SILK - SHOULD I RISK HAND WASHING?

[ammy1]

have got lovely silk dress from monsoon, 100% silk. it says dry clean only but it's £12 for that. anyone tried hand washing a silk dress and not regretted it?

Oh I always wash silk stuff in the machine - sorry I know that's heresy and you have to use a silk cycle and iron carefully but I can't be faffed with going to be blooming dry cleaners. I've never had any probs.

What colour is it? If it's a dark colour I'd dry clean incase the colours fades.

depends on dress

complex boned silk chiffon evening dress type I'd dryclean

simple silk day dress I'd do on a cold extra-delicate in the machine with silk/wool detergent and my fingers crossed...

Generally speaking, most silk garments can be hand-washed. You need to buy a gentle detergent (it will usually say suitable for silk on the label). Run the bath, put the detergent in. Have the temperature no more than luke warm - the colder the better but not freezing IYSWIM.
Gently manipulate the fabric ... don't rub .. and leave for as long as you think fit.

Choose a good drying day - you want to 'wring' this dress as little as possible. Use a good coat hanger, and hang outside to dry (not in direct sunlight).

I've hand-washed every silk item I've ever owned, and they've all come out fine. You do need to be VERY CAREFUL, though!

Hope this helps - and best of luck

you're all fantastic! thanks so much for advice, just a few mins after i'd asked. crickey i love mumsnet xxxxx

No seriously, 30 degree wash, delicates cycle, obviously don't tumble dry it, but it's fine. I've been doing it for donkey's years with no probs.

great. as i have a 5 year old it is a long time since i wore silk... and i now have a lot less money to spend - far better to spend £12 on a toy for the garden!! thx for advice, will wash it tomorrow if it's a good drying day

Also put it in a pillowcase if machine wash to support it.

I have a couple of silk tops from Monsoon and just wash them in a pillowcase or one of the fine mesh bags you can get for the washing machine on the delicate/handwash cycle.