Protecting Your Raw Silk Investment for Years to Come
Raw silk is one of the most rewarding fabrics to own — but also one that rewards careful attention. With the right care routine, a quality raw silk piece from FAHA can remain as beautiful as the day you first wore it, becoming a cherished part of your wardrobe for years, even decades. Neglect it, and even the finest raw silk can lose its lustre prematurely.
This comprehensive guide covers everything Pakistani women need to know about washing, drying, storing, ironing, stain removal, and restoring raw silk — so your investment pieces always look their absolute best.
Understanding Raw Silk Before You Care for It
Raw silk's unique properties determine how it should be treated:
Natural Protein Fibre: Like human hair, raw silk is a protein-based fibre. It responds well to gentle, pH-neutral products and is damaged by harsh chemicals, bleach, and high heat.
Natural Texture: The characteristic slubs and texture of raw silk can be affected by aggressive washing or wringing, which distorts the weave and permanently alters the fabric's appearance.
Colour Sensitivity: Raw silk's natural dyes can be vulnerable to fading from prolonged sun exposure, harsh detergents, and improper washing techniques.
Moisture Sensitivity: Raw silk can water-spot if wet unevenly. Always wet the entire garment uniformly when washing to prevent patchy marks.
Everyday Care: Before and After Each Wear
Good raw silk care begins before and after every wear, not just at washing time:
Before Wearing:
• Check for any loose threads or embellishments that need securing before wear
• Ensure the garment is completely dry if recently washed or steamed
• Apply perfume and deodorant before dressing — never directly onto raw silk, as alcohol and chemicals can stain and weaken fibres
After Wearing:
• Air the garment for at least 30 minutes before storing to release body heat and moisture
• Check for any stains or marks and address them immediately (see stain removal section below)
• Hang or fold properly — never leave raw silk crumpled or bundled
• Rotate your pieces regularly to avoid overuse of any single garment
Washing Raw Silk: Step-by-Step
When to Dry Clean vs. Hand Wash
Always Dry Clean:
• Heavily embellished pieces with zardozi, dabka, or dense embroidery
• Lined garments where the lining may shrink differently
• Pieces with metallic threads that can tarnish when wet
• Garments with colour blocking where dyes may bleed into each other
• Any piece you are unsure about — when in doubt, dry clean
Safe to Hand Wash:
• Simple, unlined raw silk kurtas with minimal or no embellishment
• Raw silk dupattas without metallic embellishment
• Pieces you have successfully hand washed before
Hand Washing Raw Silk: The Right Way
Step 1 — Test First: Before washing the entire garment, test a small, hidden area (inside seam or hem) for colour fastness. Dampen and press with a white cloth. If colour transfers, dry clean instead.
Step 2 — Prepare the Water: Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot — heat damages silk fibres and causes shrinkage). Add a small amount of pH-neutral, silk-safe detergent or baby shampoo. Avoid regular detergents, fabric softeners, and anything containing enzymes or bleach.
Step 3 — Submerge Gently: Submerge the garment fully and swish gently. Do not scrub, twist, or wring. Allow to soak for no more than 3–5 minutes.
Step 4 — Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with cool, clean water until all detergent is removed. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the final rinse water — this restores raw silk's natural sheen and removes any detergent residue.
Step 5 — Remove Excess Water: Never wring raw silk. Instead, gently press the garment against the side of the basin to remove water, then lay flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel with the garment inside and gently press to absorb moisture.
Drying Raw Silk Correctly
Improper drying is one of the most common causes of raw silk damage:
• Never tumble dry — heat and agitation will shrink and damage the fabric irreparably
• Dry flat or on a padded hanger in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight
• Avoid direct sunlight which causes colour fading and weakens silk fibres over time
• Reshape while damp — gently smooth the garment into its correct shape before leaving to dry
• Allow to dry completely before storing — even slight dampness can cause mildew and permanent damage
Ironing Raw Silk Without Damage
Raw silk wrinkles naturally but responds well to careful ironing:
• Iron while slightly damp or use a spray bottle to lightly mist the fabric before ironing
• Use the lowest heat setting on your iron — raw silk is heat-sensitive and can scorch easily
• Always use a pressing cloth (a thin cotton cloth placed between the iron and the silk) to protect the fabric surface
• Iron on the reverse side of the fabric to protect the natural sheen
• Never use steam directly on raw silk — water spots can form. Use a pressing cloth as a barrier if steam is needed
• Move the iron continuously — never leave it stationary on raw silk
Steaming Alternative: A handheld garment steamer used at a safe distance (never touching the fabric) is often gentler than ironing and effectively removes wrinkles from raw silk.
Stain Removal: Acting Fast and Smart
Stains on raw silk require immediate, gentle action. The golden rule: blot, never rub.
General Stain First Response
• Blot (do not rub) the stain immediately with a clean, white cloth to absorb as much as possible
• Work from the outside of the stain inward to prevent spreading
• Never apply heat to a stain — it sets the stain permanently
• Test any stain treatment on a hidden area first
Common Stains and How to Treat Them
Food and Beverage Stains: Blot immediately. Mix a small amount of silk-safe detergent with cool water and gently dab the stain. Rinse with cool water. For stubborn stains, take to a professional dry cleaner.
Oil and Grease Stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain immediately to absorb the oil. Leave for 15–20 minutes, then gently brush away. Repeat if necessary. For set oil stains, professional dry cleaning is recommended.
Makeup Stains: Gently lift any solid makeup with a soft brush. Dab with a small amount of micellar water on a cotton pad, working from the outside in. Rinse gently with cool water.
Sweat Stains: Mix equal parts cool water and white vinegar. Gently dab the affected area and rinse with cool water. For persistent stains, professional cleaning is advisable.
Ink Stains: Do not attempt to treat ink stains at home — take immediately to a professional dry cleaner for the best chance of removal.
Water Spots: Dampen the entire affected area evenly with cool water, then allow to dry flat. This often eliminates water spots by evening out the moisture distribution.
Storing Raw Silk Properly
Correct storage preserves raw silk's beauty between wears and across seasons:
• Store clean pieces only — never store raw silk with stains or body oils, which attract insects and cause permanent damage over time
• Use breathable storage — cotton garment bags or acid-free tissue paper. Avoid plastic bags which trap moisture and cause yellowing
• Fold or hang carefully — lightweight pieces can be hung on padded hangers; heavier embellished pieces should be folded to prevent stretching
• Use tissue paper between folds to prevent embellishments from snagging and to reduce crease lines
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight, humidity, and heat sources
• Use natural moth deterrents — cedar blocks or lavender sachets protect against insects without the chemical damage of mothballs
Restoring Older Raw Silk Pieces
Beloved raw silk pieces that have lost some of their lustre or freshness can often be beautifully restored:
Restoring Sheen: A gentle hand wash with a silk-safe shampoo followed by a white vinegar rinse often restores raw silk's natural sheen. The vinegar removes dulling residue and revives the fabric's natural luster.
Removing Yellowing: Yellowing in stored raw silk is often caused by improper storage. A professional dry cleaner specialising in delicate fabrics can often reverse yellowing with specialist treatments. At home, a gentle soak in cool water with a small amount of oxygen-based (not chlorine) brightener may help — always test first.
Refreshing Embroidery: Flattened or dull embroidery can be carefully steamed (using a pressing cloth as barrier) to restore dimension. Loose threads should be secured by a skilled tailor or embroiderer rather than cut.
Reshaping Distorted Fabric: Raw silk that has stretched or distorted can sometimes be reshaped by dampening evenly and blocking (pinning to shape on a flat surface) while drying. For significant distortion, consult a professional.
Professional Restoration: For valuable or heavily embellished pieces, professional textile restoration is always the safest option. A skilled dry cleaner or textile conservator can address yellowing, stains, distortion, and embellishment damage with specialist techniques.
When to Seek Professional Help
Some situations always warrant professional care:
• Any stain you are unsure how to treat
• Heavily embellished or embroidered pieces
• Significant yellowing or colour change
• Fabric distortion or shrinkage
• Damaged or loose embellishments
• Pieces with sentimental or high monetary value
The FAHA Promise: Quality Worth Caring For
At FAHA, every raw silk piece is crafted to last. Our commitment to premium fabric quality and expert construction means your investment is built to withstand years of careful wear — but only with the care it deserves.
We believe that truly sustainable fashion means buying fewer, better pieces and caring for them properly. A well-maintained FAHA raw silk piece is not just a garment — it is a legacy piece that tells the story of your taste, your values, and your appreciation for genuine craftsmanship.
Invest in quality. Care for it properly. And enjoy the beauty of raw silk for years to come. Explore FAHA's raw silk collection today.