Silk is one of those fabrics that instantly feels luxurious the moment you touch it. It’s soft, flowy, and beautiful, but also notoriously tricky to care for.

If you’ve ever hesitated before throwing your silk shirt into the wash (or panicked after doing it and pulling out a wrinkled mess), you’re not alone. We've all been there.

The good news? Cleaning silk isn’t as scary as it seems. With the right steps, even your favourite silk blouse or that fancy pillowcase you splurged on can be washed without worry.

But if you don't want the hassle of cleaning silk garments at home, we advise you to find a professional laundry service or dry cleaner to do the job.

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What Makes Silk So Delicate?

Silk is made from natural protein fibres, which is part of what gives it that soft, shimmery feel. But because of its natural origins, silk is super sensitive to heat, friction, and harsh chemicals. That’s why mindless dumping it in the washing machine can lead to disastrous results.

Have you ever noticed your silk shirt coming out with water spots or stiff patches? That’s the silk reacting to improper cleaning. It’s not like cotton, where you can just toss it in the washer and forget about it. Silk needs gentle love and care, kind of like your houseplants.

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How to Hand-Wash Silk: The Safest Route

If you’re up for the DIY route, hand-washing is almost always the safest method for silk. It may sound old-fashioned, but it works.

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Use cold or lukewarm water. Never hot. Heat can shrink or damage the fibres.

2. Choose a gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicates or silk. Regular laundry detergent is too harsh and can break down the fibres.

3. Fill a clean basin or sink with water, add a small amount of detergent, and gently agitate the water to mix.

4. Submerge the garment and swish it slowly for 3–5 minutes. Avoid wringing, twisting, or scrubbing.

5. Rinse thoroughly with clean, cold water until all soap is gone.

6. Press out excess water by laying the garment flat on a clean towel and rolling it up. Never wring silk.

Honestly, it sounds like a process–and it is. If you’re someone who barely has time to fold laundry, this might not be sustainable long term.

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How to Machine-Wash Silk: Risky, But Sometimes Doable

Okay, so here’s the truth: some silk garments can survive a machine wash, but it’s a bit of a gamble. If you’re willing to take the risk (say, for a silk blend or something not super expensive), here’s what to do:

1. Place silk garments inside a mesh laundry bag to protect them from agitation.

2. Choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle.

3. Use cold water only.

4. Use a mild detergent made for silks or delicates.

5. Never tumble dry. Always air-dry flat.

These steps help mitigate the damage, but it's still not as gentle as hand-washing. And if you've got a cherished, expensive, or pure silk piece, we really don't recommend taking the risk. It's not worth it.

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How to Remove Stains from Silk?

Spilling something on silk can feel like a crisis, but staying calm is key. The sooner a stain is treated, the better the outcome.

A few basic tips:

1. Blot gently, don’t rub. Use a clean white cloth or paper towel to absorb as much as possible.

2. For oil-based stains (like makeup or food), sprinkle a little cornstarch or talcum powder and let it sit for half an hour before brushing it off gently.

3. If the stain remains, use a small amount of mild detergent diluted in water and dab carefully with a clean cloth.

4. Avoid hot water, bleach, or any kind of aggressive scrubbing. These can set the stain or damage the fabric.

For tough stains, it’s perfectly okay to call in the pros. Dry cleaners will use expert techniques to tackle stains gently but thoroughly, ensuring your silk garments are returned in spotless, pristine condition.

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Storage Matters Too

Washing silk correctly is just one part of the equation. Storing it properly helps keep it looking its best between wears.

Here’s how to do it:

• Always hang silk garments on padded hangers to prevent creases and distortion, especially for dresses or blouses.

• For folded items like scarves or sleepwear, use acid-free tissue paper between folds to avoid creasing.

• Keep silk away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours over time.

• Avoid hanging silk in damp areas (like a bathroom) where moisture can lead to mildew or yellowing.

• Never store silk in plastic. It needs to breathe. Choose breathable garment bags or cotton storage bins instead.

A little care in storage goes a long way in preserving that soft, glossy finish that makes silk so special.

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Final Thoughts

Silk may be delicate, but caring for it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the right approach – gentle hand-washing, careful handling, and proper storage – silk garments can stay beautiful for years to come.

And when life gets too busy or there’s uncertainty about how to treat a particular piece, professional help is just around the corner.

At Tumble, silk care isn’t an afterthought - it’s a priority. Each piece is treated with specialised techniques that protect the fabric’s texture, colour, and drape.

Let us take the stress out of silk care. Book a laundry service for your silk garment today and enjoy clean, beautifully preserved pieces.