk and how they damage the fabric:

• Using hot water – Silk fibers will shrink and distort when exposed to high temperatures. This can cause garments to shrink up to a whole size smaller!
• Vigorous agitation – Silk fibers are fragile, so harsh scrubbing or frequent wringing can stretch, tear, or create snags in the fabric.
• Harsh detergents – Chemical ingredients in detergents can strip the natural oils from silk fibers, causing them to dry out. This makes silk stiff and brittle over time.
• Improper drying – Silk should not be forcefully wrung out or tumble dried, as this causes extreme shrinkage. Laying flat to air dry is best.
• Ironing on high heat – Like hot water, a too-hot iron applied directly on silk can distort the fibers and cause irreparable damage.

How to Tell If Silk is Ruined

Here are some telltale signs that your silk garment or accessory has been damaged from washing:

• Extreme shrinkage – More than 10% shrinkage likely indicates over-agitation, heat exposure, or improper drying.
• Snags and tears – Frayed edges, small holes, and pulled threads happen from handling silk too roughly.
• Loss of sheen/luster – When silk’s natural shine looks dull, it’s a sign the fibers are damaged and drying out.
• Stiff, crunchy texture – Silk should feel ultra-soft. If it’s stiff and scratchy, harsh detergents have stripped the oils.
• Color bleeding/fading – If colors bleed or fade unevenly, the dyes have been damaged by improper washing.
• Misshapen fit – Distorted seams and stretched-out areas manifest from heat and agitation.
• Mildew smell – A musty, sour odor happens when silk doesn’t fully dry before storing.

If you notice any of these issues in a silk garment, don’t panic! Many of them can be repaired with a little TLC using the techniques I’ll share next.

Common Types of Silk Damage

Understanding exactly how washing damages silk will help you pinpoint solutions. Here are the most common types of silk damage:

• Shrinkage – Aggressive wringing and high heat cause silk fibers to tighten, resulting in shrinkage.
• Color bleeding – Detergents can loosen silk dyes. Washing with other fabrics causes colors to bleed and transfer.
• Stiff texture – Detergent residue and loss of moisture make silk rigid and crunchy.
• Snags and holes – Catching on jewelry or rough handling causes ripped threads and tears.
• Irregular texture – Improper drying can give silk a rough, almost bubbled texture.
• Mildew – Storing silk while damp allows mold and mildew to grow, causing stains and musty smells.
• Loss of sheen – Heat, detergents, and abrasion damage the fibers that create silk’s luminous sheen.

I’ve compiled effective methods for restoring the shine to silk fabrics in this article.

Repairing Damaged Silk Fabric

In many cases, it is possible to revive damaged silk clothing, pillowcases, and accessories with some simple at-home restoration techniques.

How to Repair Damaged Silk Fabric

Follow these steps to mend tears, holes, and snags in silk:

• Examine the damage. Look for any fraying, loose threads, or stretched areas around tears.
• Carefully trim any loose, frayed threads with small scissors. Try not to cut the solid fabric.
• For small holes, apply a dot of clear nail polish on the edges. This prevents further unraveling.
• For larger holes, place a small piece of similar colored silk or fine mesh underneath the hole.
• Use a matching colored thread and needle to neatly stitch around the hole and patch. Use small stitches.
• If the area is misshapen, gently coax the fabric back into shape as you stitch.
• For pulled seams, hand sew the seam back into place using a whip stitch or backstitch.
• Use a light touch when stitching. Avoid pulling too tight or bunching the fabric.

With some patience, this stitching method can make tears and holes nearly invisible!

Restoring Shrunken Silk

If your silk clothing or accessories have shrunk, restore them back to their original size with this technique:

• Fill a large container with lukewarm water and add 2 tablespoons of mild hair conditioner. This relaxes fibers.
• Submerge the silk item and let it soak for 15 minutes, gently moving it around.
• Drain the container and gently press the water out of the silk, but do not wring.
• Lay the silk on a towel and pat it into its original shape. Let air dry completely.
• Once fully dry, lightly steam over the areas that need stretching with an iron on low heat.
• As you steam, slowly pull and shape the item back to its former dimensions.
• Repeat the soaking and steaming process as needed until the size is restored.

Be patient and gradual with this process. It can take several rounds of stretching to reverse shrinkage damage.

Unstiffening Silk

If your silk has become rigid and scratchy, revive that luxuriously soft texture using this technique:

• Fill a sink with cool water and add 1 cup white vinegar. Soak the silk for 20 minutes. This removes detergent.
• Drain vinegar and rinse the silk under running water for 1 minute.
• While still damp, coat the item with a thin layer of conditioner or hair serum. These lubricate fibers.
• Fold the silk in a towel and press out moisture. Reshape and lay flat to dry.
• Once dry, lightly steam over the entire surface with an iron on low heat. This softens the fibers.
• Gently stretch and massage until the silk regains softness and drape.
• For extreme crispness, repeat the vinegar soak and deep conditioning process.

With some TLC, you can restore silk back to its supple, luxurious texture.

Preventing and Treating Water Damage

Accidental water exposure doesn’t have to ruin silk! Learn how to treat wet silk and prevent damage.

Does Silk Get Ruined When Wet?

Not necessarily! Pure silk fibers are actually resistant to water. The main concerns with getting silk wet are:

• Dye bleed – Water can cause dyes to run, especially darker colors. Bleeding dye is difficult to remove.
• Shrinkage – Wet silk is vulnerable to heat damage during drying. High heat makes it shrink dramatically.
• Mildew – Silk must be completely dry before storing, or it risks growing mold and mildew when damp.

As long as wet silk is handled gently and dried thoroughly at room temperature, it should not be permanently damaged by water.

Ensure your silks stay perfect with my tips on how to wash silk without ruining it.

Treating Silk That’s Been Improperly Washed

If silk has come out of the wash misshapen, discolored, or with texture damage, use these steps:

• If there is color bleeding, dilute a bit of white vinegar and dab it onto dye stains. Vinegar helps lift excess dye pigment.
• For areas that shrunk, gently stretch and steam them back to shape. Roll them in a towel to dry flat overnight.
• If the texture is rough and bumpy, apply conditioner while damp and steam with an iron on low heat.
• To restore sheen, mix 2 teaspoons of hair serum into a cup of cool water. Sponge this evenly over the silk and let air dry.
• Get rid of musty mildew smells by hanging the item outdoors in direct sunlight for several hours.

With a little damage control, wet silk can be restored close to its original condition.

Silk Garment Care and Washing Tips

Now you know how to fix silk after washing – here is how to wash silk correctly from the start to avoid damage!

How to Wash Silk Safely

Follow these best practices for keeping silk in pristine condition:

Hand washing:

• Fill sink or tub with cool water. Test colored silks for dye bleed.
• Mix in a mild, sulfate-free detergent or soap. Avoid fabric softeners.
• Submerge item and gently swish around. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
• Drain soapy water and rinse until water runs clear.
• Roll item in a towel to absorb moisture. Avoid wringing or twisting silk when wet.
• Iron on low heat or blow dry on cool setting while gently smoothing to original shape.

Machine washing:

• Use a mesh laundry bag for delicate fabrics. This prevents snags.
• Wash on the lowest water temperature setting with other silks or delicates.
• Choose a gentle, dye-preserving detergent formulated for silk.
• Use the delicate or hand wash cycle. Skip the agitation and spin cycles.
• Lay flat on a towel away from direct heat to dry.

Dealing with ‘Dry Clean Only’ Silk

Some silk garments are labeled ‘Dry Clean Only’. Here are your options if one gets drenched or needs cleaning:

• If the silk is ruined or heavily soiled, take it to a professional dry cleaner immediately. Avoid machine drying.
• For a wet ‘Dry Clean Only’ silk item, follow the air-drying steps above. Reshape on a flat towel before drying.
• For delicate silk requiring a freshen-up, try dry cleaning substitute sprays. Check for colorfastness first.
• Hand wash using the gentlest techniques outlined previously. Skip soaking time.
• Machine wash on a cold delicate cycle, without spin or agitation, at your own risk. Air dry flat.

While professional dry cleaning is ideal for fragile silks, there are ways to safely clean them at home too.

Advanced Silk Care Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, try these advanced techniques for keeping fine silk items in tip-top shape.

How to Soften Stiff Silk

If silk feels limp or gritty over time, revive softness and luster with this spa treatment:

• In a tub, dissolve 1-2 Alka Seltzer tablets (link to Amazon) in warm water.
• When bubbles develop, turn off the water. Swirl the silk gently in the fizzy bath for 5 minutes.
• Mix 1 tablespoon hair conditioner into a few cups of cool water. Dip the silk up and down in this mixture.
• Squeeze gently to remove excess liquid. Never wring or twist silk when wet.
• Lay flat on a towel, smooth into shape, and allow to fully dry.

The Alka Seltzer neutralizes detergent residue while the conditioner softens fibers. With this soothing bath, silk regains its luxurious drape and sheen.

Can a Dry Cleaner Restore Silk?

For seriously damaged silk or intricate garments, professional dry cleaning may be needed:

• A dry cleaner can safely deep clean silk using chemical solvents, steam, and drying machines.
• Experts can reshape distorted fibers by steaming, blocking, and drying silk fabric evenly over forms.
• Professionals also have tools to deodorize, brighten dulled colors, and strengthen weakened fibers.
• For heirlooms, antique textiles, or valuable couture, consult a specialty silk cleaner to avoid amateur mistakes.

While costs add up, dry cleaning is the safest way to clean fragile silk and offers the best chance for restoring severely damaged items.

Special Cases

Caring for delicates like silk pillowcases and lingerie requires a few additional precautions.

Fixing Silk Pillowcases and Delicate Items

Pillowcases and intimates require extra gentleness. Follow these tips:

• Wash one pillowcase at a time to avoid color transfer and keep their shape.
• Never put bras, camisoles, slips, or underwear in the dryer, even on low. Air dry only.
• Use lingerie bags during hand or machine washing to prevent delicate straps and trim from snagging.
• Blot stains on pillowcases immediately with cool water and dilute soap. Avoid rubbing.
• Mend small pillowcase holes immediately before they grow larger from wear.
• Iron or steam lingerie and pillowcases inside out to avoid damaging delicate exteriors.

With extra care, silk pillowcases and intimates can stay lovely for years.

Long-term Care for Silk

Follow these habits to enjoy your silk pieces for many years:

• Store folded on acid-free paper in breathable cotton or linen bags. Avoid plastic.
• Hang on padded hangers in areas with medium humidity.
• Dry clean silk clothing once per year to remove embedded odors and refresh.
• Hand wash gently every 3-4 wears for pillowcases, scarves and delicates.
• Mend any small snags, holes, or tears immediately to prevent enlargement.
• Avoid direct heat and sunlight which fades colors. Draw drapes and blinds when not wearing.

With proper storage and regular cleaning, your fine silk items will last for decades to come!

Conclusion

I hope these comprehensive tips give you the knowledge to keep your treasured silk clothing, accessories, and home goods feeling and looking their absolute best for many years of use.

By learning proper hand and machine washing techniques, understanding how to identify and repair damage, and implementing preventative storage methods, you can confidently care for your silk pieces.

Remember to check for colorfastness, wash on cool delicate settings, air dry thoroughly away from direct heat, and handle gently.

With this new expertise, you can help your sensational silk withstand the test of time.