To wash delicate fabrics, check the label, then hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, or use a delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Do not wring, twist or tumble dry, and dry flat or hang away from heat. Silk, lace, chiffon, satin, wool and cashmere can be damaged by heat and friction. Dry clean when the label says so.
Delicate fabrics are the ones that make us nervous: the silk blouse, the lace camisole, the chiffon dress and the cashmere cardigan. They feel beautiful, but they are easily ruined by a hot wash, a rough cycle or a careless stain treatment, and many of them cost a lot to replace.
This guide explains what counts as a delicate fabric, how to wash them safely by hand or in the machine, how to dry and iron them and when to leave them to a professional.
What counts as a delicate fabric?
Delicate fabrics are those with fine, fragile or specially finished fibres that are easily damaged by heat, agitation or harsh detergents.
- Silk and satin, including silk blends.
- Lace, chiffon, organza and tulle.
- Wool, cashmere, angora and mohair.
- Viscose, rayon and modal, which weaken when wet.
- Embroidered, beaded and embellished garments.
- Anything with a care label that says hand wash, delicate or dry clean.
If in doubt, treat the item as delicate until you have checked the label.
Read the care label first
The label is the most reliable guide. A tub with a hand means hand wash only, a tub with a bar underneath means a delicate or gentle cycle, and a circle means professional cleaning. If the item is marked dry clean only, follow it, particularly for tailored, lined or valuable pieces. See our guide to care labels explained.
How to hand wash delicates
- Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent made for delicates or wool.
- Turn the item inside out and lower it into the water.
- Gently press and swirl the item, never rubbing or twisting.
- Leave it to soak for a few minutes, no more than ten to fifteen.
- Rinse in cool, clean water until the suds are gone.
- Press out water against the side of the basin, then roll in a clean towel to blot out moisture. Do not wring.
For specific guidance on knitwear, see washing a wool jumper, and for silk see cleaning silk clothing.
Machine washing delicates safely
If the label allows, use a delicate or hand-wash programme, cool water, a low spin and a mesh bag. Wash delicates together, fasten hooks and zips and avoid overloading the drum. Use a detergent suitable for delicates, and no bleach or fabric softener unless the label allows. Remove items promptly afterwards.
Bras, lace and embellished items are safest in a mesh bag or washed by hand.
How to dry delicate fabrics
- Never tumble dry delicates unless the label specifically allows it.
- Lay knitwear flat on a towel and reshape it.
- Hang silk and lightweight items on a padded hanger away from direct sun and heat.
- Avoid wringing or twisting, which can distort the weave.
- Keep them away from radiators and hairdryers.
Our guide to preventing clothes from shrinking explains what goes wrong with heat and agitation.
Ironing and finishing delicate fabrics
Use the lowest heat setting suitable for the fabric, iron on the reverse side and place a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric. For silk and lace, a steamer is gentler than an iron. Do not iron over beading, sequins or embroidery. If a delicate item needs a professional finish, our dry cleaning service can press it safely.
Stains on delicate fabrics
Blot stains gently and do not rub. Avoid hot water and strong stain removers, which can mark or weaken delicate fibres. If the stain does not lift with a very mild approach, stop and ask a professional. See our general stain removal guide and our stain removal service.
When to dry clean delicates
- The label says dry clean only.
- The item is tailored, lined, structured or heavily embellished.
- It is silk, viscose or another fabric that water marks.
- It has a stain you cannot identify.
- It is valuable, special or sentimental, such as a bridal gown.
Our suit, dress and coat dry cleaning service in Clapham cleans and finishes delicate garments, and you can ask for a free quote.
Storing delicate fabrics
Store delicates clean, in breathable garment bags or folded with acid-free tissue, away from damp, heat and sunlight. Fold knitwear rather than hanging it, and add cedar or lavender to deter moths. See our guide to storing winter clothes and storing a wedding dress.
If your delicate item is dry clean only, embellished, expensive or stained, do not risk it. Our suit, dress and coat dry cleaning team in Clapham can clean it carefully. Bring it to 180 Northcote Rd or call 020 7738 2266 for advice and a quote before any work begins.
Local help in Clapham and south-west London
Elegance Dry Cleaners is on Northcote Road and looks after customers across Clapham Junction, Battersea, Wandsworth, Balham and nearby SW London streets. See everything we cover on our areas page, or ask about collection and delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How do you wash delicate clothes?
Check the label, then hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent or use a delicate cycle in a mesh bag. Do not wring or tumble dry, and dry flat or hang away from heat.
Can you machine wash delicates?
If the label allows, on a delicate programme in a mesh bag with cool water and a low spin.
Is silk dry clean only?
Often, but not always. Check the label, since some silk can be hand washed gently.
How do you dry delicate fabrics?
Lay knitwear flat, hang silk on a padded hanger and keep delicates away from heat and direct sun.
When should delicates be dry cleaned?
When the label says so, or the item is tailored, embellished, valuable or stained.