How to Wash a Silk Scarf

Tools and materials:

• Silk scarf
• Shampoo
• Bowl
• Cotton bud
• Iron
• Vinegar
• Pin

1. Find all the spots

First, find all of the dirty spots and marks that need to be cleaned.

2. Treat the spots

Next, mix some shampoo with water in a bowl, dip a cotton bud into the mixture, and then rub the cotton bud on the scarf to treat the spots.

If you have a twill scarf, it's better to do it along the twill direction.

3. Clean your sink

Now clean your sink. It is a very important step. If you have some soap residue, you may end up with some smudges on your scarf after you iron it. 

4. Fill the sink

Now fill your sink with warm water and some shampoo. I use just regular shampoo without conditioner.

Don't use baby soap, as it can leave some smudges!

The water temperature should be the same as when you wash your hair. If it's too cold, the shampoo won't work, and if it's too hot, you can damage your scarf silk.

5. Wash the scarf

To wash the scarf, move the fabric under the water, compress it, and release it. Bring the scarf out of the water without twisting it.

6. Rinse the scarf

Next, rinse the scarf twice in clean water.

Once done, squeeze and release, squeeze and release.

7. Rinse again

For the third and final rinse, add about 2 or 3 tablespoons of vinegar to the water. It will help to keep the colors bright.

And don't worry about the vinegar smell, it will disappear very quickly!

8. Iron scarf

While your scarf is air drying, make sure the ironing board and iron are clean, or you risk staining your scarf.

When your scarf is almost dry, it’s time to iron it. Iron your scarf along the tracks and never on the diagonal.

Iron the scarf very carefully. Be sure not to flatten the hems.

9. Iron the hems 

The hems are hand rolled, and we need to take extra care of them.

Pin one corner of the scarf to the ironing board and pull the hem just a little. Iron the fabric alongside the hem but not the hem itself.

Let it cool for about 30 seconds, unpin it and then pin the next section of the scarf and repeat.

When all the hems look perfect, go over the middle of the scarf once more.

How to wash a silk scarf

Voila! Your scarf is clean and crisp, and it looks perfect. I use this technique on all of my silk scarves, and it has never let me down.

Be sure to follow these steps next time your silk scarf needs cleaning, and let me know what you think.

For inspiration on how to style a silk scarf, check out 3 Classy Ways to Wear a Silk Scarf Around Your Neck.