question about washing silk blouse

I got a great deal ($9.95, no tax or shipping, from ebay) on an ivory colored
silk blouse. It's very sheer, long-sleeved, has lots of lace detailing, and
the fit is only a bit large for me which is fine. Tag says "The Limited, 100
percent silk" and it still has the $78 price tag on it. I'm thinking i can
either layer it over a buff or ivory-colored satiny camisole or since it's so
soft i could wear it under a sweater with the lace sleeves, color and "peplum"
peeking out.

Anyway, my question is about washing. It says "dry clean only" which i'd
definitely do if i'd paid $78 for it. But i'm wondering what could happen if
i wash it gently by hand in cool water. Some slight shrinkage would be fine,
but could it be totally ruined? Any suggestions helpful, and i promise i
won't hold you accountable if it doesn't work! :-)

itsjoannotjoann...

I REALLY have no idea on the washing of this. But perhaps it could be
put in one of those mesh laundry bags, a larger one, and washed on the
gentle cycle for a few minutes?? If you went this route I'd also spin
it on the gentle cycle, no sure about using fabric softener, then hang
it to dry. What does it say about ironing it? I'm sure it would need
a touch up with the iron, but what temperature?

Lamey...

Lameys Dry Cleaning and Auto Repair.

E mail me teh coat, I'll fix it up for you.

iam...

Thanks. It says nothing about ironing, but i guess i'd have to wait and see
if it will need it. Maybe drip-drying would sort of reshape it. I remember
reading somewhere years ago to never wring or squeeze silk when hand-washing.
It will be a learning experience!