How To Hand Wash Silk & Delicates At Home - Clothes Doctor

How To Hand Wash Silk & Delicates At Home

Can you hand wash silk and delicate items?

Most care labels on silk and delicate items, such as lingerie, lace and sheer fine fabrics these days say 'dry clean only'. However this hasn't always been the case: the truth is that most 'dry clean' only silk items, and many other delicate items, can be washed at home with little time and effort. If the garment is free from padding, tailoring, or embellishments, then there's every chance that it will wash really well with a delicate hand wash product and the right technique.

Our No.4 Eco Wash for Silk and Delicates was created so that you can feel confident washing silk and delicates at home. Crafted with our proprietary formula and delicately fragranced with bergamot and patchouli, No.4 will leave silk garments refreshed and nourished.

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Before you wash...

It's important that you check your silk or delicate garment for any details or structure such as pleats or unusual textured finishes as these could be damaged or misshapen when washed. It's also a good idea to dry clean first if it's a brand new garment, especially if there's more than one colour in the fabric. Every time you hand wash you'll likely see a little dye come out in the water, but the first time it will run more than usual and an initial dry clean will help to make it colourfast.

 Follow our guide to hand washing silk and delicates at home:

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add 2-3 caps of our No. 4

2. Turn the garment inside out and gently submerge the garment and agitate the water with your hands to distribute the soap and water. It is normal for a little dye to be released. Soak for up to 30 minutes.

3. Rinse with fresh cool water until the garment is free from soap and then gently press between your hands or against the sink.

4. Absorb excess water with a towel and leave to dry flat on a drying rack. Alternatively, you can hang to dry, making sure to position the item correctly on a hanger to prevent stretching.

To summarise, silk can be delicately hand washed at home with the right product and technique. In fact, we believe that washing silk at home can provide better results than dry cleaning, and will prolong the lifespan of your favourite garments. 

It's time to say goodbye to costly and damaging dry cleaning, and give your garments some love by hand washing with No.4.

*Our recommendations for washing 'dry clean only' items are intended solely for use with Clothes Doctor Silk Wash. Remember to always test the product on a hidden part of the fabric before washing. And whilst we are happy to provide advice, any attempts to wash 'dry clean only' items are done so at the risk of the reader.  If you are unsure, its best to seek specialist advice. Feel free to contact us on workshop@clothes-doctor.com for more information or help.

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