How to Wash Tussar Silk: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

For those unfamiliar, tussar silk is made from silkworms that feed on oak and juniper leaves, rather than the mulberry leaves eaten by most silkworms. This gives tussar silk a rich, deep gold color and a coarse, rough texture that feels luxurious against the skin.

Some key qualities that make tussar silk so special:

Has a lovely, subtle natural sheen
Feels lightweight and breathable
Has a crisp texture that holds shape well
Is known for its durability and resilience

However, because tussar silk has a more delicate structure than other silks, it’s also prone to damage if washed improperly. That’s why learning the right techniques is so important for keeping your tussar items beautiful for years.

My goal with this guide is to walk you through the entire washing process step-by-step, so you can keep your precious tussar looking its absolute best while avoiding any costly mistakes.

Gathering Your Washing Supplies

Before we begin washing, you’ll need to gather a few essential supplies:

Mild liquid detergent: Look for one specifically made for delicates or silk items
Large basin: Choose plastic, ceramic or stainless steel
Cold or lukewarm water
Soft towels: I prefer smooth microfiber cloths that won’t snag the fabric
Mesh laundry bag: Essential for machine washing!
Fabric conditioner: For added softness (optional)
Vinegar: For natural fabric softening (optional)

It’s also crucial to avoid hot water or harsh detergents when washing tussar silk. The high heat and strong chemicals found in regular laundry products can easily damage the fibers. Trust me, I ruined a beautiful tussar blouse by throwing it in with my regular load!

Testing for Colorfastness

Before fully washing any colored tussar silk item, it’s wise to do a quick test to ensure the dyes won’t bleed or run. Here is a simple colorfastness test:

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of delicates detergent.
Submerge a hidden portion of the tussar silk – like an inside seam allowance – into the water.
Let it soak for 5 minutes, occasionally gently squeezing the fabric.
Remove the swatch and blot dry with a towel.
Check both the swatch and water for any dye transfer.

If little or no dye appears in the water or on the towel, then it’s colorfast and safe to wash. But if you notice significant color bleeding, I’d take it to a professional cleaner instead.

Step-by-Step Method for Washing Tussar Silk by Hand

Once you’ve prepped your supplies and spot tested for colorfastness, we can dive into the handwashing process. Follow these steps:

Filling the Washing Basin

Fill basin halfway with cool or lukewarm water – hot water can damage silk fibers.
I typically use enough water to fully submerge the item while gently swirling it around.

Adding the Detergent

Add a small amount, about 1-2 tablespoons of mild detergent to the water.
Gently swish the water to form light suds – you only need a little!
Too much detergent makes rinsing more difficult.

Placing the Tussar Silk in the Water

Never just dump your silk items in!
Instead, gently lower and submerge them in the soapy water.
Start swishing lightly back and forth to dislodge dirt.
Avoid vigorous rubbing or twisting motions during washing – this can stretch and damage the delicate tussar fabric.

Rinsing Out All Traces of Soap

Drain the dirty wash water and refill basin with plain cool water for rinsing.
You’ll likely need to rinse 2-3 times to fully remove soap residues.
Each time, gently press and squeeze the fabric while in the water to help eliminate suds.
But remember – no wringing or twisting!

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Drying Tussar Silk Effectively

Drying is just as vital a step as washing when it comes to keeping tussar silk items looking their best. Here’s how to dry them properly:

Removing Excess Water

After the final rinse, lift the item out of the water and let excess liquid drip off for a minute.
Then, lay the piece on a dry soft cotton towel and pat gently to soak up moisture. * Avoid rubbing the fabric while drying.
I also like to occasionally reshape the fabric to prevent creases from forming as it dries.

Air Drying

It’s essential to let your newly washed tussar silk air dry rather than machine drying.
The heat and friction of a clothes dryer can permanently damage silk fibers.
Instead, smooth out the item on a drying rack or flat surface away from direct sunlight.
Make sure it’s in the shape you want before leaving it alone to dry.

Making Tussar Silk Soft and Supple

Through my trial and error, I’ve found there are two great options for keeping your washed tussar feeling soft, supple and shiny instead of stiff and scratchy.

Fabric Conditioner

Look for conditioning products specifically formulated for delicates or silk.
Add the recommended amount to the basin during the final cool water rinse cycle.
Let the item soak for 5-10 minutes before removing and drying.
The conditioner helps restore moisture and suppleness to the fibers.

Vinegar Rinse

White vinegar is naturally acidic and acts as a gentle fabric softener.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and cool water in a basin.
After the final rinse, soak the item for 5 minutes.
Then drain, gently squeeze out excess liquid and lay flat to dry.
I’ve found the vinegar rinse helps revive the luxurious drape and sheen of tussar silk without harsh chemicals.

Washing Tussar Silk in the Machine

While I strongly recommend handwashing for most tussar silk pieces, machine washing is possible for some items if special precautions are taken:

Choosing the Right Cycle

Always use the gentlest cycle, like delicates or hand wash.
Set the machine to cold water only.
Select the shortest wash time.
Skip any spin cycles to limit friction damage.

Cycle	Water Temp	Wash Time	Spin Cycle
Delicates/Handwash	Cold water only	Shortest time (5-15 mins)	Turn off spin

Placing in a Mesh Laundry Bag

Use a bag specifically designed to wash delicates.
The bag helps limit excess friction and stress on fabrics during the wash cycle.
Carefully place the tussar silk item inside and zip it closed.
Try washing just one piece at a time for best results.

Air Drying is Essential

Just like with handwashing, air drying is the only safe drying method for tussar silk.
The heat and motion of a clothes dryer can destroy silk fibers and cause irreversible damage.
After machine washing, gently squeeze out moisture and lay flat on a towel or rack to air dry.

Additional Tussar Silk Care Tips

Here are a few other things you can do to help your tussar silk pieces stay looking their absolute best:

Proper Storage

Always store tussar silk items folded or hanging to prevent creases.
Avoid direct sunlight which can fade colors over time.
Prevent humidity and moisture which promote mildew growth by using cedar blocks.

Ironing and Steaming

Both steaming and ironing can help smooth out wrinkles and creases.
Choose medium heat setting for ironing and low for steaming.
Place a cloth between the iron/steam head and the fabric to prevent water spots or shine marks.

Treating Stains

Spot clean stains immediately with cool water and a drop of delicate soap.
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fabric.
For tough stains or extensive damage, take items to a specialty dry cleaner. Harsh chemicals used in standard cleaning can ruin silk.

Can I use tussar silk items immediately after washing?

I recommend allowing your newly washed tussar silk to fully air dry before wearing or using the item. Putting it on while still damp can stretch the fabric out of shape as it dries.

The excess moisture can also make it feel stiff, rough or discolored compared to when it’s completely dry. Have patience and let it dry completely for the best results.

How can I get musty smells out of my stored tussar silk?

If your tussar silk items have developed a musty odor from storage, try this simple solution: Add 1 cup of baking soda along with your mild detergent to a basin of cool water.

Allow the item to soak for 30 minutes, gently swishing occasionally. The baking soda will help absorb and neutralize mildew and stale smells.

Rinse thoroughly as usual. Air drying in direct sunlight can also help eliminate odors.

Is it okay to wash my tussar silk sari?

While the embroidered sari blouse should be dry cleaned to protect the delicate needlework, you can safely handwash or machine wash a plain tussar silk sari at home.

I recommend handwashing in cool water for the best results.

Limit agitation to prevent the delicate fabric from snagging. It’s best to wash one sari at a time instead of combining with other items.

Make sure to air dry completely before storing or wearing again. Iron while still slightly damp to prevent heat damage on delicate silk fibers.

Keep Your Tussar Silk Gorgeous for Years

I hope this guide has helped shed some light on keeping your treasured tussar silk clothing, accessories and home goods looking their absolute best for many years.

While tussar silk is a fairly hardy material, it still requires a gentle touch when cleaning. By mastering the proper handwashing technique and taking precautions when machine washing, you can safely care for your tussar pieces at home.

Remember to:

Always use mild detergent and cool water
Limit agitation and friction during washing
Air dry laying flat away from direct sunlight
Use fabric conditioner or vinegar for added softness

Follow these simple tussar silk washing and care tips, and you’ll be rewarded with pieces that maintain their luxurious drape, vibrant colors and supple feel for ages. Never be intimidated to wash your special tussar items again!