Key Steps
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Make sure follow the instructions on your item’s care label. If the item is dry-clean only then it’s best to take it to a professional.
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Do not wash satin in hot water. The heat could shrink your satin items by up to 20%!
Satin is a soft, glossy material that adds a touch of elegance to any look. However, such a luxurious fabric needs special care – you can’t just throw it in the washing machine and hope for the best. Whether you need to know how to clean satin shoes or have been asking ‘can you machine wash satin?’ – here’s your ultimate guide to cleaning this fabulous fabric.
Leaving satin shoes to air dry could lead to water spots and streaks. Instead use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to speed up the drying time.
How to Clean Satin Shoes
Satin is often used for formal shoes, including white bridal shoes – which are bound to pick up a few stains. Preserve your best heels by following these tips on cleaning satin shoes.
Before you start: if there is a care label on your shoes consult this for specific guidance.
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Prep. With a soft bristle brush or dry cloth, brush away any dust or dirt. If you do not do this, you risk rubbing the dirt into the fabric when you begin cleaning.
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Blot. Dampen a cloth with cold water and blot any stains, starting from the top of the shoe, following the grain of the fabric.
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Deep Cleaning. If water isn’t enough to remove the stains on your shoes, try squirting a small amount of hand washing liquid onto your damp cloth. Rub the cloth to produce a lather and dab any stains with the soapy cloth.
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Rinse. Immediately rinse the shoe by patting with a clean cloth and cold water to remove any soap residue.
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Dry. Use a hand towel to dab the shoes dry. Do not rub the fabric as this could cause water streaks, similarly air-drying could result in watermarks. Try to remove as much moisture with the hand towel as possible.
Now there’s no need to worry about wearing your best satin heels or treating yourself to a luxurious satin quilt. With answers to common questions such as “can you wash satin?” and information on how to remove stains from satin, you’ll be cleaning satin shoes, sheets and clothes without fear. Perfect.
How Do You Wash Satin Clothing & Sheets?
From negligées to dinner jackets, satin is often used for the finest clothing and bed sheets, so it’s important to follow these tips on how to clean satin to keep your items looking their best. Before you start: check the care label on your item and remember to test any stain removers on a small, inconspicuous area first.
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Pre-treat. It’s best to tackle stains as soon as possible. Before washing, pre-treat the stain with a mild detergent, or a stain remover suitable for the fabric. Always follow the instructions on your product’s label..
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Machine wash. If your satin item is machine washable, then pop it in the washing machine on a delicate cycle that uses cool water and use a gentle detergent, preferably one designed for delicate fabrics – such as Persil Silk & Wool.
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Hand wash. If the care label says the item is hand wash only, soak the item in a basin of cool water and a gentle detergent for 3-5 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with fresh, cool water. Do not wring or twist the satin as this could cause misshaping.
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Dry. It’s best to avoid tumble-drying satin items as the heat could cause damage – likewise satin items should be kept out of the sun. To dry, place the item on a clean, dry towel. Then, roll the towel up, with the item inside, applying a gentle amount of pressure to remove any excess water. Unroll, and leave the item to dry on another dry, clean towel.
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Iron. If your item needs ironing, you need to exercise caution to avoid damage. You should consult the care label for instructions on how best to iron satin but generally you should use a low setting and no steam. Iron the item inside out and do not leave the iron on one area of the material for too long. You could also try ironing the item with a towel on top to avoid damaging the fabric.
