How to Whiten Silk Knits

Silk is too fragile to withstand harsh chemical treatments.

Silk is a very delicate and luxurious fabric that requires special care. Over time, silk garments can become very discolored. White silk is especially prone to discoloration, often turning yellow or brown after extended use. Silk cannot be bleached like other fabrics, however, so you must take extra precaution to whiten silk without damaging the fibers of the garment. There are a few techniques that can be used to safely restore the color to your white silk.

Things You'll Need

• Mild detergent
• 1 tbsp.vinegar
• 1 tbsp. water softener
• 1 tbsp. salt
• 2 denture tablets
• Shampoo
• Sponge
• Towel

Instructions

1. Wash the silk garment by hand with lukewarm water and mild detergent. If the stains on the garment are recent, try to wash it before attempting other treatments. Fill your sink with warm water and a mild, bleach-free detergent made for delicate fabrics. Wash gently, rinse with cool water and allow to air dry.

2. Fill your sink with 1 tbsp. of vinegar, 1 tbsp. of water softener, 1 tbsp. of salt and 1 pint of warm water. Dip the silk into the water and gently work the mixture into the garment. For spot treatments, dab the mixture onto the discolored area with a sponge. Rinse with cool water and allow to air dry.

3. Fill a large bowl or sink with warm water. Put two denture cleaning tablets into the water and allow them to dissolve completely. Submerge the garment and let it soak in the water overnight. Rinse the garment the next day with cool or lukewarm water and allow to air dry.

4. Hand wash the silk with warm water and shampoo. Silk is a protein fiber not unlike your hair, so a regular moisturizing shampoo is safe to use. Do not use a 2-in-1 shampoo on the silk, however. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and let the garment air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Never wring a silk garment. Wrap it in a towel and roll it to remove excess water.

• Do not allow silk to dry in direct sunlight as doing so can discolor the fabric.

References

• Cleaning Tips: Making Yellowed Silk White Again
• Texere Silk: Cleaning and Washing Silk
• How to Clean Things: How to Clean Silk