Dry clean ONLY? How to wash silk scarf at home. Vintage scarf cleaning. Mistakes and secrets.

Can you wash your DRY CLEAN ONLY scarves? In this video I show how you can wash your vintage silk scarves at home. I have a huge collection of silk scarves, old and new, sheep and expensive and I clean them all at home. In this easy to follow step by step tutorial you will see all my secrets and mistakes to avoid while hand washing silk. In this video I wash my “Charreada” Hermes scarf by hand.
If you have to repair the hand rolled hems on your scarf, you may want to watch this step by step tutorial (with some secrets :) ) • How to sew rolled hem ...
Also you may like to watch these headscarf videos with some original ideas:
Sophisticated lady, Hermes headscarf style from 1990th • Sophisticated Lady. He...
Sloane Ranger Headscarf • How to wear your scarf...
Babushka Headscarf Variation • “Babushka” headscarf ...
Color catcher sheets that I use sometimes with dark red or purple scarves: amzn.to/3F0miKt
If you like vintage scarves check these links for some nice vintage scarves on Etsy:
Pierres d'Orient et d'Occident Hermes Scarf by Zoe Pauwels 90 cm Silk Twill tidd.ly/47BCNux
La Promenade de Longchamps Hermes Scarf by Philippe Ledoux 90cm Silk Pink tidd.ly/3GrDdI6
Les Voitures a Transformation Hermes Scarf by Francoise de la Perriere 90cm tidd.ly/3N8QJnz
To see more pictures and scarves from my collection visit my website www.howtotieascarf.info/
Music :Russian Dance byJoey Pecoraro the courtesy of KZbin Audio Library kzbin.info...
Disclaimer: This video was not sponsored and I purchased all products shown myself. Product links included are affiliate links, which means I can make a small commission through qualified purchases. As a customer, you do not pay any more or less because of an affiliated link. Thank you for your support of my channel! :)

[@howtotieascarf7840]

*Vintage silk scarves are very fragile and need special care. Sometimes I have to repair rolled hems of these scarves by hand. Here is a video about it with some tips and tricks **kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3W6iWitop2drJI*

[@robertpattinson2065]

I have a tallit Jewish prayer shawl that's been handed down generations,it was buried in a coffee tin during nazi occupation of Ukraine, was re found 1982 -83 with details of belonging,,I've been afraid to wash it but its almost gold rather than white with blue,,how can I clean this? Thank you

[@howtotieascarf7840]

@@robertpattinson2065 Wow! It's a treasure! You can try a solution of warm water and some laundry soap. I use laundry soap form Russian stores. It should have 72% of fatty acids. This is the best things I've ever used on whites.

[@robertpattinson2065]

@@howtotieascarf7840 thank you, I have to build up the courage

[@howtotieascarf7840]

@@robertpattinson2065 Have you ever think to contact your local museum? I'm pretty sure they have some specialist for restoration and they will be happy to help you. Also, you can find some restorers on Instagram. Basically, everyone who collect, sell or restore old cloth should know a lot on the topic. Good luck!

[@robertpattinson2065]

@@howtotieascarf7840 I haven' can do

[@lisa2075]

I just purchased a Hermes scarf through a consignment website. It came with 3 very dark dime-size stains in the plain red border (Brides de Gala). I almost sent it back but found this recording. My scarf is now PERFECT! Thank you.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Oh wow! Thank you for sharing! Elena

[@cgpartistry]

Thanks! I just bought 25 pieces of vintage silk kimono fabric at a flea market and I needed to know how to correctly wash them.

[@anadventure1298]

I bought a hand rolled silk vintage scarf in terrible shape and this video helped me bring it back to life! The smell is gone and the colors look great! Thank you for your help!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Wow! You made my day ! Thank you ! :)

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Thank you that is most useful to know 👏😊

[@annemc8930]

So perfect to have a channel dedicated to scarves! ❤️ Subscribed 😀

[@jas2906]

Wow! So helpful and easy. Thank you so much.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MoniqueSinha]

Thanks for sharing the tips.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

My pleasure! if you have any tips on scarf cleaning, please let me know!

[@johnstoner6918]

My girlfriend said they was very help full and she think that's saved a lot money taking them to the cleaners very 2 months ,thank you for your help

[@howtotieascarf7840]

My pleasure! Thank you for your comment!

[@user-fj5xi1jf9s]

Excellent 👏👏 thankyou

[@jenniferevans1154]

Super tips. Thanks!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anisatuykine892]

Very useful and detailed video. Thank you

[@howtotieascarf7840]

So nice of you! Thank you!

[@tohfaauame1120]

thank you so much it is so helpfull for me

[@howtotieascarf7840]

My pleasure! Thank you for your comment!

[@Normajean6]

Hello from Oklahoma I Googled washing silk scarfs and this video popped up. Thank you for sharing. I subscribed to your channel. Have a wonderful day!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Wow, great! I'm glad that was helpful! Have a wonderful day too! Elena

[@allithami3575]

Thank you Elena! Hopefully my scarves will last a long time with this cleaning method. Looking forward to more videos!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you Al Lithami! I'm glad that was helpful ! :)

[@johnstoner6918]

Thank so much for your help , i wish you and your team a very happy Christmas and a very happy new year

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holydays to you too! :)

[@webiriss]

Great! Thank you 😊

[@howtotieascarf7840]

You're welcome 😊

[@susangolden4474]

love it!!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you! :)

[@vyh5357]

Thanks so much!!!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you! :)

[@user-wc2wt6op5n]

Just tried on a "oh well if it doesn't work, so what" used scarf and it came out perfect except...the big darkened area from possible suntan oil remained. So I bought Dawn free and clear 50% less scrubbing, and wet scarf, added full strength Dawn and kept pushing foam thru scarf with no extra water. Foam turned tan. This was supposed to be a clean scarf! Followed with rinses, vinegar etc and wa la, the scarf looks great. Darkened area is gone. No fading. Perfection.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Great tip! Thank you!

[@gracieog398]

I loved that scarf so much that I bough myself one Hermes Charreada scarf exactly like yours.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Wow! congratulations! Charreada scarf is really rare!

[@kalaysia77]

Thank you.. I have been washing my Hermès scarves since the 1980’s but have never done the special rinse… grateful for the tip 😊🙏🏻

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Happy to help!

[@sunshinedaisy9879]

Thank you!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

You're welcome!

[@GodsOath_com]

Thank you.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

My pleasure!

[@KidLoveWax]

Greetings from the G.D.R. and thank you very much for this really great informative video. Дружба!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you!

[@dNd1pink]

TY!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

My pleasure!

[@hendjalal8922]

Thanks ❤

[@howtotieascarf7840]

You're welcome 😊

[@craft-o-matic399]

Hi Elena, I have used your method, and it works beautifully! I don't think I have thanked you, so I want to say, "Thank you so much!". I also just subscribed. I don't know what is the matter with me. I should have done both of these things months ago! I love to wear silk scarves and, I am an Ebay reseller. I have often found beautiful women's silk scarves and men's ties that just need to be cleaned, and this method works perfectly! Thank you so much! Lisa

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you so much for sharing, Lisa! :) I regularly buy vintage silk scarves, thank you for making them available to others!

[@frenchstyle7038]

Hello Elena! I discovered your channel through Marie-Anne Lecoeur. I am so happy with this video as I purchased a vintage Hermès scarf in perfect condition and I was worried about taking it to the dry cleaner's. I followed your instructions and prior to wash it, I left it for about an hour in cold water with sea salt as I read it was helping to avoid discoloration to do this before washing. Thanks to you, my scarf looks brand new!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you! I'm so glad that was helpful! :)

[@hayaticil4715]

that Hermès scarf 😍

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Yes ! :)

[@katiekakes9484]

Thank you very much for this easy to understand tutorial. I just bought some vintage scarves but didn’t know how to clean them. Now I do! Did you ever find out if putting a little salt in the water helps keep the color in?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Yes, I've heard about it, but never used. I use white vinegar for that. Once, I saved a s silk dress that was washed and its color faded. I soaked it in the water with vinegar for 2 hours. The colors was much better after that. That was risky, but I didn't have a choice :)

[@bersul3510]

Thank you cos I just bought hermes twilly scraff but need to wash cos wore it almost everyday and stain from make up

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Oh, Hermes Twilly! I't my dream! :)As soon as I have one I'll do a series of video for it 😍

[@maryhughes4167]

I find inspecting the scarf from the reverse side helps me find all the stains that may be hard to find on the right side of an elaborate pattern.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Wow, Thank you for the tip! I love it!

[@mjkim0110]

Can you do more videos how to iron and store scarves?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you for the idea! :) Elena

[@maryokeefe5351]

I was told by a French woman years ago to add salt in the wash and rise. Have you heard of this? I am loving your content.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Wow! Thank you! I have to try it! Elena

[@mjkim0110]

love your videos!!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you! :)

[@chiaramorinelli3010]

Thank you for this tutorial. After watching it I washed my beloved Dior scar and it is now in perfect conditions ❤️ I saved the dry cleaner's money.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

I'm so glad that has been useful! Thank you! :)

[@chiaramorinelli3010]

@@howtotieascarf7840 thank you! Looking forward to watching your next video!

[@irened2]

You also saved your health: carcinogens are in those toxic chemicals that then lay next to your skin and waft their toxins.

[@bossgelo3764]

I love your videos , new subscriber here ❤ One question Those water that U used for Cleaning and rinsing are both Warm water Right? 😅

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Correct!

[@pinkmagnolia921]

Thanks for this wonderful video! I have hand washed a few silk scarves before following very similar instructions, but using a bit of dish soap. Is shampoo better than dish soap? I loved the tip about pinning the hem to the ironing board and creating a little tension while ironing up to the hem! I also loved your video about repairing a rolled hem. Once I got the hang of it, it was very easy to do! Question: I have a vintage Hermes scarf that seems faded. Is there anything I can do to brighten it up? Thanks so much and God Bless!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Usually I soak a silk scarf in cold water with some vinegar for 30 minutes or so to brighten it up. Sometimes it work. Elena

[@pinkmagnolia921]

@@howtotieascarf7840 Half hour, OK. I just did it for about 10 minutes. How much vinegar do you use? The scarf (Les Robes) was made in 1968 so it has seen better days

[@pinkmagnolia921]

@@howtotieascarf7840 additionally you might consider changing the title of this video to include "Hermes", since you did wash an Hermes scarf in the video. You would probably get even more subscribers 😃

[@howtotieascarf7840]

@@pinkmagnolia921 Thank you!

[@stellalex6630]

Hello Elena. What is the temperature of the iron? Thanks

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hello Stella, I use settings for 'Blend" But if you are new to it, try cooler settings. Elena

[@zilam98]

what hair shampoo would you recommend? anything in the ingredients of a hair shampoo that should be avoided?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

I use regular shampoo, the most important I would not recommend 2 in 1 shampoo, and kids shampoo. It can leave marks on some vintage silk scarves.

[@lilibethawayan4306]

Hello dear, thank you for your video. I bought a vintage Dior silk scarf that is already yellowing.. do you have a tip to remove it?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hi Lilibeth! It's really depends on how old your silk scarf is. If it's less then 20 years old, you can try some oxygen whiteners solutions. Elena

[@lilibethawayan4306]

@@howtotieascarf7840 thank you dear 😊

[@darlenewood9657]

Elena, do you iron the scarf after you have folded it? I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing to have ironed-in creases. Thank you so much.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hi Darlene! Thank you for you question! I don't do it. But it depends on how you like to see your scarves. Many people preferer to have ironed-in creases and love them. Some of my vintage scarves still have these marks. And you? how do you like it? Elena

[@darlenewood9657]

@@howtotieascarf7840 I have always ironed in the creases but it was because I knew I was storing them in a drawer. I wasn’t thinking how much better they might look without creases until now. Now that I think about it, I think the less creases, the better, especially on the larger ones. I am going to stop ironing in creases and see how that works. I do hang some of my larger ones, which helps.

[@darlenewood9657]

@@howtotieascarf7840 Thank you for responding!!

[@zilam98]

is it okay to use solid shampoo/shampoo bars? i've been moving away from commercial bottled shampoo/conditioner to more environmentally friendly shampoo/conditioner bars

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Yes, as long as there are no creams incorporated inside, it should be ok. just dissolve it in warm water :)

[@sweetcleo123]

Hi Elena, can I ask what type of vinegar you use? Is it alcohol vinegar and what %? I have apple vinegar or cleaning vinegar. Also do you ever use a stiffening spray before ironing ( I have heard this suggested for vintage scarves!). Thank you

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hi Sweetcleo123! Thank you for your question! I use 5% white vinegar, that I use both for cooking and cleaning. Sometimes I use stiffening spray on some vintage scarves, but you have to try it first. I have 2 vintage Jaeger scarves that are terrible for cleaning. :( The other scarves seems to be ok with stiffening spray. Elena

[@sweetcleo123]

@@howtotieascarf7840 thank you so much for your reply!

[@irened2]

Thank you, dear lady. Very informative. It scared me when the steam was coming out as you ironed, thought it was too hot, LOL! The only things I change is I am OCD about rinsing, rinsing rinsing! (I wash & rinse the sink several times. I hand-wash my clothes & rinse them forever, LOL!) 1) Can we use natural shampoo, like organic? I cannot use commercial shampoos due allergies. EDIT: oh and I also rinse after the vinegar rinse. 2) Am I supposed to let that in and not rinse it? (I LOVE the smell of vinegar, very soft and healing!) XD OH, I'm sorry one more question, so I am numbering them, in case you decided to reply XD: 3) Is there a way to remove perfume residue odors, if we buy a pre-owned scarf online? There is a pretty one I have my eyes on, but I am afraid it will come smelling of toxic chemicals. (I'm very allergic to perfume: it does not smell normal because of my allergy, it really, really reeks to me.) >.< Would love your input. Thank you!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hi Irene, Thank you for your comment! 1) You can try. Once I used a baby soap and it left some stains. :( I assume there was some kind of cream or softener in it . 2)Yes the last rinse is with some vinegar, it helps to keep the colors bright. But not too much vinegar :) 3) Unfortunately, most of preowned scarves come with some smell of cleaning products. I don't like it too. Usually, there is no smell after a vinegar rinse, except of vinegar. Usually it works fine with silk scarves, but not always with cachemir or wool scarves. I hope It is helpful. 😊 Elena

[@irened2]

@@howtotieascarf7840 Thank you, Elena (very pretty name!) XD Ooh I better read my ingredients, I change shampoos often. I have African black soap and another right now is mint and tea tree oil. I wonder if Dr. Bronner's pure Castile soap might be good? Have you tried that? Unfortunately, I am limited in what I can use due to severe allergies. (I'm also allergic to wool & cashmere is the worst for me!) XD I think I better not try to buy the 2nd hand scarf, unless I go to a thrift store, but not online. Sometimes the residue goes to my brain and can make me very ill. :(

[@howtotieascarf7840]

@@irened2 Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that! You can always try a new shampoo on a less expensive scarf, and keep using it if everything is ok. I've never tied a Castile soap. Sorry. Elena

[@irened2]

​@@howtotieascarf7840 Oh, I will do that. I need heavy duty shampoo so I probably need to buy Bronner's Castile soap (to try on the silk scarfs) that's very gentle. When I get around to it, i'll report back! XD Thanks for all your knowledge & sharing! 💖🌺🌠

[@howtotieascarf7840]

@@irened2 My pleasure! Please let m me know how Castile soap work! Elena

[@emmajohnson3775]

Will this method work for a silk tie?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hi Emma, washing should be ok, but the ironing would be different. I would use a thin cotton fabric on top of the tie. Elena

[@zilam98]

i struggle with positioning my scarves when using my steamer on them. what would you recommend with positioning the scarves when using the steamer without damaging the scarves?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

I use very thin sewing pins to fix the scarf on the ironing board. :)

[@zilam98]

@@howtotieascarf7840 i use a standup steamer, so no ironing board :( how else can i position a scarf to iron it out using a standup steamer?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

@@zilam98 Sorry, I have no idea :(

[@robertpattinson2065]

What about yellowing white silk? How can I get it back to white

[@howtotieascarf7840]

It's quite difficult. It depends how old your silk is. I would try laundry bar soap. Please let me know what work for you. Elena

[@ramblinrose8]

Wonderful and Helpful. When you put that gorgeous Hermes in the water I gulped. Nevertheless, I kept thinking to myself "you can't wear a dirty scarf." And by the time your video ended your scarf looked as if you had just untied the brown ribbon, pulled the silk out of the tissue sleeve paper - straight from the orange Hermes box!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you so much!

[@estefanilara3313]

Hi Elena! And what if the scarf have that kind of stains who looks like something metallic sticked to the silk?! Can I clean that stains?!

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hi Estefani Lara! I am not sure what is your stain. If it's a paint ( it happen with me once) dry cleaner may help. This tutorial for regular stains like dust or make up. Sorry, I cannot help you here :(. A good dry cleaner can identify the stain better. Elena

[@estefanilara3313]

@@howtotieascarf7840 Oh ok ok!! Well sorry I mean like a rust stain 😅

[@howtotieascarf7840]

@@estefanilara3313 I've heard that some salt and lemon juice can help, but I've never tried it. :)

[@estefanilara3313]

@@howtotieascarf7840 Oh ok!! I'll try!!

[@johnstoner6918]

Whats the name of the product that keep it colour? please

[@howtotieascarf7840]

I add some white vinegar in the last rinse. For red or purple scarves, you can add some color catcher sheets when you wash your scarf as well. Elena

[@keystosuccess565]

What type of hair shampoo? There are many different types that have all have different chemicals and ingredients

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Any, except 2 in 1 and any organics. They can leave spots on silk.

[@maumitasyed8631]

What if I don’t need to wash the whole scarf but just need to spot treat some areas? My vintage Hermes scarf has 3 little stains. Can I just spot treat?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

I would wash it anyway, in clean water, just to avoid water stains

[@nikkihitchcock7020]

Instead of ironing can a steamer be used?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

It shouldn't be a problem, steamers are usually much more delicate then regular irons.

[@katiekakes9484]

This was one of my questions too. Thank you

[@yankeebarbz7189]

will the pins leave a hole in the scarf?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hello. This depends on the fabric of our scarf. Mine is fine, no holes. But try to find very thin and sharp pins

[@camaroxopink]

What if the scarf feels crunchy?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Honestly, I don't know. You can add some softener in the last rinse, but sometimes it can leave stains on very old scarves.

[@omomamaolowo]

Please show us how to use a steamer, irons 😳

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Thank you for the idea!

[@hopeking37]

What about a water stain on itV

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Usually, the water stains will disappear after a few full rinses

[@sebastianorlandozepedagall1435]

Can I just sun dry it ?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Please No! The sunlight would destroy the silk fibers, it becomes very fragile.

[@liana2136]

Sun could also fade colors.

[@maillaxxx882]

Hi , I washed silk skirt by mistake , becomes to short now . How to iron and stretch to normal length ?

[@howtotieascarf7840]

Hi Mailla, I'm so sorry to hear that! Unfortunately, I think it is not possible to stretch it to normal length. :( You can try to iron it very carefully through a wet cloth. Good luck. Elena

[@isabellaskowronski6734]

Thanks , I will

[@reflexionesdelabiblia6711]

Well, I have been using clear laundry soap. And hang to dry. I really don’t have time for ironing. ha. But. Maybe I should start using hair soap in the washing machine then and wash them on their own or something. I don’t have a lot of time for hand washing. Or maybe I do but I don’t feel like I do.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

It's always up to you. The scarf just last longer with hand wash. And some of them don't need to be ironed ( I hate ironing) :)

[@reflexionesdelabiblia6711]

How to tie a scarf 🥰

[@annemariemchugh4913]

The video would have been better without music.

[@howtotieascarf7840]

I don't agree.

[@dirkfledderjohann7353]

@@howtotieascarf7840 I liked the music, but I wish it was quieter. At just after 1 minute, you say, 'If you have (?), it's better to do it along the (?) direction. It's when you're dabbing with a Q-tip. The music makes it hard to hear your voice, and although I listened three times, I simply cannot tell what you're saying.