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  • How to Clean and Care for Silk Scarves


    A fabulous silk scarf can be pricey, but it can be worn for decades. Vintage silk Hermès scarves—with their hand-rolled and hand-stitched hems and motifs ranging from equestrian to ancient maps—are still must-have items for anyone who's fashion-forward.



    However, they only last if you take care of them properly, which means hand-washing the delicate garment. Do not attempt to clean silk scarves in a washer, even on the gentle cycle, because excessive agitation may damage the fibers.


    3 Condiments You Can Clean With

    You may find a care tag on the scarf that recommends that the scarf be dry-cleaned or dry-cleaned only. The "dry-clean" label is a suggestion, but take the "dry-clean only" directive seriously, however. While some structured silk clothing should be taken to a professional cleaner to keep it looking its best, most scarves with a label that says just "dry-clean" can be washed by hand and still maintain their classic beauty. You can use the same instructions to wash silk pillowcases.



  • How Often to Clean a Silk Scarf

    Silk scarves worn close to the face or around a bare neck should be cleaned more frequently than items worn away from the face or neck. If you have a favorite silk scarf you wear weekly, clean it at least once a month to eliminate dead skin cells, smudged cosmetics, or food particles.


    01. Pre-Treat Stains
    Pre-treat makeup or oil stains on the scarf before hand-washing. Apply a dab of mild detergent directly onto the stained spot. Work it into the fabric with your fingers. Allow the detergent to work for at least 15 minutes before you continue washing the entire scarf.



  • 02. Fill a Sink With Cool Water and Detergent
    Swish the detergent through the water to evenly distribute it.



  • 03. Submerge the Scarf
    Add the scarf, and gently squeeze the cleaning solution into the fabric. Avoid excessive rubbing, even during hand-washing, because it can break the silk fibers and dull the finish. Rinse the scarf carefully in cool water.



  • 04. Whiten With Oxygen Bleach
    If you have a white scarf that needs to be whitened or brightened, mix a solution of oxygen bleach and cool water. Follow the package directions as to how much product to use per gallon of water. Completely submerge the scarf, and allow it to soak for one hour. Check the color. If it is white again, wash as recommended. If it is still yellowed, mix a fresh solution, and repeat.



  • 05. Remove Excess Moisture
    To remove excess moisture, place the scarf between two absorbent white towels. Pat or gently roll the towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Do not wring or wrinkle the silk any more than necessary.



  • 06. Allow the Scarf to Air-Dry
    After you've removed as much moisture as possible with the towels, air-dry the scarf by hanging it on a plastic hanger. Never use a wooden or metal hanger, which can stain or leave rust on the fabric.
    Never place silk in an automatic dryer, even on low heat. Don't place silk scarves near any source of heat or hang them in the sun because it can cause fading. However, do dry them as quickly as possible. Rapid drying in front of an electric fan prevents the formation of watermarks and helps retain the glossy finish.



  • Tips for Washing Silk Scarves

    • Never wash silk with chlorine-based bleach, which can damage the natural fibers. If you need to whiten a silk scarf, use an oxygen-based bleach instead.
    • Before submerging your scarf, test it for colorfastness. Dab the scarf with a wet white cloth to see if any color comes off. If it does, it's not colorfast.
    • If you must wash the silk scarf in a washing machine, put it in a mesh bag, and wash it on a delicate cycle. Do not machine-dry, as the heat will ruin the fabric.
    • To get rid of a sticky residue on the scarf, gently dab the area with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to dissolve the residue. Before you do this, test an inconspicuous part of the scarf to make sure the liquid won't affect the color.

    Resource:thespruce