You may be shocked to learn that dry cleaning doesn't have to be your only option for washing certain fabrics. Silks are one of the few materials that feel as luxurious as they do, and you might be surprised to discover that dry cleaning does not have to be your only option.
However, your precious silk sarees are one of the most expensive and delicate items in your wardrobe, therefore they will require special treatment. If you want to learn how to clean your favorite silk sarees securely, read on!
Ariel’s tips on caring for silk before the wash
Silk, as one of the most delicate things in your home, requires special attention when it comes to cleaning, otherwise you risk color bleeding and fiber damage.
- Read the wash care instructions. When a product's label says "Dry Clean," it refers to the manufacturer's suggested cleaning technique, but it may not be the only one—hand washing silk clothing is frequently an acceptable alternative.The "Dry Clean Only" message, on the other hand, should be strictly followed.
- Check for color fastness. Because silk has such delicate colors, it's possible that they may bleed when washed. Before washing anything, try dipping a cotton swab in mild laundry detergent and water to see if any dye comes off on the swab. These stains and prints that bled should be treated with a dry-cleaning service.
- It's not advised to spot-treat silk. Simply rubbing one area of silk might cause the cloth to lighten in that specific location. If you need to get rid of moderate stains, such as ones in the middle of a design, wash the whole garment. If stains are too dark or unsightly, they should be removed by a professional.
How to wash silk sarees at home
Read our brief and simple step-by-step tutorial to learn how to wash silk sarees at home!
- Soak Fill your sink with cold water and turn your silk saree inside out before submerging it.
- Detergent If you're washing your silk saree, use a high-quality liquid detergent like Ariel Matic Front Load Liquid Detergent. Add a few detergent drops to the water and stir it thoroughly, then leave your item in the solution for three minutes.
- Agitate the water For three to five minutes, gently pull your garment up and down to remove any debris.
- Remove your clothing and wash it in a washing machine on the delicate cycle with cold water. Drain off the water, rinse under cold water, and repeat until the detergent has been completely removed.
- Soak up the moisture. Use a towel to remove any remaining water from the garment if necessary. Never twist or wring out silk clothes; this may damage the fabric.
- Hang your silk saree on a clothesline or a drying rack, taking care not to expose it to direct sunlight.
Whether you're cleaning silk blouses, suits, pajamas, bedding, or pillows, the methods outlined above will work for all of these materials. If you're ready to give the machine wash a go, check out our FAQ section for tips on how to properly clean your delicate apparel in the washer!
How to care for silk after the wash
It's important to maintain your silk saree after washing. Here are some ways to make your excellent silk sarees last longer:
- Avoid using the dryer. To remove excess moisture from wet silk clothing, wrap it in a clean, absorbent towel and roll it up. Unroll the towel and repeat with a second dry towel, then place it on a drying rack or another dry cloth.
- Turn your silk garment inside out and iron it on a low heat setting. When your silk is dry, iron it, but don't forget to put a towel between the cloth and the iron.
- What about storing? If you're going to keep your silk item for a long time, put it in a breathable plastic and apply a moth repellant.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put silk in the washing machine?
Washing silk items in a machine is permitted, but only if the fabric care label permits it and only if your washer has a "Delicates" or "Hand wash" option. Make sure you have a mesh bag on hand to keep your delicate goods safe while they're in the machine, and then simply follow the below steps:
- Place items in the machine Begin by filling your washer with clean water. Place your delicate silk goods in a mesh bag and within your washing machine.
- Add a capful of Ariel Matic Liquid Detergent to your washing machine. Always double-check the label for any specific instructions.
- Washing on the “Delicate” or “Hand wash” cycle with the maximum water temperature recommended by the fabric care label is a good idea. Begin by filling your load with laundry.
- Remove your silk goods from the washer as soon as the cycle has finished, then use a towel to absorb any extra dampness from the clothing.
- While keeping your silks outside of direct sunshine, hang them on a clothesline or lay them on a flat surface to dry.\
Can you wash silk when it says dry clean only?
If your garment's fabric care labels say "Dry clean only," hand wash it in cold water and a mild body soap or a high-quality laundry detergent like Ariel.
Can you wash 100% silk?
Yes, you can indeed. The best method to clean your 100% silk thing is to turn it inside out and hand wash it with a few drops of Ariel Matic Liquid Detergent in a sink or basin filled with cold water. Finally, using your hands, carefully agitate the item, then leave it to soak for a while. Remove the clothing and rinse it under cold water. Allow the cloth to dry after soaking up any moisture with a towel.
Can you wash silk with shampoo?
Baby shampoo, rather than a laundry detergent, is one of the most commonly used DIY silk-washing methods. Simply immerse your silk item into a basin filled with cool water, add a tiny quantity of mild baby shampoo to the water, and gently massage the garment for a few minutes. Next, take it out and let it dry. Rinse it under cold water, then remove it.
