An expert shares tips on machine washing delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, and linen, including using mesh bags, cold cycles, and avoiding tumble drying.
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more.
We have all been there: you buy a stunning silky shirt or satin blouse, proudly ready to make it a wardrobe staple. But after wearing it once and prompting many compliments, it sits for weeks in a pile, waiting for enough clothing items to join it to justify a dry cleaners visit.
And although it is often seen as a cardinal sin to chuck a delicate dry clean or hand wash only item in with the rest of your wash, an expert has revealed how you can get away with it and avoid ruining your nice new garments. Many items labelled dry clean only can actually be safely washed at home if you treat them with care, said Carla Saull, founder of Good Wash Day.
The label is often a precaution rather than an absolute rule. The key is understanding what the fabric is and why it is considered delicate, and then adjusting your approach accordingly. Read on for Carla top tips on how to keep your clothes looking their best after a machine wash. Always use a mesh laundry bag.
Carla explained that this protects the garment from friction against the drum and other items, which is one of the main causes of damage to delicate fabrics. You must also make sure to turn the item inside out before it goes in for extra caution. Amazon Mesh Laundry Bags 3.99 Set of Two Was 4.99 Shop, Brabantia Washing Bags 8.95 Set of three Shop, BQ Mesh Laundry Bags Set of three 10.95 Shop. Select the coldest wash available.
Ideally aim for 30 degrees or below on the gentlest cycle your machine offers, Carla suggested. If your machine has a hand wash or silk cycle, use it. Know which fabrics you can get away with. Silk, cashmere and fine wool can often be machine-washed on a delicate cycle with the right detergent and will come out beautifully if you do not tumble dry them, Carla said.
Structured items like tailored jackets, suits or anything with interfacing or padding should still go to the dry cleaner as the structure, not just the fabric, is what gets damaged. Embellished or beaded items are also best avoided in the machine as the agitation can loosen embellishments even on a gentle cycle. Use a specialist delicate or wool detergent. The key, Carla stressed, is to ensure you never use a standard biological one.
This is because the enzymes in biological detergents break down protein-based fibres like wool, silk and cashmere. Tallow Ash When Life Gives You Lemons Laundry Duo 12.99 Shop, Woolite For Delicates Washing Liquid Laundry Detergent 5.50 Shop, The Lab Co. Cashmere Wool Laundry Detergent From 5 Shop, DEDCOOL Detergent 28 Shop, Kinfill The Laundry Detergent 20 Shop. Never tumble dry anything that was dry clean only, even on a low heat.
Drying your delicate piece after a machine wash is what could make or break the fabric as it can be stretched or ruined while being shaped. Lay it flat on a clean towel to dry in its natural shape, Carla advised. Hanging delicate knits while wet will stretch them out of shape permanently. Reshape the item gently by hand while it is still damp and leave it to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
How to handle the most delicate fabrics in your washing machine, according to an expert. Silk: Silk can feel daunting to wash, and as a result put people off wearing or washing silk garments. The good news is that many silk items can be washed at home as long as the care label allows it.
Turning the blouse inside out and placing it in a laundry bag or pillowcase will help protect the fibres, while a colder wash at 20 to 30 degrees Celsius with a gentle detergent keeps the silk looking its best. It is also worth avoiding fabric conditioner, as this can cling to silk and affect its finish. Linen: Linen is a summer staple thanks to its breathable feel, but it does need a little extra care.
Wash linen on its own or in an uncrowded drum so the fabric can move freely. A cotton or gentle cycle with a lower spin speed of around 800 RPM can help reduce creasing, too. But it is taking linen out as soon as the cycle finishes and letting it air dry that really makes the difference, helping prevent deep creases from setting in and making it much easier to iron.
Cotton: Cotton shirts are a wardrobe staple partly because of their durability. Keeping them looking and feeling crisp comes down to how they are washed and dried. Washing at 20 to 40 degrees Celsius on a standard cotton cycle works well, and checking the care label first as advice can vary per brand. To expand further, understanding the science behind fabric care can significantly extend the life of your garments.
For instance, silk fibres are delicate and prone to damage from high temperatures and harsh chemicals. By using a mesh bag and a cold gentle cycle, you minimise friction and stress on the fibres. Similarly, linen, although strong, can crease heavily if not handled correctly. The key is to avoid overloading the machine and to remove the garment promptly after washing to prevent deep wrinkles.
Cashmere and wool require special attention due to their tendency to felt when subjected to agitation and heat. Using a specific wool detergent helps maintain the natural oils in the fibres, keeping them soft.
Moreover, drying is crucial: laying flat allows the fibres to rest and retain their shape. Many people make the mistake of hanging heavy knits, which leads to stretching at the shoulders and hem. Another important tip is to avoid fabric softener on delicate fabrics as it can coat the fibres and reduce breathability. Instead, a small amount of vinegar in the rinse cycle can help remove detergent residue and soften the fabric naturally.
For those who are environmentally conscious, washing at home reduces the chemical exposure from dry cleaning and saves money. However, it is essential to recognise when a garment truly requires professional cleaning. Items with complex construction, like lined jackets or those with interfacing, will not withstand machine washing. Similarly, vintage or heavily embellished pieces are best left to experts.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently care for your delicate clothes at home, making them last longer and look better. Remember to always check the care label first and when in doubt, test a small inconspicuous area. Happy washing
Laundry Tips Delicate Fabrics Dry Clean Alternatives Fabric Care Washing Machine
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Expert Recommendations for Affordable Beauty ProductsThe Strategist, a popular online publication, shares expert recommendations for affordable beauty products from aestheticians, hairstylists, makeup artists, dermatologists, and more. Tembe Denton-Hurst, a Strategist beauty writer, discusses her favorite affordable products in various categories.
Read more »
Celebrity Beach Styles Under Scrutiny as Etiquette Expert Rates Heatwave OutfitsAs Britain experiences a record-breaking heatwave, celebrities flock to beaches and yachts, with an etiquette expert assessing their fashion choices. Angela Rayner's casual Brighton look is branded 'chic-less,' while Victoria Beckham's Ibiza yacht style earns praise for sophistication. Venezuela Fury faces criticism for socks and sandals during her honeymoon.
Read more »
Navigating uncertainty: Expert insights into Salt Lake City's 2026 summer homes marketHeading into the busy summer season, here's why working with an experienced real estate team can give you a meaningful advantage.
Read more »
How to Safely Machine‑Wash Items Marked 'Dry Clean Only', According to Textile Expert Carla SaullCarla Saull of Good Wash Day reveals that many 'dry clean only' garments can be laundered at home with proper preparation, temperature control, and the right detergent, while also offering fabric‑specific tips for silk, linen and cotton.
Read more »