Removing Wrinkles from Dry Clean Only Silk: A DIY Guide

Silk is one of the most luxurious and delicate fabrics out there.

While its beauty is undeniable, keeping silk garments wrinkle-free can be a challenge, especially when they are labeled “dry clean only.”

As a vintage clothing lover with an overflowing silk blouse collection, I’ve learned some DIY tricks for removing wrinkles from silk without having to send them to the dry cleaner every time I want to wear them.

In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about safely and effectively removing wrinkles from dry clean only silk items at home.

You’ll be able to keep your silks looking smooth and pristine between professional cleaning.

Preparing Your Silk Garment for Wrinkle Removal

Before attempting to remove wrinkles from your silk, it’s crucial to take some preparatory steps:

• Carefully read the garment’s care label – some silks can be gently hand-washed or steamed, while others specify dry cleaning only. Only attempt the DIY methods recommended for that fabric.
• Ensure the garment is clean before attempting to remove wrinkles. Set in dirt or stains may require professional cleaning first.
• Lay the silk garment flat on a clean, smooth surface like an ironing board or table. Alternatively, hang on a padded hanger if attempting to steam the fabric.

Pro tip: For severely wrinkled areas, use a garment steamer or iron set to low heat to release the fibers before laying flat.

Methods to Safely Remove Wrinkles from Dry Clean Only Silk

When cared for properly, many dry clean only silks can be gently steamed, ironed, or fluffed at home between professional cleaning. Here are my tried and true DIY methods:

1. Steaming Silk Safely

Steaming is one of the most effective and safe ways to remove wrinkles from dry clean only silk garments. However, it’s important not to overdo it to avoid damaging the delicate fibers.

• Invest in a high-quality garment steamer for the best results. I personally got the HiLIFE Steamer (link to Amazon), and I couldn’t be more satisfied.
• Keep the steamer head 1-2 inches above the fabric; any closer can saturate the silk.
• Steam the garment’s inside first, then treat the outside. This prevents water droplets on the exterior.
• Move the steamer head slowly and continuously over the fabric to relax wrinkles. Don’t linger in one spot.
• Avoid heavily creased areas like collars, cuffs, and hems as the trapped steam can damage fibers.

Pro tip: Hang the garment in a steamy bathroom while showering to gently relax wrinkles using only ambient steam.

2. Ironing Silk Cautiously

While steaming is ideal, a steam iron can also remove wrinkles from silk if used properly. The key is using a very low heat to avoid damaging the fabric:

• Choose the lowest silk/delicate setting on your iron, around 250°F to 300°F
• Place a clean cotton cloth over the silk before ironing to prevent direct contact with the soleplate
• Press lightly to avoid flattening the fibers – let the steam do the work
• Don’t move the iron back and forth or you may stretch out the silk
• Lift and set down the iron as you move across the garment, concentrating on wrinkled areas
• Avoid creases and seams which are prone to water spotting from trapped steam
• Let the garment fully cool before moving or hanging to allow the fibers to set

Pro tip: Test an inconspicuous area first and check for any color change, shrinkage, or damage before ironing the entire piece.

3. Using a Dryer to Gently Unwrinkle

The dryer’s heat and motion can remove light wrinkling from dry clean only silk items if used properly:

• Select the lowest heat setting or set the dryer for air fluff only
• Toss in a damp cotton towel which will release steam as it dries. Ensure the towel is only lightly damp to prevent excessive moisture.
• Do not overload the dryer which prevents items from tumbling freely
• Check frequently and remove the garment as soon as the wrinkles are gone
• Take out right away if you notice any uneven shrinking or damage

Pro tip: Place the garment in a mesh delicates bag first to prevent friction damage to the fabric.

4. Alternative DIY Wrinkle Release Options

In addition to traditional steaming, ironing, and drying methods, there are some other DIY tricks for reviving silk when you need it fast.

• Hang the garment in a steamy bathroom and let the shower steam do the work. The moisture relaxes wrinkles without direct heat.
• For collars, cuffs, and hems, use a clean damp cloth and your fingers to work wrinkles out from the inside of the fabric.
• Target small areas by placing a damp cloth over them, then use a warm (not hot) iron to generate steam through the cloth.
• Use a fabric wrinkle-release spray formulated specifically for silk. Lightly mist over wrinkles, then gently smooth.

Caring for Silk After Wrinkle Removal

Once you’ve gone through the effort of DIY wrinkle removal on your silk, you’ll want to take steps to prevent new ones from forming:

• After steaming or ironing, allow the silk to fully cool before hanging or folding to set fibers.
• Hang knits and lighter silks on thick padded or velvet hangers to maintain shape.
• Fold silks sparingly, as creases easily form at fold lines. Store flat if possible.
• Wrap silk in acid-free tissue paper when packing in suitcases or drawers to prevent creasing.
• Sprinkle stored silk with lavender buds or sachets to repel moisture and moths.

When to Send Your Silk Garment for Professional Dry Cleaning

While DIY methods work on many dry clean only silks, some wrinkles and stains still require the touch of professional dry cleaning:

• Deep creases and wrinkles that don’t release with steaming or ironing may need stronger chemical treatment.
• Water spots or rings that develop from improper steaming often need professional cleaning.
• Certain food, makeup, or other set-in stains cannot be removed at home.
• Garments that have shrunk unevenly or developed other damage during DIY attempts.

Trust your dry cleaner’s expertise if your attempts to remove wrinkles at home are unsuccessful or cause issues.

Some silks simply require special equipment and chemicals that are not safe for home use.

My journey to unwrinkle 100% silk without harm revealed some gentle, effective strategies.

Can I Use Vodka or Hairspray to Remove Wrinkles from Silk?

While these household products are sometimes recommended as DIY wrinkle releases, they are not recommended for silk fabrics.

The alcohol in vodka or hairspray can easily damage delicate silk fibers, causing them to become brittle.

It’s best to stick to steam, heat, or specifically designed fabric wrinkle products when treating silk garments.

How Can I Store Silk to Prevent Wrinkles from Forming?

To keep silk wrinkle-free in storage, wrap garments loosely in acid-free tissue paper and pack them flat in a box if possible.

Hanging silk pieces on wide, padded hangers will also help them hold their shape.

Make sure the silk is fully cool and dry before folding or hanging. Silk should be stored in cool, dark places and checked periodically for any creases forming.

I Tried Ironing My Silk on the Lowest Setting but It Still Seems Damaged – What Happened?

Even with the best precautions, ironing delicate silk on a too-hot setting can cause permanent damage.

Using steam while ironing also runs the risk of water spotting if not done properly.

For best results, use an iron with an adjustable temperature dial and start on a very low silk setting around 250°F.

Always test an inconspicuous area first and discontinue if damage occurs. An iron may simply be too harsh for some fragile silks, so steaming is the safest option.

How Can I Steam Silk Garments at Home if I Don’t Own an Expensive Garment Steamer?

While a garment steamer is ideal, you can mimic its effects with common household items. 

Hang silk in a steamy bathroom and let shower steam relax wrinkles, or hold a steam iron 1-2 inches away to direct steam at wrinkles.

For smaller areas, hold a hot iron near (but not touching) the fabric with a damp press cloth in between. The heat and steam will release wrinkles.

I Tried DIY Methods but Still Can’t Get Deep Wrinkles Out – What Now?

If significant creasing remains on your silk garment after trying steaming, ironing, or other non-invasive methods, it may be time to take it for professional dry cleaning.

Deep wrinkles often require chemical treatments or commercial steaming/pressing equipment stronger than what’s safe to use at home.

Don’t risk causing irreparable damage to your silk items. Let the experts handle set-in wrinkles and return your garment to smooth perfection.

I experimented with a hair dryer as a tool for smoothing silk wrinkles, and I’m ready to share my findings.

Keeping Your Silks Smooth Has Never Been Easier

With some care and the right gentle techniques, you can keep delicate dry clean only silk garments wrinkle-free between trips to the dry cleaner.

By mastering the home methods outlined above, your investment pieces will maintain their luxe appearance for many years to come.

Test out these DIY silk care tips, and wave goodbye to stubborn wrinkles! Your silks will look runway-ready in no time.