Silk has a reputation for being delicate, and I think that reputation has scared a lot of people out of actually wearing their silk things. So let me put this plainly first: silk is not fragile. It is different from cotton and synthetic fibers in ways that require different handling, but once you understand those differences it becomes very simple.
I wear my scarves regularly and they have lasted years. Here is exactly what I do.
Washing: hand wash almost always
The safest way to wash a silk scarf is by hand in cold water with a small amount of a gentle detergent. I use something formulated for delicates, or sometimes just a tiny amount of baby shampoo. Submerge the scarf and move it gently through the water. Do not scrub, do not wring, do not twist. Treat it like something you are rinsing, not something you are cleaning aggressively.
Rinse thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear and you no longer feel any soap residue.
Some silk can go in the washing machine on a delicate cycle in a mesh bag, in cold water. Mine can. But I hand wash anyway because it takes three minutes and I know exactly what the scarf is going through. When in doubt, hand wash.
Never: hot water, bleach, fabric softener, or soaking for long periods of time.
Drying: no direct heat, ever
After washing, do not wring the scarf. Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up gently with the scarf inside to press out the excess water, then unroll and lay the scarf flat on a dry surface or on a drying rack.
Keep it away from direct sunlight while it dries. Silk can fade with prolonged UV exposure. Drying in a shaded spot indoors or in indirect light is ideal.
Do not put silk in a dryer. Not even on a low or delicate setting. The heat, even gentle heat, can damage the fibers and shrink the fabric. Just let it air dry, which usually takes an hour or two depending on the environment.
Ironing: low heat with a barrier
If your scarf wrinkles (and silk can wrinkle), iron it while it is still slightly damp on the lowest heat setting your iron has. Iron on the reverse side, or place a thin cloth between the iron and the silk so you are never touching the iron directly to the fabric. Keep the iron moving and never hold it in one place.
Alternatively, use a garment steamer. This is my preference because it is faster, gentler, and I can do it while the scarf is hanging rather than flat on an ironing board.
Storage: folded or hung, away from direct light
Store your scarves folded in a drawer, on a shelf, or hung over a padded hanger. Silk can hold a fold crease if stored compressed for a long time, so if space allows, hanging is better. A breathable fabric bag or a box is ideal if you're storing for a long period.
Keep silk away from cedar, which can cause discoloration over time. And keep it away from strong perfumes, which can set into the fabric.
Stains: act quickly
Blot, never rub. Cold water immediately for most stains. For oil-based stains, a tiny amount of dish soap on the spot before rinsing. If you are unsure, take it to a dry cleaner who works with natural fibers.
The faster you address a stain the better. Silk does not hold stains the way cotton does, which means fresh stains come out easily and set stains are harder. Speed is the thing.
The honest summary
Silk is not difficult. It needs cold water, no heat, gentle handling, and some attention to storage. Once that is habit it takes no more effort than caring for any other garment you actually love.
I've been wearing my own scarves for years and the oldest ones in my rotation still look the way they did when I first made them. That is what silk is capable of when it's well-made and properly kept. 🌿
All Mali scarves are 100% silk twill. If you have a question about caring for a specific design, reach us at info@malicollection.com.
0 comments