Restoring the Brightness of Yellowed Silk Fabric
Over time, white silk tends to develop a yellowish cast that makes it look worn and lackluster. Because washing machines typically agitate too aggressively and may ruin older silk items, a gentler approach is needed. Hand washing with a vinegar-based solution can both clean the fabric and help bring back its original whiteness.
By Logan Miller6 steps
Handwash your silk to prevent washing machine damage.
As white silk ages, it often loses the luster it is known for. A faint yellow tint can begin to show, giving garments and clothing a tired, dingy appearance. Washing machines are generally not suitable for older silk pieces, since most wash cycles apply too much agitation and may cause serious harm. Even so, you can still clean silk by hand using a vinegar solution. What's more, a basic vinegar-based cleaning mixture has enough strength to bring the silk's original color back.
Step 1
In a bowl or another large container, combine 16 oz. of warm water, one tablespoon of white distilled vinegar, 1 tbsp. of salt, and one tablespoon of water softener. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are fully blended.
Step 2
Put the silk item into the vinegar cleaning solution. Make sure the whole piece is submerged so that every stain comes into contact with the liquid.
Step 3
Using a soft sponge, rub the stains lightly. Move the sponge in circles and keep rubbing until the stain is gone.
Step 4
Hold the silk under warm running water to rinse away the vinegar cleaning solution. Avoid wringing or twisting the silk to remove the solution. Let the water flowing over it do the work.
Step 5
Lay the silk piece out on a clean towel. Roll the towel up, pressing with moderate force to draw out the extra water from the silk.
Step 6
Hang the silk piece up indoors and let it air dry.
