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How to Wash Satin Fabric

Alicia Bodine

Satin is a fabric that is shiny on the top and dull on the bottom. Satin can be made from silk or other types of fibers. You may find that your sheets or favorite blouse are made of satin, and you will want to take care when you clean it. Satin is a delicate and must be handled with care.

Take care when you wash satin fabrics.

Hand-washing is best in order to keep the satin material crisp.

  1. Fill your bathtub with just enough lukewarm water to cover your satin garment. Texere Silk recommends adding 1 tablespoons of borax if you have hard water.

  2. Pour 2 tablespooons of baby shampoo in the water and give it a stir. Add your satin garment and wash by hand. Do this right away. It is not a good idea to allow your satin to soak for any length of time.

  3. Drain the soapy water and rinse the satin fabric with clean lukewarm water that has had 2 tablespoons of distilled vinegar added to it.

  4. Place your satin fabric on a dry towel and roll it up to extract the excess water. Refrain from wringing the satin fabric.

  5. Hang the satin fabric up to air dry. Don't hang it in direct sunlight.

Tip

Always read the washing instructions on your satin fabrics before you wash them. In some cases satin fabrics can be washed in cold water in the washing machine.

Warning

Do not use bleach when washing satin. It will discolor and damage the fabric.

Some satin fabrics are dry-clean only. In this case you will need to take your fabrics to a dry cleaner.