How to wash and care for silk
Silk is a very special natural fibre. Long considered a luxury fibre, it is sometimes referred to as the "queen of fabrics". Silk is the only natural filament fibre and is soft, lustrous, shiny, and smooth to the touch.
Wash
Silk is best hand washed with a specialist detergent in lukewarm water, without soaking as this can release some dye. Rinse the silk garment without wringing.
Machine wash silk at 30°C or lower, on a low spin using a small amount of liquid detergent. A mesh bag can help protect silk garments from snagging or twisting too much in the washer.
Dry
To dry, lay the silk garment on a towel and roll up the towel to absorb excess moisture. Then lay flat on a drying rack or hang to air dry. Avoid hanging silk, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape.
Store
Store silk items in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Characteristics of silk
- Smooth and drapes with a graceful flow
- One of the strongest natural fibres, stronger than cotton and linen
- Wrinkle resistant
- Light-catching
- Poor conductor of heat
- Fades and weakens under continuous sunlight and sweat