I bought a silk shirt once and wore it exactly twice. The dry cleaning bill was $9 each time. For a $40 shirt. That math did not work. So I learned to wash silk at home. The shirt has now survived two years of home washing and looks the same as day one.

The Test: Is It Washable?

Check the care label. If it says “dry clean only,” you can usually still hand wash — the manufacturer is playing it safe. If it says “dry clean only do not wash,” listen to the label. Also test for colorfastness: dab a hidden seam with a wet white cloth. If color transfers, take it to the dry cleaner.

Hand Washing Step by Step

1. Fill a sink or basin with cold water — warm or hot water damages silk proteins
2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent. Baby shampoo works surprisingly well.
3. Submerge the silk. Swish it around gently for 2-3 minutes. Do not scrub, wring, or twist.
4. Drain. Refill with clean cold water. Swish to rinse. Repeat until no suds.
5. Lay the garment flat on a clean dry towel. Roll the towel up like a burrito and press gently — the towel absorbs the water without wringing.
6. Unroll. Lay the silk flat on a drying rack or another dry towel. Never hang silk to dry — the weight of the water stretches the fibers.

What About the Washing Machine?

You can use a mesh laundry bag on the delicate cycle with cold water. But honestly, hand washing takes five minutes and there is zero risk of the machine destroying a $100 blouse. I hand wash mine.