Tips on How to Care for Delicate Fabrics: Silk, Lace, and Satin

Always Read The Label

The clothing label contains important care instructions that are specific to that garment. Follow these instructions closely when cleaning your delicates.

Look for symbols that indicate how the item should be washed, dried, and ironed. Common symbols include:

Hand wash only
Dry clean only
Do not wash
Do not bleach
Hang dry or line dry
Iron on low heat

Fabric content is also key. Pay attention to fabrics like silk, wool, spandex, linen, etc. These usually require more delicate care.

If there are no care labels or you are unsure on how to handle them, look up fabric washing recommendations online or take items to the dry cleaner. Do not machine wash until you know the right way to clean it.

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Hand Washing is The Best

Delicate fabrics like silk, satin and lace should always be hand washed gently to preserve their shape and quality.

Fill a sink or tub with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent or soap made for delicates.
Allow the garments to soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt. Do not soak for more than 5-10 minutes.
Agitate the clothing gently to clean - do not twist, pull, scrub or wring. This can damage delicate fabrics.
Drain the dirty water and refill with clean water to rinse twice. Check for stains or soapy residue.
Roll items in a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Shape garments back to form.

Tips for Hand Washing Specific Fabrics

Silk:

Use a mild silk detergent and cool water
Gently squeeze suds through material, do not twist or scrub
Rinse until water runs clear
Dry flat on a towel - iron while still slightly damp

Lace:

Pre-treat any stains by dabbing with detergent and water
Use a basin or delicates bag to hand wash, change water often
Reshape lace gently after rinsing, roll in towel

Satin:

Look for satin-specific detergents, or use mild soap
Move satin garments gently in wash water to avoid snags
Air dry and iron inside out while slightly damp

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Air Drying is Preferrable

Heat from machine drying can damage delicate fabrics and cause shrinkage. It is best to let items air dry.

To air dry delicates, lay flat on top of a dry towel or mesh garment drying rack. This allows airflow all around the fabric while absorbing moisture.
Reshape knit areas gently to hold the form of the garment so they do not stretch out. Smooth out woven fabrics.
Check items periodically until completely dry. This may take several hours or overnight.
For quicker drying indoors, use a fan to circulate air around the garment. But do not aim it directly so moisture is blown into the fibers.
When air drying lingerie, use garment clips on shoulder straps so they hold the proper shape.

Outdoor Drying Tips

Hang delicates or lightweight lingerie on plastic hangers or a padded dress hangers before line drying. Do not use metal or wire hangers alone. The clips and padding help maintain the shape.
Keep silk and lace out of direct sunlight to avoid fading. Use an umbrella above clothing or dry in shade.

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Can You Iron Them?

Ironing is often recommended for silks and satins to prolong their vibrancy and sheen. But iron delicately on an appropriate heat setting based on fabric and label instructions. If you don't feel comfortable handling the material, take it to a dry cleaner to avoid irreversible damage.

Ironing Do's & Don'ts

Do:

Read garment labels for heat settings - silk often says low, wool says medium. If no label, start cool.
Iron on the inside if uncertain about heat tolerance
Use the steam setting according to fiber content to avoid water spots
Place fabric on a terry towel for padding during delicate ironing

Don't:

Ever iron clothing that is fully wet - damp is ideal
Use starch products on delicate fabrics
Iron with a dry iron on wool, linen, or silk items
Attempt to iron stubborn wrinkles over and over in the same spot

Specific Ironing Methods:

Silk

Iron silk while still damp from hand washing
Use lowest heat setting or cool iron function
Avoid letting iron sit in one spot, keep moving

Lace

Place lace between two light towels or tea towels while ironing to protect fine fibers
Iron using no steam function
Do not press down firmly or use starch

Satin

Put satin coverings down while ironing to prevent shine damage
Use low heat and hold iron 5 inches above fabric, do not press down
Iron along the grain slowly to catch light reflects best

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How To Store Delicate Fabrics

Proper storage can help keep delicates in good condition between wears. Here are some storage tips:

General Guidelines

Allow items to fully air dry before storing to prevent moisture buildup
Use unscented laundry detergent and dryer sheets to store - fragrance residue can stain
Place fabrics loosely in storage containers, do not pack tightly

Folding Tips

Fold delicates loosely along the fabric grain and seams rather than sharply creasing
Use acid free tissue paper between folds to prevent creases embedded in the fabric
Do not store silk or satin compressed under heavy boxes or objects

Hanging Tips

Hang lingerie from padded or non-slip hangers to retain shape
Cover the hanger hooks with small pieces of rubber tubing so the delicate straps do not slip off and stretch out

Storage Containers

Clear plastic bins with lids allow visibility of contents while protecting from dust
Place items in breathable fabric garment bags, cotton pillowcases or acid free archival boxes for storage
Cedar accessories like cedar sleeves or chests help repel moths from wool and silk

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Protecting Silk From Moths

Protein fibers like wool and silk are prone to damage from clothes moths. Here’s how to guard against infestations when storing silk:

Keep It Clean

Launder or dry clean silk before storage since moths are attracted to body soils on the fabric
Check storage containers periodically for signs of moth invasions like larvae or cocoons

Use Protective Covering

Line boxes with cedar panels or acid free tissue paper - cedar naturally repels moths
Place items in breathable fabric bags - tight plastic traps moths inside if already present

Use Natural Repellents

Place sachets with dried lavender, rosemary, mint or cedar wood shavings in storage bins
Hang cedar hangers or place cedar balls near silk in the closet

Control Humidity & Temp