Care for Silk

CARE OF GARMENTS MADE FROM PURE SILK

Silk garments are easiest to have dry-cleaned, but they can also be hand washed at home, provided the following principles are observed:

WASHING

Wash by hand. Silk must never be washed in an automatic washing machine!
Never spin it in a spin dryer or dry it in a tumble dryer.
Soak it in lukewarm water with a neutral-pH detergent intended for silk (or hair shampoo) for approximately 5 minutes and gently wash.
Do not leave silk soaking in water for a long time.
Do not use chlorine bleach to clean silk.
Rinse in cold water; you may add a little white vinegar.
Do not use fabric softener; it can damage the structure of the fabric.
Do not wring by twisting; only gently press the water out, ideally with the help of a towel.
Do not use a dryer.
Lay it flat on a dry towel or hang it as straight as possible and let it air dry.
Do not hang it on drying racks with uneven, rusty, or color-unstable surfaces.
Do not leave it to dry in the sun (silk will fade) or on heating appliances.

IRONING

Iron at the temperature setting for "Silk", through an old thin cotton cloth or towel. Iron from the reverse side while still damp. Do not additionally sprinkle with water while ironing; "water marks" will form on the fabric. Never iron directly with steam.

STAINS

What to do about some stains? Act quickly! If possible, rinse immediately with cold water.

Fresh sweat stains can be washed out or dabbed with water with one tablespoon of ammonia dissolved in a cup of water; older stains can be removed with a solution of water and white vinegar.

Grease stains can be removed with talcum powder. Sprinkle powder on the stains, place the fabric between absorbent paper, and iron over it. Then wash.

Remove blood by immersing the fabric in cold water, then gently washing it with a silk detergent in cold water, or remove it with ammonia in an aqueous solution.

Remove deodorant by rinsing in cold water, then use a sponge to wipe the stains with a solution of ammonia and water.

Remove lipstick with a piece of adhesive tape: press it over the stain and quickly pull it off. Remove the remaining color with powder and absorbent paper.

Clean make-up by rubbing alcohol-based facial lotion into the stain and then washing.

WEARING AND STORAGE

Avoid mechanical rubbing against jewelry, belts, buckles, zippers, or zippered pockets.

Substances containing alcohol can also damage silk fabric. Therefore avoid direct contact of perfumes and hairsprays with silk clothing.

If you use self-tanning creams, do not put on a silk garment for at least 8 hours.

For long-term storage, ensure that air can reach silk fabrics.

Avoid storing them in plastic packaging. It traps moisture and can cause yellowing or mold.

Silk, like other natural fibers, is attacked by clothes moths, so silk should be protected with suitable products or simply with dried lavender in a small pouch.