Washing and maintaining the elegant and luxurious condition of satin fabric requires special care. Here is how you can do it in five quick and easy steps.
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How To Wash Satin Fabric In 6 Easy Steps
Step 1: Check The Label
Satin is a glossy and smooth fabric that can be made from various fibers like silk, cotton, wool, or polyester. The special way the fabric is woven creates its glossy and shimmering look, which is further enhanced when it is run through hot cylinders during manufacturing.
Satin fabric is delicate. Because of this, any items you may have made of this material — such as satin robes — will require special care, which would be indicated on the item’s tag or label.
It is always important to check the label of the item you are washing. This should specify the blend the satin fabric is made of, as well as other instructions on how to take care of it.
If the label reads “dry clean only,” you will have to take your satin fabric to a dry cleaner who specializes in this type of material. Often, however, you can wash satin fabric through gentle hand washing or with the use of your washing machine.
Dry Cleaning Definition: Dry cleaning is the cleaning process that uses a chemical solvent instead of water. Often, this is used on clothes and fabrics that typically cannot stand a standard machine washer and dryer.
The type of satin dictates the kind of detergent or soap you should use, as well as the temperature of the water to wash it with. Silk satin fabric, for example, should be washed with cold water and mild soap.
On the other hand, satin acetates, polyesters, and nylon are made of slightly stronger material compared to silk satin. In washing these, you should use warm water and liquid detergent made specifically for delicate fabrics.
Step 2: Get Rid Of Stains
Getting a stain on pretty much anything is extremely annoying.
Silk or satin robes, for example, are not just popular loungewear items, but popular fashion accessories. Having stains on them affects their luxurious look.
Removing stains from satin fabric also requires special handling. How you treat it varies depending on the type of stain.
Remember not to use bleach when removing stains from satin. It can discolor the fabric and damage it.
Always follow the care instructions provided with the garment to avoid any damage.
Removing oil from satin
When oil stains satin, you have to first lift the oil from the fabric.
Using a clean paper towel, press on the stain to lift it away. You can also blot the stain using a clean rag before pouring flour or polenta over it.
This allows the flour to absorb the stain. Leave this on for about an hour before brushing away any excess flour.
Next, you have to spray a pre-treater on the area. Allow it to sit for 3-4 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
Removing blood stains from satin
To remove blood from satin, soak the stained part in cold water for about an hour. This should help in breaking up the stain, making it easily removable.
Turn the item inside out and place the stain facing down. Apply a mild detergent to loosen and push the blood off the fabric before washing it with cold water.
Removing dirt stains from satin
With a soft-bristle brush or cloth, gently remove any excess debris from the item to reduce the chances of spreading the dirt onto the fabric while cleaning it.
Apply a dot of hand soap unto the fabric and gently rub it with a cloth until it forms a lather.
Blot the stain gently to lift it without damaging the fabric. Repeat this with another clean part of the cloth until the dirt stain disappears from the satin fabric before proceeding to washing.
Step 3: Wash The Item Either by Hand-Washing or Machine-Washing
First, you have to decide whether you will be washing your satin by hand or with the use of a washing machine. While it is possible to wash it with a machine, hand-washing remains a safer option especially in keeping the material crisp.
Hand-washing
Prepare a mixture of lukewarm to cold water and mild detergent.
Afterwards, turn the item inside out before soaking it in the mixture for about 3-5 minutes. Make sure not to keep the item soaked for too long as it can cause wear and tea.
Gently work the item through your hands. Let the soap penetrate the fibers.
As much as possible, do not twist or wring the material at any time while washing, as this can damage the fabric.
Rinse it thoroughly. Allow the water to run through the satin fabric until it runs clear and free of any suds.
Machine-washing
Satin made of other more durable items like nylon, cotton, or polyester can be washed through a washing machine.
When machine washing, make sure to choose the “delicate cycle” option. Remember as well that it is ideal to use cold water.
Additionally, placing the satin items in a mesh laundry bag can provide an extra layer of protection during the delicate cycle, preventing any snagging or damage.
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Step 4: Remove Excess Water
Start by laying the item on a flat, clean, and dry towel. With the item on the towel, roll the towel up to remove excess water.
Make sure to apply only light pressure. Do not wring the item out or twist it to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 5: Air Dry
Once you have removed any excess water, unroll the towel. Allow the item to dry by placing it flat on another dry towel and air-drying it.
Air-drying is the safest option for satin fabric. Placing it inside a dryer can cause shrinking or pilling.
You can place the item outside, but make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. Exposure to the sun can cause the item to fade, while exposure to too much heat can damage the item’s integrity, as it can break down the fibers.
Step 6: Iron The Item
As with all the other steps, ironing satin fabric also takes special care.
Because satin fabric is extremely sensitive to heat, it is important to take extra caution by placing a barrier between the iron and the item. A towel or handkerchief should not only help reduce the heat, but also protect the item from drops of water.
Additionally, make sure to keep your iron in the lowest heat setting.
Iron the dull side of the item, not the smooth and glossy side. This helps protect the more delicate surface and prevents any creases from forming.
Move the iron quickly and evenly across the towel. Remember to not keep it in any section for too long or you might risk damaging the material.
Satin fabric is a delicate material that requires gentle and special care. When washing it, follow the five steps above to make sure that you maintain the elegant and luxurious condition of your item.
Do you have other questions about how to wash satin fabric? Ask us in the comments section below!
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I love this article.
Thank you, it's helpful.