SILK GARMENT CLEANING FULHAM

Silk is one of the finest fabrics you can own. It is also one of the hardest to clean at home. Silk garment cleaning in Fulham is a specialist service we offer at Blue Moon Dry Cleaners on Fulham Road.

Water marks silk. Heat damages it. The wrong detergent strips the colour and sheen. We use solvent-based dry cleaning and hand finishing to clean silk safely. Every silk item is handled on its own, checked by hand, and finished with care.

We've cleaned silk garments at our Fulham shop since 1992 — and most silk pieces qualify for our same-day silk cleaning service when dropped off before midday.

Why Silk Needs Professional Cleaning

Silk is a natural protein fibre. It comes from silkworm cocoons and has a structure unlike cotton or wool ¹. This gives silk its smooth feel and soft sheen. It also makes silk sensitive to three things.

• Water. Even a small splash can leave a visible ring on silk. Water changes the surface tension of the fibre. This creates uneven marks that won't come out with more water.

• Heat. A warm iron or tumble dryer can yellow silk. High heat breaks down the protein in the fibre. This damage is permanent.

• Chemicals. Household detergents are too harsh for silk. They strip the natural oils that give silk its lustre. The fabric turns dull and rough.

Professional dry cleaning avoids all three. The solvents we use clean without water, heat, or harsh chemicals — and our eco-friendly dry cleaning approach means we recover and reuse those solvents rather than releasing them.

Silk Items We Clean

We handle every type of silk garment and textile:

• Silk blouses and tops — office wear, evening tops, and designer pieces

• Silk dresses — day dresses, cocktail dresses, and formal gowns

• Silk shirts — men's and women's silk dress shirts

• Silk ties and bow ties — woven and printed silk neckwear

• Silk scarves and shawls — square, oblong, and pashmina styles

• Silk-lined jackets and coats — lining care without damage

• Silk cushion covers — home furnishing silks

• Silk wedding dresses — bridal gowns and veils. For the most complex silk pieces, our specialist dry cleaning service handles items that need a fully bespoke approach.

• Silk lingerie and camisoles — lightweight and delicate items

For silk blouses, see our blouse cleaning for silk and chiffon page. For everyday dresses, see our silk dress cleaning and finishing page.

How We Clean Silk Garments

Our process is built around the needs of silk fabric.

• Inspection. We check every item for stains, pulls, loose threads, and colour fastness. Some silks bleed colour. We test before cleaning.

• Pre-treatment. Stains on silk need targeted care. We apply solvents by hand to the marked area. We never soak silk or rub the stain.

• Dry cleaning. The item goes through a low-agitation solvent clean. This removes dirt, oils, and odours. The short cycle and gentle action protect the weave.

• Hand finishing. We steam silk rather than press it — steaming lifts creases without flattening the drape. Our garment care guide has practical advice on maintaining silk between professional cleans. Direct ironing can crush silk fibres and leave shiny marks.

• Final check. We inspect the finish, the colour, and the seams before the item is bagged.

Silk Stain Removal

Stains on silk are among the trickiest to treat. Our dedicated stain removal service covers silk-safe methods for every mark type — from wine to makeup to body oils. them, or treat them with water. Doing so pushes the stain deeper and risks a water mark.

The most common stains on silk garments:

• Makeup — foundation, lipstick, and concealer on collars and necklines

• Perfume — alcohol-based sprays that yellow silk over time

• Food and drink — wine, coffee, oil, and sauces

• Sweat — underarm marks that set into light-coloured silk

• Ink — pen marks on shirt pockets and cuffs

We pre-treat each stain with a matched solvent. Most fresh stains come out fully. Older or set-in marks may lighten rather than disappear. We let you know what to expect before we start.

The sooner you bring in a stained silk item, the better the result. For details, see our silk stain treatment and spot cleaning page.

Silk Tie and Scarf Cleaning

Ties and scarves are small items but hard to clean at home. A silk tie has a rolled edge and an inner lining. Water warps the shape and shrinks the lining.

We dry clean ties flat and steam them to restore the roll and drape. Creases are removed without pressing.

Silk scarves often have printed patterns. These prints use dyes that can bleed if treated with the wrong solvent. We test each scarf before cleaning.

Many customers in Fulham and Chelsea bring in ties and scarves in batches. We clean them together and return them ready to wear.

Silk Wedding Dress Cleaning

A silk wedding dress is one of the most valuable garments we clean. It is worn once and then stored. Without cleaning, makeup, perspiration, and champagne can set into the silk over time.

We clean silk bridal gowns by hand where needed. Beading, lace, and embroidery are treated with extra care. The dress is steamed to finish.

After cleaning, we can bag the dress for long-term storage. This protects the silk from dust, light, and yellowing.

For full bridal and occasion wear care, see our wedding and evening gown care page.

Caring for Silk Between Cleans

A few simple steps keep your silk in good shape between visits.

• Hang on padded hangers. Wire and wood hangers can snag silk. Padded hangers support the shape without marks.

• Air after wearing. Let the garment breathe for a few hours before putting it away. This releases moisture and odour.

• Avoid direct sunlight. UV light fades silk dyes. Store silk in a cool, dark wardrobe.

• Don't spray perfume on silk. Apply perfume to your skin first. Let it dry before dressing.

• Act fast on spills. Blot gently with a clean cloth. Do not rub. Bring the item to us as soon as you can.

Silk Garment Repairs

Silk tears easily along the grain. A small pull can become a hole if left. We handle minor repairs on site:

• Seam re-stitching — split seams along shoulders, sides, and hems

• Hem repair — dropped or uneven hems on silk dresses and skirts

• Button replacement — matched to the garment

• Lining repair — fixing torn or loose silk linings in jackets

We can clean and repair in one visit. For more details, see our silk garment repairs and alterations page.

Free Collection and Delivery

We collect silk garments from your home or office and deliver them back cleaned and finished. No extra charge. We cover Fulham, Sands End, Chelsea Harbour, Parsons Green, Chelsea, Earl's Court, West Brompton, Hammersmith, and Kensington.

Set up a free collection and delivery by phone or through our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash silk at home?

We don't recommend it. Water marks silk and the wrong detergent strips the finish. Dry cleaning is the safest method for all silk garments.

How often should I dry clean silk?

After every two to three wears for items like blouses and shirts. Ties and scarves can go longer — every five to six wears unless stained.

Will dry cleaning fade my silk? '

No. Our solvents are gentle on dyes. The colour stays true. Fading is more likely from sunlight or home washing.

Can you clean a silk item with beading?

Yes. We clean beaded and embroidered silk by hand. The beading is checked before and after cleaning.

How long does silk cleaning take?

Standard turnaround is two to three working days. Same-day service is available if you drop off before midday.

Is silk dry cleaning more expensive?

Silk items are priced as a specialist service. The cost depends on the garment type and detail. Bring your item in for an exact quote.