How to Care for Silk: Wash, Iron & Store

August 14, 2026

Silk rewards gentle care. The right method protects its luster, color, drape, texture, and woven detail.

However, there is no single cleaning method for every silk item.

China Silk · Longque includes silk fabric, ready-to-wear clothing, silk scarves, silk eye masks, Chinese frog buttons, and other accessories. Its fabric categories include Song Brocade, Xiangyunsha silk, Silk satin, Velvet, and Pure Silk Zhengjuan.

Longque clothing also uses mulberry silk crepe satin, jacquard satin, Luo silk, double crepe, and salt-shrunk silk. Each structure reacts differently to water, friction, pressure, and heat.

This guide explains how to care for silk across the Longque collection. It covers washing, drying, ironing, steaming, stain care, and storage.

Always follow the care label and the individual product page first. They take priority over general silk advice.

Longque Silk Care at a Glance

Use this quick guide before reading the detailed steps.

Uncut Silk Fabric

Check fiber content, width, finish, and care notes.
Test a measured swatch before washing the full length.
Store long pieces rolled when possible.
Press only after testing the reverse side.

Ready-to-Wear Silk Clothing

Air garments between wears. Place them in a cool, well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight.
Avoid soaking and machine washing unless the product page permits them.
Use professional cleaning for structured, lined, or highly detailed pieces.
Iron from the reverse side with low heat and a pressing cloth.

Silk Scarves and Ribbons

Hand wash in cool water only when permitted.
Protect hand-rolled hems from direct ironing.
Iron with low heat and a pressing cloth.
Keep perfume, makeup, jewelry, and bag hardware away from the silk.
Store flat, loosely rolled, or softly folded.

Silk Eye Masks

Treat the mask as a whole product, not a flat piece of silk.
Spot clean when the care label recommends it.
Keep padding and elastic from becoming saturated.

Chinese Frog Buttons and Decorative Accessories

Remove detachable pieces before cleaning a garment.
Never place an iron directly on a frog closure or brooch.
Store each piece without pressure from heavier objects.

Why Silk Care Depends on Structure

Silk is a fiber. Satin, brocade, velvet, and Luo describe different fabric structures.

This difference matters.

Smooth silk satin can show water marks and pressure shine.

Velvet has a raised pile. Direct ironing can crush it. Luo silk has a crossed-warp structure and needs protection from stretching and snags.

Xiangyunsha adds another factor. It has a heritage dyeing and finishing process that creates its distinctive color and surface.

Finished clothing adds seams, lining, buttons, closures, and shaping. An eye mask may combine Song Brocade, silk crepe satin, elastic, and inner padding.

The safest care method must protect every part of the product.

Read the Care Label Before You Begin

Check the sewn-in care label or product instructions before using water, detergent, steam, or an iron.

Look for:

Exact fiber composition
Separate shell and lining materials
Hand-wash or machine-wash instructions
Dry-clean instructions
Drying method
Ironing temperature
Steam restrictions
Bleach warnings

Do not assume that every product described as silk is hand washable. Dye, weave, finish, lining, and construction may require another method.

The label also matters for blends. Some Song Brocade fabrics can use more than one fiber or yarn type. Longque advises buyers to review each product page for fiber details and care notes.

How Often Should You Wash Silk?

Silk does not need washing after every light wear.

Air a garment in a shaded and ventilated place. Use a wide padded hanger for a light top or dress.

Lay a silk scarf flat on a clean towel for a short airing. Open an eye mask fully and let trapped moisture escape.

Clean an item when it has visible dirt, perspiration, food, makeup, or a lasting odor. Treat stains promptly because old marks are harder to remove.

Do not spray fabric freshener, perfume, or deodorant onto silk. These products may leave rings, fade dye, or alter the surface.

How to Hand Wash Silk

Only use this method when the label allows hand washing.

1. Test for Color Transfer

Dampen a clean white cloth with cool water. Press it against an inside seam or hidden corner.

Stop if color transfers. Ask a professional cleaner for advice.

2. Prepare Cool Water

Fill a clean basin with cool water. Keep the temperature below 30°C.

Hot water may cause shrinkage, dye movement, roughness, or loss of luster.

3. Use a Silk-Safe Detergent

Add a small amount of pH-neutral liquid detergent. Choose one made for silk, wool, or delicate protein fibers.

Avoid biological detergent, chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, and strong alkaline cleaners. Do not use dish soap or household stain remover.

4. Wash Gently

Turn a simple garment inside out when the care label allows it.

Lower the item into the water. Use gentle pressing movements with both hands.

Do not scrub, brush, rub, or twist the fabric. Keep the wash short and avoid long soaking.

5. Rinse Carefully

Drain the basin. Refill it with cool, clean water.

Support the entire item as you move it. Repeat until the water is free from detergent.

Keep wash and rinse temperatures similar. Sudden temperature changes can stress delicate fibers and finishes.

6. Remove Excess Water

Lift the item with both hands. Never pull a wet garment from one shoulder or strap.

Press water out gently. Do not wring.

Place the item on a clean white towel. Roll the towel loosely and press it for a short time.

Unroll it soon after. Do not leave wet silk compressed in the towel.

Can Longque Silk Go in a Washing Machine?

Machine washing is usually a poor choice for:

Song Brocade garments and fabric
Xiangyunsha with a special finished surface
Silk velvet
Luo silk with an open structure
Structured or lined clothing
Garments with frog closures or decorative knots
Silk eye masks with padding or elastic
Hand-rolled silk scarves
Metallic, embroidered, or highly textured silk

If the label is missing or unclear, do not use the washing machine.

How to Dry Silk

Do not tumble dry silk unless the label explicitly permits it.

Heat and movement can cause shrinkage, creasing, roughness, and surface damage.

After towel pressing, reshape the item with clean hands.

Dry scarves, open weaves, heavy fabrics, and loosely structured pieces flat. Use a dry white towel or a clean mesh surface.

A light, unlined garment may dry on a padded hanger when its label permits hanging. Support the shoulders and close the hanger securely.

Keep silk in full shade. Avoid direct sun, radiators, hair dryers, and heated drying racks.

Allow every layer to dry fully before storage. This is especially important for lined clothing and silk eye masks.

How to Iron Silk Safely

The most important rules are simple: check the label, start cool, work from the reverse side, and use a pressing cloth.

Prepare the Iron

Clean the soleplate before it touches the fabric. Mineral deposits or old residue can mark silk immediately.

Use a clean, padded ironing board. Prepare a smooth white cotton pressing cloth.

Select the Temperature

Follow the care symbol on the product.

Do not iron at high temperatures. When ironing, set the iron soleplate temperature to below 120°C.

Do not select a temperature only because the item contains silk. Construction and finish also matter.

Start at the lowest safe setting. Test an inside seam. Increase the heat only when the label allows it.

Work from the Reverse Side

Turn the garment or scarf inside out when possible.

Place the pressing cloth between the iron and the silk. Use light pressure and short movements.

Do not leave the iron in one place. High temperatures can cause noticeable scorch marks on silk or directly alter its luster.

Control Moisture

Some washable silk presses well when slightly damp. However, random water droplets can leave marks.

Never spray water directly onto the visible face. Do not release a concentrated burst of steam onto one area.

Stop if you see color transfer, darkening, glazing, flattening, or a change in texture.

Protect Seams and Details

Do not iron directly over hand-rolled hems, embroidery, frog buttons, knots, brooches, metallic yarns, or eye-mask elastic.

Place textured details face down on a thick white towel when reverse pressing is allowed.

Lift and press around the detail. Do not drag the iron over it.

Can You Steam Silk?

Steam can relax light wrinkles, but it is not safe for every Longque fabric.

Check the product label first.

Hold the steamer away from the textile. Keep it moving and work from the reverse side when possible.

Do not saturate the material. Condensed water can create spots or change a finish.

Use very light steam around silk satin. Use extra caution with Song Brocade, Xiangyunsha, Luo silk, velvet, and metallic yarns.

Do not steam a padded eye mask unless its care instructions specifically allow it.

Caring for Mulberry Silk Satin, Twill, and Crepe Satin

Longque has printed mulberry silk scarves and ready-to-wear pieces made from smooth silk satin structures.

Its silk satin clothing range includes plain crepe satin and jacquard satin. Its silk scarf collection includes square scarves, long scarves, silk ribbons, and shawl-sized scarves.

Smooth silk surfaces need protection from water marks and abrasion.

Keep perfume, cosmetics, and hairspray away from the fabric.
Hand wash only when the label permits it.
Use cool water and a short wash.
Do not rub one satin surface against another.
Dry in the shade.
Iron from the matte reverse side.
Use low heat and a pressing cloth.
Avoid sharp pins and rough jewelry.

Crepe satin can have a fluid drape. Support it while wet so the garment does not stretch at straps, necklines, or seams.

Jacquard satin has a pattern woven into its structure. Use light pressure so the pattern retains its subtle depth.

Song Brocade Care

Longque Song Brocade collection includes fabric for clothing, bags, and ready to wear clothing.

The pattern is woven into the textile. It is not simply printed on the surface.

That woven depth is part of the fabric’s craft value.

Washing Song Brocade

Review the fiber content and care notes for the exact fabric.
Prefer professional cleaning for a lined or structured Song Brocade garment.
Hand wash fabric only when the product instructions permit it.
Never scrub, wring, or tumble dry delicate brocade.
Blot a spill instead of rubbing across the pattern.

Ironing Song Brocade

Work from the reverse side.
Place the patterned face on a cotton pressing cloth.
Start with low heat and keep the temperature below 120 ℃.
Lift and place the iron instead of sliding it.
Avoid heavy steam on metallic or raised yarns.

Storing Song Brocade

Rolled around to store long fabric pieces when possible.

Fold finished garments loosely. Add acid-free tissue at broad folds and change the fold position during long storage.

Xiangyunsha Silk Care

Longque Xiangyunsha collection contains several surfaces and base fabrics. These include Pizi Xiangyunsha, Hongyunsha, Hualuo Xiangyunsha, heavy satin, and plain crepe satin Xiangyunsha.

Xiangyunsha is linked to repeated dyeing, sunning, washing, and finishing with plant tannins and mineral-rich mud. This process creates a distinctive color and hand.

The collection includes both fabric and finished scarves or clothing. Their care can differ.

Air Xiangyunsha after wearing.
Avoid washing it after every use.
Keep it away from perfume, alcohol spray, and cosmetics.
Protect it from rough bags, jewelry, and furniture.
Do not assume that every Xiangyunsha product uses the same cleaning method.
Follow the individual product label before hand washing or dry cleaning.
If hand washing is allowed, use a short cool wash with minimal movement.
Never soak, scrub, twist, or wring the fabric.
Dry it fully supported in the shade.
Iron only when necessary.
Use the reverse side, low heat, and a pressing cloth.
Avoid direct water spray and strong steam.

Natural color variation is part of the textile’s character. Do not use bleach or aggressive stain remover to make the surface look uniform.

Luo Silk Care

Longque ready-to-wear clothing includes breathable Luo silk tops. Its Luo Silk Guide explains the crossed-warp structure behind this traditional open textile.

Remove rings and bracelets before handling Luo silk.
Do not pull a loose thread.
Keep rough surfaces away from the fabric.
Support the whole garment when it is wet.
Dry it flat to reduce stretching.
Use low heat and very light pressure.
Place a pressing cloth over the reverse side.

Professional cleaning is safer for a Luo garment with gold-woven details, lining, or complex construction.

Velvet Care

Longque lists velvet among its silk fabric categories. Always check the exact pile and backing composition on the product page.

Velvet is defined by its raised pile. Pressure is the main risk.

Choose professional cleaning unless the label permits another method.
Never place a hot iron directly on the velvet face.
Do not press velvet flat on a hard ironing board.
Use a velvet board for specialist pressing.
Steam lightly from the reverse side only when permitted.
Keep the pile supported and avoid heavy pressure.
Store velvet without a heavy garment resting on it.

If the pile is crushed, consult a cleaner who understands silk or luxury velvet.

Pure Silk Zhengjuan Care

Pure Silk Zhengjuan appears as a separate category in Longque. Weight, weave, dye, and finish can vary between individual products.

Test color in a hidden area.
Wash only when permitted.
Use cool water and pH-neutral silk detergent.
Avoid soaking and friction.
Support the textile while wet.
Dry flat in the shade.
Iron on the reverse side with low heat.
Use a pressing cloth to protect color and luster.

For Pure Silk Zhengjuan fabric, test a measured swatch before cleaning the full length.

Salt-Shrunk and Textured Silk Care

Longque ready-to-wear clothing also includes salt-shrunk and textured silk.

The texture is part of the design. Heavy pressure can make raised or crinkled areas look uneven.

Avoid long soaking.
Do not stretch the garment while wet.
Dry it flat or fully supported.
Do not press the texture flat.

The original surface should remain visible.

How to Remove Stains from Silk

Act quickly, but do not scrub.

Place a clean white cloth under the stain. Blot from the outside toward the center.

Do not use hot water. Do not apply bleach, alcohol, baking soda, toothpaste, dish soap, or a strong stain pen.

These products can move dye, remove luster, or change a heritage finish.

For oil, wine, ink, makeup, or an old stain, use a professional cleaner. Explain what caused the stain and when it happened.

For Xiangyunsha, Song Brocade, Luo silk, velvet, or a mixed-material accessory, choose a cleaner familiar with luxury textiles.

How to Store Longque Silk

Store silk only when it is clean and completely dry.

Choose a cool, dry, dark, and ventilated space. Light damage is cumulative, and direct sunlight can fade dyes.

Use breathable cotton garment bags for clothing. Avoid sealed plastic during long storage because it can trap moisture.

Keep silk away from direct contact with bare wood. Wood acids and finishes may discolor the fabric over time.

Use acid-free tissue to support broad folds. Do not compress brocade, velvet, frog buttons, or flower-shaped accessories.

Inspect stored items every few months. Check for insects, moisture, stains, odor, and hard creases.

Do not spray perfume, insecticide, or fabric freshener into the storage bag.

Common Silk Care Mistakes

Treating Every Silk the Same

Fiber is only one part of the product. Weave, finish, lining, and construction also control safe care.

Washing Too Often

Frequent washing adds friction and moisture stress. Airing is often enough after light wear.

Using Ordinary Detergent

Standard detergent may contain enzymes, brighteners, or alkaline ingredients. Choose a pH-neutral silk product.

Wringing Wet Silk

Wet silk can stretch and distort. Remove water with gentle pressing and a towel.

Drying in Direct Sun

Sunlight can fade color and weaken fibers. Dry silk in full shade.

Using a Hot Iron First

Begin with low heat. Test the reverse side before increasing the temperature.

Pressing Texture Flat

Heavy pressure can crush velvet pile and salt-shrunk texture.

Ironing Over Details

Direct heat can damage hand-rolled hems, elastic, frog buttons, embroidery, and metallic yarns.

Final Silk Care Checklist

Before cleaning or ironing, ask:

What does the product label say?
What is the complete fiber composition?
Is the item fabric, clothing, a scarf, an eye mask, or another accessory?
Does it have lining, elastic, padding, metallic yarn, pile, or a special finish?
Has the color been tested in a hidden area?
Is washing clearly permitted?
Is the detergent pH neutral and made for silk?
Can the item be fully supported while wet?
Is the drying area shaded and ventilated?
Can the texture be protected during ironing?

If any answer is unclear, ask Longque or a professional textile cleaner before proceeding.

Final Advice

The best answer to how to care for silk is to respect the exact product in front of you.

A printed mulberry silk scarf may allow a short cool hand wash. A lined Song Brocade vest may need professional cleaning.

Xiangyunsha needs protection for its heritage finish. Luo silk needs protection from snags. Velvet needs space for its pile.

A silk eye mask must protect its padding and elastic. A frog button must keep its sculptural shape.

Gentle care preserves more than appearance. It protects the material, design, and skilled workmanship inside every piece.

Explore the Longque silk store to discover silk fabric, ready-to-wear clothing, scarves, eye masks, and accessories shaped by Chinese textile craft.