How to Clean Chiffon

By: Melissa King

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Garments made from delicate fabrics, such as chiffon, require a bit of special care when it's laundry time. Chiffon fabric is thin, transparent and typically made from silk, nylon or rayon. Regardless of the type of chiffon you own, it's best to launder it gently to help preserve the life of the garment. You can wash chiffon by hand or in the washing machine. To extend the life of your chiffon garment, wear it as many times as possible before washing.

Hand-On Washing

Step 1

Fill a tub or large bowl with lukewarm water.

Step 2

Add one or two capfuls of a mild liquid detergent. Swish the water and detergent around with your hand until suds appear.

Step 3

Fold the chiffon garment in half so it's easier to wash.

Step 4

Put the garment in the water, and swirl it around with your hand to clean it. The garment may release a small amount of colored dye into the water. This won't affect the way the garment looks.

Step 5

Soak the garment in the soapy water for up to 30 minutes.

Step 6

Rinse the chiffon in a bowl of clean water or under a stream of running water. Keep rinsing until all the soap bubbles disappear. Don't wring the fabric; this can damage its shape.

Step 7

Place the chiffon flat on a bath towel. Put a second towel on top of the chiffon. Push down on the towel to press excess water out of the chiffon.

Step 8

Remove the top towel and allow the chiffon to dry.

Machine-Washing

Step 1

Turn the chiffon garment inside out and put it in a mesh laundry bag. The bag helps keep the garment from getting wrapped around the washing machine drum.