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How to Wash a Silk Scarf the Eco-Friendly Way

By Categories: Household

How to wash a silk scarf
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Fritz_the_Cat

Do you have a silk scarf but are unsure about how to wash it ecologically? Follow these steps to learn how to wash a silk scarf at home, without taking it to the dry cleaners.

Many silk scarves come with instructions to dry-clean only, but you can learn how to wash your silk scarf at home, without heavy chemicals. Learning to care for silk the eco-friendly way is simpler than you think. Read on for our best tips and tricks. 

How to Wash and Dry a Silk Scarf

Gently hand-washing your scarf can prolong its life.
Gently hand-washing your scarf can prolong its life.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / FrankWinkler)

To wash your silk scarf, you will need just a few items. The first thing you’ll need is a gentle, ecological, detergent. To find one, the EWG’s list of ecologically rated detergents is a great place to start. You’ll also need a large towel. Hand washing your silk scarf is the best and easiest way to prolong its life. Here’s what to do:

  1. Pre-Treatment: If you have any stains on your scarf, use the delicate detergent directly on the stains before washing. Using your fingers, gently work the detergent into the stain and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes.
  2. Use Cool Water: Fill a sink with cool water and add a bit of detergent. Mix the water and detergent until the water is slightly soapy.
  3. Submerge: Place your scarf or scarves into the soapy water. Be careful not to rub the stains, as being too rough on the fibers can break down the scarf. 
  4. Rinse: Rinse the scarf with cool water. 
  5. Ball Up The Scarf: Do not wring out the scarf as this can damage it. Instead, simply ball up the scarf and gently press it to remove some of the excess water.
  6. Dry: Spread out your towel on a flat surface and lay the scarf on top of the towel. Gently roll the scarf/towel to remove water.
  7. Air-Dry: Now allow the scarf to air-dry. This will be a quick process as silk tends to dry fast. 
  8. Repeat As Needed: You can hand wash and air-dry your silk scarf to remove stains and improve its life, but over-washing can break down the fibers, so be mindful of how often you are washing it at home.

Tips and Tricks for Silk Scarf Care

Always air-dry your silk scarves after washing them.
Always air-dry your silk scarves after washing them.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Efraimstochter)

Here are a few tips on how to properly care for your silk scarf, as well as a few things to avoid. 

  • Never use fabric softener. Using fabric softener is not recommended for silk as it can build up chemicals on the fibers and ruin the material. Stick to simply washing with detergent for the best care for your silk.
  • Air dry with plastic only.  Do not use wooden or metal hangers or air-drying racks as these materials can leave stains on your silk. Air-dry using a plastic rack or hanger only.
  • Avoid heat and sunlight. While you are letting your silk scarf air-dry, do not place it near a sunny window as the sun’s rays can fade the colors. Do not iron or dry the scarf as heat can break down the silk. You can safely use a steamer, or place the scarf in the bathroom while you shower to allow the steam to remove wrinkles naturally.
  • Store when dry. Store scarves when completely dry only. Use eco tissue paper to keep the scarf from getting creased by placing a layer in between the scarf’s folds.
  • Vinegar. Adding a small amount of vinegar to a gallon of water and submerging the scarf can bring back shine.

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