Thai silk is an elegant form of silk that is known for its softness and somewhat knotted texture. As with most silks, Thai silk can be a challenge to wash and remove stains from; however, if cared for properly Thai silk can last for a very long time. If you’ve got a garment made from fine Thai silk, then learning the proper way to clean it and keep stains away can help you maintain the beauty of this exotic fabric.

Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water. The size of the tub and amount of water will depend on your garment size, but use enough to completely submerge the garment in the water.

Drop in a little bit of a gentle, dye-free washing powder, following the instructions that accompany the detergent based on how much water you’ve used and the garment size.

  • Thai silk is an elegant form of silk that is known for its softness and somewhat knotted texture.
  • Drop in a little bit of a gentle, dye-free washing powder, following the instructions that accompany the detergent based on how much water you’ve used and the garment size.

Allow the garment to soak for about 15 minutes, then drain out the water and inspect the garment for stains. Using a small soft-bristled toothbrush, very gently rub any stains using small circles.

Fill the tub again with lukewarm water, and add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the water. Soak your garment for about 10 minutes, then drain the tub once more and run your garment under lukewarm water to remove any detergent or vinegar.

Lay a large clean towel on a flat surface and spread your garment across it, then lay another towel over it and roll up your garment in the towels to soak up excess liquid. Do not roll it up tightly, as this can stretch fabric.

Unroll towels and hang your Thai silk in a shaded area to air dry.

TIP

If the fabric still has stains, apply a little bit of white vinegar to the stained area and let it sit for about 20 minutes, then gently blot that area with a clean washcloth. If after a few washes there are still stains in the silk, have it dry cleaned to remove stains, as the stain may require a professional’s help. To iron out any wrinkles in your fabric, dampen a towel or washcloth and put it atop your fabric, then iron atop the cloth to protect clothing, and always have the iron on the lowest heat setting.

WARNING

Always use gentle, dye-free cleaners on delicate fabric like Thai silk, as many cleaners have chlorine, bleach and other chemicals that can damage Thai silk fabric. Never wash Thai silk in your home washer, and never dry it in a dryer, or in direct sunlight.