How to care for your silk: washing and steaming
Before You Begin: We recommend dry cleaning your silk scarf to maintain its pristine condition. However, should you find yourself stranded on a beautiful beach (or in a pinch), hand washing is the next best thing.
Hand Washing a Silk Scarf:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water (around 30°C/86°F).
- Add a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics or a small amount of baby shampoo. Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it can be too harsh.
- Submerge the scarf gently into the water and lightly agitate it with your hands. Do not scrub or wring the scarf, as this can damage the delicate fibers.
- Soak for 3-5 minutes, allowing the scarf to clean, but avoid leaving it submerged for too long.
- Rinse carefully with cool, clean water until the water runs clear.
- Remove excess water by gently pressing the scarf between two clean towels. Do not twist or wring the fabric.
- Lay flat to dry on a towel or drying rack in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can fade the color.
Steaming a Silk Scarf:
- Set your steamer to a low heat setting, specifically for delicate fabrics.
- Hold the scarf by one corner and hang it loosely.
- Steam the scarf: Hold the steamer a few inches away from the scarf and gently steam over the surface, keeping the fabric taut to avoid wrinkles.
- Let the scarf cool for a few minutes before handling, to ensure the fabric stays smooth.
Avoid using an iron directly on the silk, as it can damage the fibers. Steaming is the gentler, safer option for maintaining the scarf's quality.
Below is the link for the steamer we have tried and tested over the years: