How to wash silk scarves – everything you need to know!

Silk scarves are precious little accessories that belong in every closet.

Delicate as they are, though, washing and caring for them requires some extra effort – throwing them into the washing machine will set you up for disaster and you’ll soon be saying goodbye to your favorite small square silk scarf.

So, the big question pops up: “How do you wash silk scarves?”

Actually, scratch that – can silk scarves be washed at all? Or is dry-cleaning a requirement?

Worry not, because Bet and Malfie is here to help.

If you want to know how to wash silk scarves, our expertise and love for silk is all you need.

Keep reading to find out how to clean vintage silk scarves, scrunchies and other silk garments to make them last, well… forever!

Shall we get started?

Can silk scarves be washed?

can I wash a silk scarf

Well, it depends! What does the care label on your scarf say?

Sometimes, when it comes to vintage silk scarves, luxurious and costly items, and very delicate hand-painted designs, it’s better to play it safe: the “dry-clean only” instruction should be considered a direct order and not a mere suggestion.

But, as you can tell, this is not always the case: today it is a common misconception that silk can only be dry cleaned.

In most cases, when the care label reads “dry-clean only”, the silk scarf is suitable both for dry cleaning and hand washing.

Can silk be washed in the washing machine?

Although silk scarves can be washed, we would advise against putting them in the washing machine.

The delicate cycle in addition to a gentle detergent could work, but the risk is always there.

Machine washing can be too rough on your silk kerchief, and the turning of the drum can damage the fibers. Moreover, residues of your regular detergent or bleach, may also damage the lustrous and colorful fabric.

Since the stakes are high, it might be best to hand wash your silk scarves instead and avoid machine washing altogether.

Can you put silk in the dryer?

What applies to washing machines, applies to dryers as well. The turning drum and high temperatures of a dryer can damage the fibers and colors of your silk scarf, so we’d advise against using it.

Can silk scarves be hand washed?

To simply answer the question: Yes, the majority of silk scarves can be hand washed.

Dry cleaning is often the suggested method because, well, it’s the easiest and fastest one.

The manufacturer is not required to list instructions on how to properly hand wash silk scarves, which also lowers the chances of accidentally ruining the fabric. But if you carefully follow our instructions on how to wash a silk scarf, the result will be immaculate!

Ready to see how?

How to hand wash a silk scarf in 5 easy steps

how do you wash silk scarves

Here is what you can do to freshen up your silk bandana or shawl to make the vibrant colors last and the “investment” pay off, not only in terms of money, but also in terms of sustainability!

Reading more: 3 + 1 reasons why silk scarves deserve a place in your wardrobe!

Step #1: Remove accessories that can damage the silk

Before you start washing your small square silk scarf, you need to make sure your hands are clean and free of jewelry that could damage the fibers.

Step #2: Test-drive

“Better safe than sorry” applies to many aspects of our daily lives – but especially when wondering how to wash a silk head scarf!

Check for any color bleeding before proceeding and make sure the colors don’t transfer. Bet and Malfie’s colors are set permanently on the silk fabric, so you are good to go, but double-checking never hurt anybody!

Step #3: Pre-treat stains

If you need to wash your silk scarf because of a specific stain and not to simply freshen it up, then pre-treating should be a step in the process.

A makeup or oil stain on the scarf needs pre-treating by dabbing mild detergent gently onto the stained spot and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before continuing with the handwashing.

If there are no specific stains on your silk scarf, you can skip this step.

Reading more: How to style your silk scarf from morning to night!

Step #4: Here’s how to clean silk scarves at home

  • First, make sure your washing station is all set up: wipe down the basin you’ll use and make adequate room to place your scarf afterwards.
  • Fill the basin with enough cool or lukewarm water to cover your scarf.
  • Add a few drops of delicate detergent and mix it into the water with your hand. Don't forget to follow the label’s instructions regarding how much detergent to use. Refrain from using bleach or other chemicals
  • Let the silk scarf (or scrunchie, or bandana, or whatever garment you have) soak in the water for a few minutes.
  • Swirl the item gently inside the basin to wash it. Avoid excessive rubbing so as not to damage the fabric.
  • Carefully rinse it with cold water to remove any excess detergent from it. Done!

Step #5: Remove moisture and let it air dry

Removing as much moisture as possible is a necessary step in the process that will tremendously help your scarf.

All you need is a couple of towels and a few gentle moves. Here are two methods you can follow:

Method number one – placing the silk scarf between two towels

Lay a clean towel on a flat surface. Spread the silk scarf on it, straighten it as much as possible and then place a second towel over it. Press gently to dry.

Method number two – rolling the silk scarf inside a towel

Start the same way as before, by placing your long silk scarf or small square silk scarf over a flat towel.

Then, roll up the towel with your scarf in it and gently press to absorb excess moisture!

After your silk scarf is no longer dripping, you can hang it dry – not in direct sunlight of course.

Here are some few extra tips that will help your silk items last longer:

  • Steaming your silk scarf is a great way to remove odors and keep it fresh – prefer it over ironing!
  • Wondering how to wash silk scrunchies? Follow exactly the same method we described above!

Further reading: How to style your silk scarf from morning to night!

how to clean vintage silk scarves

That’s it! Now you know how to wash silk scarves to make them last forever and stay vibrant and lustrous like the day you bought them.

Since there’s nothing else to say on how to clean vintage silk scarves, all there’s left to do is add another one to your collection – we know you want to!

Discover the best big square silk scarves!

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