How to Care for Your Silk Scarf

Silk scarves are an ideal accessory due to the versatility. You can use a silk scarf around your neck, around your head, or even around your waist. This functional accessory matches many different styles. You can wear a scarf in all seasons. Silk is a delicate fabric that must be taken care of in a certain way. If you have a silk scarf, there are tips to follow to preserve your scarf for years to come. Certain items that you need to wash your silk scarf are available right at home on eBay and at grocery stores.


Storage of Your Silk Scarf
The storage of your scarf is very important to its preservation. Keep your scarf somewhere where spills or sunlight cannot damage the fabric. If kept in direct sunlight, the colors fade. How you store the scarf is also important; do not want to fold the scarf, because that creates creases. Instead, roll the scarf loosely to store it and do not jam it into a tight space. Do not leave the scarf in storage for too long. Take it out every few months to let it breathe.


Keep Your Silk Scarf Dry
It is ok if your scarf gets wet, but you do not want to let it stay wet for an extended amount of time. If silk is left wet for a while, the fibers begin to stretch, which distorts your scarf. If your scarf is wet from washing, pat it dry between two towels. Never put your silk scarf in the dryer. Do not wring or twist the scarf to dry it either as this damages the fibers and may leave creases.

Washing Your Silk Scarf
If you need to wash your scarf, do it by hand. Do not put your silk scarf in a washing machine as the washing machine could rip the scarf, damage the fibers, and ruin the colors. Fill a small bucket with hot water and add in a mild detergent that has low pH levels. Do not use a detergent that has bleach, scents, or any other additional chemicals. Let the hot water cool until it is warm. Wash your scarf in the bucket. Do not let it soak or sit in the bucket for a long period of time. Swoosh the scarf around, so it washes completely and then remove. Place the scarf flat on a bath towel. Do not wring the water out of the scarf. Let the water evaporate on its own on the towel.


Stains on Your Silk Scarf
Any liquid that comes in contact with your scarf can stain it, including water. Do not wear your silk scarf on days when it is raining, as the raindrops may permanently leave spots on the fabric. If you regularly wear perfume or body sprays, be sure to spray them on yourself before your put the scarf on. The same also goes for hair spray and other hair products. If you do get a stain on your scarf, try to wash it immediately before it sets. Wash the scarf by hand with warm water and a mild detergent. Do not use regular stain removers that you have it at home, as that may discolor the scarf.


Ironing Your Silk Scarf
When the scarf has creases or wrinkles in it, you can iron it. It is not a safe to put it in the dryer to try get rid of the wrinkles. If you are going to iron your scarf, use the lowest heat setting as to avoid burn marks and serious damage. To be safe, put a bath towel on top of the scarf before ironing. This gives the scarf enough heat to get rid of the creases, but it is not in direct contact with the iron.