As the silk scarf trend has come back into fashion in the last couple of years, more and more people are needing tips and guides for cleaning their silk scarves! As we have much experience of caring for and cleaning scarves, we thought we would share some of our tips and tricks for cleaning and storing your silk scarf. The biggest query is always if you hand wash or machine wash a silk scarf. Since the day we launched in April 2018, we’ve been caring for and cleaning our scarves ever since, so take it from us and the rest of the internet when we say, these points are VERY important! See below information on storing, cleaning and the do’s and don’ts for caring for your scarf.
How To Store Your Silk Scarf

How To Clean Your Silk Scarf
The more you wear your scarf, the more dirt and greases will collect in the fabric. When it is time to wash your scarf you may not know the safest way to do so without damaging the fragile fabric. Here is what Sand and Scarf recommend for cleaning your scarf:
Hand Wash Tips:
Detergent Tips:
The detergent to use when washing your scarf is very important. You want to choose a detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics, this will ensure the safety of the fabric and colours. It is important that you do not use bleach or abrasive stain removing substances.
Instructions For Hand Washing Your Scarf:
- Fill a small bucket with cold water to a low level (About 8am high). Hot water can make the colours in your scarf run.
- Add your delicate detergent to the water.
- Place your scarf in the water, making sure it is fully submerged.
- Soak for 5-10 minutes (Do not over soak)
- Swirl your scarf around in the water at a slow pace with gentle movements.
- Rinse your scarf with fresh cold water.
- When ringing your scarf of excess water, do so by scrunching into a ball. Twisting your scarf can cause damage to the fibers.
- Place your scarf on a flat surface and cover with a towel around the same size or bigger than your scarf. Roll your scarf with the towel, this will absorb the remaining moisture from your scarf.
- Once moisture has been absorbed by the towel. Place your scarf on a flat surface in a dry area to dry. If you hang your scarf to dry while damp it can stretch the fabric.
Do’s & Don’ts - Caring For Your Scarf:
Don'ts:
- Do not iron your scarf when it is dry.
- Do not iron your scarf on high heat.
- Do not spot clean your scarf, this can cause circular pulls in the fabric.
- Do not wash your scarf with other garments or colours, you do not want any colours bleeding into your scarf or vise versa.
- Do not store your scarf in a damp place.
- Do not leave our in direct sunlight, intense heat and UV can damage the scarf fibers and cause colour fading.
- Do not put your scarf in the dryer as this can cause fibers to loosen and possibly break.
- Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals such as perfume on your scarf, this can permanently stain your scarf.
- Do not twist your scarf to ring out moisture after washing, this can rip and stretch the fabric.
- Do not put your scarf in the washing machine.
Do’s:
- Hand Wash your scarf.
- Use detergent suitable for delicates or silk.
- Iron only when slightly damp and with a towel in between to protect it.
- Always iron on ‘cool’ setting.
- Air drying your scarf is best.
- Store in fabric pouches or airtight containers for long term storage. You can also store with lavender pouches to prevent moths.
- Hang flat in the wardrobe for basic storage.
- Dress For Success Clothing Donations: https://auckland.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/
- Salvation Army Stores: https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/centres/#!/family-store
- Red Cross Clothing Donations: https://www.redcross.org.nz/shop-with-us/red-cross-shops/how-donate-our-shops/