How to Iron a Silk Scarf?

Silk may be one of the most luxurious fabrics on the market, but luxury comes with very high maintenance needs. Keeping silk wrinkle-free is a perpetual challenge, leading to the big question of the day…

Can you iron your silk scarf? According to some, the answer is a categorical no. Or more precisely, you can but you really shouldn’t. Avoid the iron and leave the ironing to the professionals, say the ironing opponents. That would be nice, but the cost of professional dry cleaning quickly adds up.

So, is there an alternative? Can you safely iron silk at home? In a word, yes.

But don’t think you can get away with the sloppy ironing approach you’re used to using on less maintenance-demanding fabrics. Silk CAN be ironed, but you will need to learn and apply very specific techniques if you want to do it safely.

What happens when you iron silk?

Silk is one of the most delicate fabrics there is, easily wrinkling and reacting in all sorts of unpleasant ways to heat, light, water, and chemicals. Ironing silk using the wrong technique can result in water stains, burn marks, creases, and 101 other undesirable effects.

Ironing silk using the correct technique (which we will discuss shortly) will give the same smooth, wrinkle-free finish you expect from ironing any other fabric.

What should I use to iron my silk scarf?

When it comes to successfully ironing silk, the tools you use can be decisive. Ideally, use an iron with a silk/delicate setting – this will save you a lot of guesswork and ensure you don’t burn the fabric. If your iron doesn’t have a silk setting, it’s not a big drama – just make sure to use a low temperature.

Whatever type of iron you own, it must be immaculate. Any dirt on the iron plate could easily transfer to the silk – and once it’s there, it’s not going anywhere.

To clean the iron, start by making a paste of one tablespoon (14.8 ml) of water and two tbsp (13.8 g) of baking soda. Spread the paste on the iron plate (obviously, make sure the iron is off before you start), gently scrub to remove any buildup, then wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

At what temperature should I iron my silk scarf?

It is crucial to keep your iron at a low temperature when ironing silk. Avoid spikes and aim for a temperature of about 150 degrees.

What setting should I use for the iron for my silk scarf?

If your iron has a silk/delicate setting, use it. Otherwise, stick to a low temperature to avoid any unfortunate disasters.

What should I iron my silk scarf on?

So, we’ve established that you’ll need to use a clean, sparkling iron set to a low temperature. But are there any special considerations to take into account regarding what you iron your silk garments on?

When it comes to ironing silk, any old ironing board will do. However, you will need to make a few small adjustments before you start. Create a cotton barrier between the silk and the board by covering the latter with a clean, neutral or white cotton sheet.

Can you iron your silk scarf when it’s wet?

Silk should not be wet when ironed, but it should not be dry either. If you are ironing the garment just out of the wash, wring out the excess water (be very gentle and resist any temptation to wring it out) before wrapping it in a thick, absorbent towel. The goal is to leave the silk slightly damp but not wet.