Congratulations, if you recently purchased a silk item, your purchase is made from the finest fabric know ... Silk.

Irregularities and variations in weave of this fabric are characteristic and are not to be considered defective.

Your garment is best when dry cleaned either by the individual or bulk method if you wish to maintain the original characteristics of the fabric.

However, in most cases, it may also be washed with care.

The major exceptions being: taffeta, brocade, velvet, metallic, some chiffons, charmeuses, satins and crepes. These silks should be dry cleaned. On the other hand, may people will wash fabrics such as silk charmeuse because they wish to create a softer, duller look.

TO DRY CLEAN: Always tell the Dry Cleaner that your garment is made from silk so that it will not be placed in a vat with jeans and other garments that could harm your silk garment. Some Dry Cleaners use solutions that are not best for silks. Inquire first.

TO WASH: Wash in cool water. Use soap or a mild detergent (i.e. Ivory, Joy). Only a small amount of soap is needed as silk resists soiling. Rinse very well in cold water. Hang or lay flat to dry in shade. If pressing is required, press on wrong side of fabric. A low to moderate steam setting may be used or the fabric may be pressed while still damp (dry setting: low to medium). Use an all cotton ironing board cover.

To keep white silk white, add peroxide and ammonia to the wash. DO NOT USE BLEACH OR PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN BLEACH. To remove yellowing, add 3 or 4 tablespoons of white vinegar to a basin of cool water. Perspiration and sticky deodorant stains can be a problem with any fabric. They are not removable. Use small shields or a silk undershirt.

MACHINE WASH: Silks may be washed in a machine on gentle cycle providing that the machine is clean (free from soap and greese that could spot your silks) and that the manufacturer actually claims silks may be satisfactorily washed in their machine. Some people put their delicate silks in a mesh bag or an old pillow case loosly tieing the open end. Alway use a MILD DETERGENT or a small amount of SOAP. NOTE: If your silk garment has not been pre-washed some silks may shrink. Also, note that garments made with a combination of fabrics or that are highly detailed probably should not be machine washed. Check with the store where your purchased the item.

Care of Silks-Care of Silks