Is your silk yellowed

Fortunately, silk can be restored, but it requires a bit of finesse to avoid damaging the fibres. Yellowing often occurs due to sweat, deodorant, sunlight, or incorrect washing. Here are the gentlest and most effective methods you can use without harming the shirt.

Gentle methods to make yellowed silk white again

1. Vinegar soak (very gentle – a great first attempt)

Vinegar helps neutralise sweat and deodorant residues.

• Mix 1 part clear vinegar with 5 parts cold water

• Soak the shirt for 10–15 minutes

• Rinse in cold water

• Then wash with a silk-friendly detergent

Good for light yellowing.

2. Silk shampoo or specialised detergent

If the yellowing is mild:

• Use a detergent specifically made for silk/wool

• Hand wash in cold water

• Rinse thoroughly

• Avoid wringing – press the water out using a towel

4. Baking soda (very carefully – not for thin silk)

Can be used, but only as a light paste and only on robust silk fabrics.

• Mix a little baking soda with water to form a thin paste

• Apply to the stain for a maximum of 5 minutes

• Rinse immediately

If the fabric is very delicate, skip this method.

What you should never do

• No chlorine or regular bleach – it destroys silk

• No warm water – it causes silk to shrink and lose its sheen

• No vigorous rubbing – it can create dull spots

• No drying in the sun – it can worsen the yellowing