This is a sponsored guest post.
Silk is an expensive material, so you should take care of it properly, so it lasts a long time, and you get your money’s worth from it. Knowing that silk is a sound investment, you will do everything to keep it in good condition. Picking classic pieces will make them last beyond a specific season and fashion trend. If you are into sleeping in silk pyjama sets, you must wash them the correct manner so that the fabric does not age faster than it should. Besides washing your silk, how you store it will also have an impact on how long it lasts.
Hand wash vs. machine wash
When it comes to washing silk, it is best to wash it by hand. You get to control the pressure of the washing so that the silk’s lustre and shine remain even after a long time. Use a silk-friendly detergent too. Look at the label. Does it say it is safe for delicates? Then you have found the right soap for your silk clothing. Never, ever use bleach as it will surely damage the fabric. Here’s how to wash silk:
- Soak the garment for five minutes in cold water and silk-friendly detergent.
- Swirl the garment around the basin gently, and then rinse with water.
- To retain its soft feel, use a mild fabric conditioner and rinse with cold water.
- Do not wring it to remove excess water; instead, ball it together. Wringing will damage the fibres.
- Roll a towel on it and lay flat to dry.
Getting rid of creases and wrinkles
Using a handheld steamer is one of the most effective ways to clean and care for silk, according to the experts over at Wrinkle Free Steamer. It is best to use a steamer when getting rid of creases and wrinkles or hanging it in the bathroom when you take a hot bath. The steam from the water will do the job. But if you do not have a steamer, you can also use an iron with these tips:
- Put the iron on the lowest setting.
- Turn the garment inside out.
- Always put a cloth between the iron and the silk.
- Iron silk only when it’s completely dry.
- It is a no-no to spray water on the creases. Doing so will result in water stains.
Storing
If you don’t want to iron your silk garment, hang it in a cool, dry place. Keep in mind that silk creases easily, so don’t fold it or bunch it up for long periods. Also, ensure that it is clean and keep it in a fabric bag – not in a plastic bag, as it locks in moisture. For long-term storage, keep it away from direct sunlight, as it will fade the colour of the silk. It will also weaken the fibres. It can also attract moths, so store it with a mothball to keep moths away.
If you are unsure if you are handling and caring for your silk properly, taking it to the dry cleaners is the next best thing you can do. They will know how to clean silk, especially if we are talking about stubborn stains.
