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Washing and Caring for Silk
Washing and Caring for Silk
FASHION · GLOBAL
Washing and Caring for Silk
Why silk is delicate, hand and machine washing, drying and storing
Silk is a protein fibre, which is why it behaves like hair rather than like cotton and why the usual laundry habits ruin it.
Why it is delicate
Silk loses a substantial proportion of its strength when wet, so it tears and stretches under load. Alkaline detergents, biological enzymes and chlorine bleach all attack the protein directly.
Heat sets creases permanently and dulls the surface, which is why a tumble dryer is the fastest way to ruin a silk item.
Hand washing
Cool water, a detergent made for silk or wool, and no soaking beyond a few minutes. Swirl rather than rubbing, wringing or scrubbing, and rinse thoroughly, since residue dulls the fabric.
A capful of white vinegar in the final rinse restores shine. Never use fabric softener.
Machine washing
Only where the label allows it — a delicates or silk cycle at thirty degrees or below, in a mesh bag, with a low spin. Wash silk separately, since zips and buttons snag it.
Drying
Roll in a towel to remove water, then dry flat or on a padded hanger away from direct sun and heat. Sunlight yellows and weakens silk.
Ironing
Slightly damp, on the reverse, on the lowest setting with no steam spitting onto the fabric. A pressing cloth is safer still.
Silk bedding
Wash pillowcases weekly like any other bedding, at thirty degrees on a delicate cycle with a silk detergent. Momme weight describes density, and a higher figure is more durable and heavier.
Use a zipped or envelope closure, since buttons and poppers snag.
Stains
Blot rather than rubbing, treat promptly with cool water, and take anything serious to a cleaner who handles silk. Never use stain removers containing bleach or enzymes.
Buying
Check the momme weight and whether the item is mulberry silk, and compare like with like, since price varies enormously with weight.
Travelling with silk
Silk packs small and creases, and hanging a garment in a steamy bathroom removes most of it. Roll rather than folding along the same lines every time, since repeated creases weaken the fibre.
Keep it away from suncream and insect repellent, which stain permanently.
Check the label before assuming an item is washable, since some silk is genuinely dry clean only.
Wash silk separately, since zips and buttons on other garments snag it.
Storing and wearing
Breathable cotton bags rather than plastic, away from damp. Apply perfume and deodorant before dressing, since both stain silk permanently.
Treat marks promptly and gently, since water itself can leave a ring.
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