If your scarf is hand-painted, look at the maker’s website or contact them to ask about preferred cleaning methods. The same can be done for scarves produced by luxury brands or designers. If the label reads “Dry Clean Only,” opt for the services of someone who has prior experience maintaining silk scarves like yours. If you have a luxury or vintage scarf, seek out a specialist. [2] X Research source Even if your scarf lists hand washing or machine laundering as acceptable maintenance procedures, you should still conduct a colorfastness test before the initial wash since some color may come out.
Use a light colored towel or cloth to do this. You’ll be able to see any staining better, and will avoid transferring color from the towel to the scarf.
If you notice the colors visibly bleed into the water or leave pale marks on the towel during the spot test, you can drop a color catching sheet into the water along with the scarf, whether you hand- or machine-wash it. These sheets are designed to absorb loose dyes from the water, and can be purchased from the laundry aisle of a grocery or home goods store. [4] X Research source If you notice the water becomes heavily saturated with color or the darker dyes start transferring over into the lighter parts of the scarf, this amount of color bleeding is excessive. The dyes applied to your scarf may not have been set properly. You should refrain from applying any more water or detergent. Instead, consult a dry cleaner.
Address the stain as soon as possible, since it will be harder to remove as time passes. Even if you’re on the go and notice a small grease spot, you should immediately try blotting it out with mild hand soap and paper towels in a nearby restroom. [5] X Research source
Refrain from using bleach and most other stain removing chemicals. If you’re unsure about a particular product, spot test it in an unnoticeable area first.
For instance, spot cleaning may result in a very minor change in the color, which may be noticeable if only restricted to one small spot.
It’s worth contacting the cleaner to get a quote and make sure you understand the service and terms before handing your piece over. You may wish to consult reviews or ask for references as well to get a sense of how similar items have fared. Don’t be shy about expanding your search to large metro areas, near or far. Some specialists accept shipments. [9] X Research source
The sink should be spotless. You may want to clean it a day or two ahead of time, to avoid putting your delicate scarf in contact with any other cleaning chemicals you may have used for the sink. [10] X Research source
Products such as Delicate Wash by The Laundress or Le Blanc Silk and Lingerie Wash are designed to use when laundering delicate silks and help maintain your scarf’s lustrous sheen. [11] X Research source
You can repeat the rinsing process as many times as necessary to remove all traces of detergent. [14] X Research source
If you noticed the scarf’s colors bled a little during your spot test, add in a color catching sheet to the load. [15] X Research source
Avoid using clothespins or hangers with clips, as these will wrinkle and pinch the edges of the scarf. [19] X Research source
The ironing board and the surface of the iron itself should be clean before you bring them into contact with your freshly washed scarf. If your scarf has a hand-rolled hem, avoid running the iron over the edges. It’s best to avoid flattening them out. When you see how beautifully your cleaned and pressed scarf drapes, you’ll be glad you took extra care around these delicately finished edges. [21] X Research source
