topic Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand? in Fashion

If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Squirrel Lover — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 19:32:09 GMT

I am curious because I see that some companies say it is ok to machine wash, some say hand wash, and some say dry clean only. Why can't you hand wash all silk shirts?

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

GingerPeach — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 19:37:42 GMT

As I understand it, it's not the issue with the silk, per se.

It has more to do with the particular type of silk, its density, its weave, the construction of the garment, whether it's colorfast, and such. Ironing silk is not easy, either, particularly if there is some detail to the garment.

Even a simple boyfriend-style silk shirt might not be colorfast. It used to be that you could dip a portion into water, but with so many items being worn out (not tucked in) that doesn't really work anymore.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Karnerblue — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 19:54:20 GMT

Personally, I'd stick to the instructions.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

lulu2 — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 19:58:35 GMT

I learned through experience that sometimes the interfacing puckers/shrinks when you hand wash a silk blouse.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

millieshops — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 21:39:51 GMT

I think the sad answer is sometimes, but you'll never know until you try which mans that if you love the blouse, I'd have it cleaned.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Desertdi — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 21:56:29 GMT

Silk can shrink........it's also a bear to iron

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

LTT1 — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 22:20:28 GMT

@Squirrel Lover

My experience is that REAL SILK can change color over time. It feels heavenly to wear, but do not get water on it intentionally.

Dry cleaning, especially if this is what the tag reads, is the only safe plan.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Nataliesgramma — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 22:27:11 GMT

I wouldn't risk it.....

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

daisyk — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 22:30:21 GMT

I never had good luck trying to launder silk. I hand washed and it never looked nice again. I wouldn't risk it.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Squirrel Lover — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 22:41:53 GMT

Well, thank you for your responses. I won't buy a silk shirt then! That is what I thought. Looks nice but is not practical. Thank you. I will stick with cotton button downs!

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

ID2 — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 22:44:11 GMT

I never buy anything if it says to dry clean only. If I mistakenly do buy something to dry clean, I always wash it in my washing machine on delicate. Never ruined anything yet.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

occasionalrain — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 23:37:24 GMT

I don't like polyester so I have many silk blouses. I hand wash all of them, including the dry clean only ones and have never had a problem with any of them. I would not wear a dry cleaned item next to my skin. The chemicals in dry cleaning are carcinogens.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

jackthebear — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 23:42:16 GMT

@occasionalrain wrote:
I don't like polyester so I have many silk blouses. I hand wash all of them, including the dry clean only ones and have never had a problem with any of them. I would not wear a dry cleaned item next to my skin. The chemicals in dry cleaning are carcinogens.

Never thought about it, (the chemicals)

I just can't be bothered to take anything to the cleaners, I wash just about everything myself

I wouldn't wash anything with a tons of pleats and fiddlely things that need to be pressed, heck I wouldn't buy it either.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

silkyk — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 23:47:39 GMT

I hand wash all my silks and I also hang them up dripping wet (just pull them right out of the full sink and onto a plastic hanger) and they "Iron" themselves. The weight of the water smooths them out and if still a few wrinkles I crank up my steamer. Haven't ruined one thing yet. I sure miss all the wonderful silk clothing Q use to offer. I still have quite a few of those pieces and they still look lovely after all these years.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Reba055 — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 02:47:51 GMT

I've hand washed silk and it was fine, and I've hand washed silk that was ruined. And I've never been able to figure out the difference. Dry clean only items I dry clean until a time that I feel like the dry cleaning cost starts to cost more to me than I enjoy wearing the item. Then I take a chance and hand wash knowing I might have to throw it out. Obviously not something like a coat, but dresses and tops.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

faeriemoon — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 02:52:31 GMT

Dry cleaning chemicals are dangerous. I don't dry clean anything.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

CatsyCline — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 03:47:02 GMT

i always test with cold water in a spot like a seam where there is stitching. it sounds nutty but once the test area is dried i use a magnifying glass to note if the weave has shrunk or the seam stitching has buckled. if the seaming is double needle you can see if it is tighter after testing.

it's maybe 60% yes, 40% dry clean.

i don't like dry cleaning at all but i go by the label. Dry Clean means hand washing is likely ok. If the label reads "Dry Clean Only" means just that.

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Andreatoo — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 17:34:58 GMT

are the home dry clean kits, the ones you through in the dryer, still available?

I too have a couple of things that got past me with dry clean only instructions!

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

Andreatoo — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 17:35:28 GMT

@Andreatoo wrote:
are the home dry clean kits, the ones you through in the dryer, still available?
I too have a couple of things that got past me with dry clean only instructions!

through means throw!

Re: If a silk shirt says "dry clean only" can you still wash it by hand?

ladyroxanne — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 07:44:43 GMT

i think the better the quality silk and weight, the more likely i would follow instructions to dry clean. much to expensive to ruin by washing by any method.