Can you machine wash silk?

Question

I just posted the question so I could share the answer. 

I went ahead and washed a formal silk dress (marked "pure silk") because it had a large stain, despite a former dry-cleaning effort. 
I washed it in cold with a bit of detergent. I dried it on fluff dry only (no heat) for a little while.

The result is that the silk is pretty much ruined. The fibers must get microscopic "pulls" because now it looks suede-y, in an non-uniform sort of way. Ironing helped, but I still could not wear this dress in any sort of lighting. It almost looks like a powdery mildew over the whole surface.

If I were to try again, I think I would try just hand washing the area of the stain, let it drip dry, and hope for the best, but I bet there would be a water mark. I suppose not putting it in the dryer at all might have been a good idea...maybe the damage would have been less.

Shannon M · Accepted Answer

I have machine washed (in cold water, and dried on low heat) many silk items over the years - from shirts to pants and skirts - because I prefer the softness as opposed to dry cleaning.  What you should be aware of is that the garment won't last as long as if you only dry cleaned it.  It will, over time, begin to "shatter" - as the weave pulls apart, it actually looks as if someone took a knife to it and slashed it.  I choose my clothing expecting that.  The powdery mildew might have something to do with the type of stain or stain remover you used.  I have used liquid Tide with bleach alternative, and a Downy product, with no adverse results (in my personal opinion).  The suede-y look you see is the result of machine washing - and is the softness I personally prefer.  You could try hand washing the stained area, but then I would re-wet the entire dress to help avoid the water mark.

Good Luck!

jean ann j · Answer

There should be a little label inside your dress giving you instructions.

Trending News

Can you machine wash silk?

2 Answers