YOU CAN WASH SILKS AT HOME If well cared for, silk products can become heirlooms. European women have grown up with silk & an intimate knowledge of its care. Our 'wash & wear' culture is misinformed on the care of silk and thus harbors a fear of it. Silk is a protein fibre, like hair. You should not do anything to silk you could not do to your hair. Two keys factors in determining if silk will wash at home; colour & construction. Bright/brilliant colours, dark colours & patterned silks are better left to the dry cleaner. Complicated construction, (lining & trim) are also candidates for dry cleaning. If your silk passes these two tests, it's still a good idea to dry clean the first two times. The steaming part of the process may help to set dyes, & promote any residual shrinkage. One advantage of sewing on your own lies in the fact that you can prewash your fabric. Bear in mind, shrinkage may occur. Washable silks include Crepe de Chine, Charmeuse, Broadcloth, Fuji, Noil, Habotai, and the popular Sueded or Sand-Washed Silks. Always dry clean crinkled, brocaded, hand-woven and dark/bright colours. (1) To help retain true colours, add 1/4 cup white vinegar to every two gallons of lukewarm/cold water. Wash with a soap compatible with silk, and squeeze to remove excess water. Never twist or wring. (2) Wash silk separately. Rinse with cool water SEVERAL times. Strong colours will appear to bleed. This excess dye normally ceases after a few washings. To help set dye, add a few shakes of salt to the final cold rinse. (3) Non-Sueded/Plain Silks: Roll in a towel to absorb moisture, hang to dry in a dark place. Iron on low temperature on wrong side of fabric while still damp. Sueded/Sand-Washed Silks: Hot dryer is recommended to bring up finish and softness. Keep in mind 5%-10% shrinkage will occur. Loose weaves may shrink 15%-20%. WHAT NOT TO DO (1) Never expose silk to strong direct sunlight. Silk will fade. (2) Never spray perfume or deodorant on silk. (3) Never soak silk in water for a long period of time.

YOU CAN WASH SILKS AT HOME-YOU CAN WASH SILKS AT HOME