The best way to clean scarves with step-by-step instructions

Scarves need to be cleaned, as you wear them more often, to maximize your style. However, it is necessary to test the cleaning method in a small, inconspicuous place; in the following lines, we explain the most important different methods that you can use to clean scarves and get the perfect result, without damaging the fabric or negatively affecting its bright colors.

In all cases, check the care label to see if each scarf can be washed by hand or in the washing machine. If the label mentions “dry cleaning” as a recommended method, do not put the scarf in the washing machine. If your scarf is hand-painted, look at the company’s website for preferred cleaning methods.

Before cleaning scarves

Colorful scarf (image from unsplash)

• Wash the palms of your hands to prevent any oils or dirt from transferring to the scarves.
• Take off any rings or bracelets before washing your scarves. This will prevent any jewelry from getting stuck and getting tangled in the threads.
• Wipe the end of the scarf, using a cotton ball saturated with water, to test for colorfastness; if any dye transfers from the fabric to the cotton, use the dry-cleaning method.

Methods used to remove stains from scarves

• Place the scarf on a light-colored, clean, dry towel with the stained side up.
• Prepare a cleaning solution, consisting of one part mild laundry detergent and one part cold water, or a ready-made stain remover. Beware of hot water, though. Avoid using bleach.
• Apply the cleaning solution to the stain, using a cotton ball, massaging gently, if the stain is oily or watery, it should disappear from the fabric, quickly.
• Afterward, wash the entire scarf by hand or in the washing machine.
• Air dry by spreading each scarf on a chair. Do not use clips.

Hand wash scarves

• Pour cold water into a clean basin, cold water will stop the bleeding of the scarf’s dye and will be gentler on its fibers, especially silk. The water should submerge the scarf.
• Add a few drops of a mild detergent for best results. Use a mild baby soap or a mild hand soap and mix the soap with water until it foams.
• Gently swirl the scarf in the water for 4 minutes, which will help remove any dirt or dust from the fibers, then use your hands to gently push around the scarf and keep it fully submerged under the water.
• Rinse the scarf with pure cold water.
• Remove the scarf from the sink, rinse out the foam and dirty water completely, then fill the sink again or use a separate sink if you prefer, add clean, cold water, and gently agitate the scarf until all soapy residue is gone. You can repeat the rinsing process as many times as needed to remove all traces of detergent.
• Fold the scarf and gently squeeze the scarf to get rid of excess water, away from the squeeze. Then, wrap the scarf in a clean, dry towel to absorb any moisture. It’s best to use a white or light-colored towel so that any colors don’t transfer to the scarf.

Machine washable scarf care

• Place the scarf in a garment mesh bag, which will keep the scarf from twisting around the drum of the washing machine and will help prevent tangles. If you don’t have a mesh bag, a pillowcase can also come in handy.
• Add the scarf to a collection of other delicate garments in similar colors, away from towels, sheets, or garments with metal zippers or clips.
• Run the washing machine on a gentle cycle, with the settings set to the gentlest possible spin cycle, the shortest amount of time, and the cold water setting.
• Follow the towel drying method described above.

How to iron scarves

• When ironing, it is correct to apply a protective cloth before pressing with a hot iron.
• Apply even pressure to the iron, sliding over the cloth, until the wrinkles are eliminated.
• If your scarf has a hand-rolled edge, avoid running the iron over it.