How to Clean Silk Taffeta

Silk taffeta is an exquisite fabric used for women's formal wear and occasionally for home goods. Although it is beautiful, taffeta is also difficult to clean. Dry cleaning is the ideal method for cleaning silk taffeta and it will ensure the best results, especially if the fabric is true silk taffeta and not a synthetic taffeta. You can take silk taffeta for cleaning at any dry cleaners. If you are in a pinch and don't have time to take your garment to the cleaners, these steps offer additional ideas.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a dry cleaner
• Fabric steamer
• Cold water
• Detergent
• Stain removers such as Tide-To-Go (or club soda and a washcloth)
• Fabric refresher

Instructions

1. Using a portable steamer, you can attempt to loosen the stain with warm steam. Hold the steamer 3 to 5 inches from the fabric, then sweep the steamer in wide, smooth motions, as if you were waving. Then you can rub the stain with a clean dry cloth. Be careful not to let the steamer get too close, or you may risk burning the fabric or leaving watermarks.

2. Hand wash the fabric with a gentle detergent, such as Woolite. You will have best results with hand washing synthetic taffeta rather than true silk taffeta. Fill a sink with cold water and detergent and allow the garment to soak in it for up to 5 minutes. Then, rinse the fabric. Do not wring dry. Air drying is the best method.

3. Try common stain removing techniques for quick clean-ups on spills, such as club soda applied with a damp cloth, or a Tide-To-Go pen. Shout wipes are also another options, but they frequently leave a ring pattern on the area they are applied to. Whatever you chose to use as a stain remover, the application method will be the same. Always work your stain remover into the fabric with small, gentle, circular motions.

4. Remove any offending odors by using a fabric refresher spray such as Febreze. Taffeta that has been worn frequently against sweaty skin should be refreshed. Silk taffeta that has been improperly stored may also need a few sprays of Febreze. Test a small portion of the fabric that is not easily seen (such as the underside of a hem). If the test portion does not become discolored after it is dry, you can use the refresher spray on the rest of the garment. Apply the spray from about a foot away to ensure even coverage, and then allow to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the directions on any cleaning products you are using to ensure that the chemicals will not damage your fabric. If you have any questions, there should be a toll-free helpline listed on the product.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish