Story of Silk

WASHING SILK

Some silks are washable, for others dry-cleaning is recommended. If in doubt check with the store where you bought the fabric or garment.
Do not wash Silk goods if the colours are not fast.  Before washing test for colourfastness. Wet a small piece of the fabric in cool water and then lay it on a piece of white material. Press it with a warm iron. If it leaves no colour or hardly any mark on the white fabric, then you can safely wash it. Normally silk is best washed by hand with a mild detergent in lukewarm water.
Never soak, boil, bleach or wring Silk or leave it crumpled in a towel. Do not let Silk become too dirty before washing, as hard rubbing damages the fibres.
These days washing machines often have a programme for washing delicate articles at a temperature of 30° - 40°. Provided great care is taken and the above recommendations are followed, many Silk articles can be successfully washed by machine.
DRYING

When Drying silk, rinse well, squeeze out surplus moisture by rolling in a towel and hang to dry, and keep out of direct sunlight to avoid fading and discolouration.
IRONING

Press on the wrong side with a warm iron.
Slubbed fabrics and crepes and most wild Silks should be pressed when dry and others when slightly (and evenly) damp. Finish off lightly on the right side.
When pressing Silk with a rib or slub, use a pressing cloth, otherwise the Silk may become fluffy.
Do not press with steam or re-damp the Silk locally, as water staining may occur. If the Silk water-stains, then dip the garment in warm water for 2-3 minutes, dry and re-iron.
STORING SILK

Moths will attack silk, as well as wool. Store your silk clothing appropriately. As with all fine fabrics, if you plan to store for a long time, you will do best to store in a cotton pillowcase or otherwise surround the silk with a fabric that can breathe. Avoid storing in plastic since this can trap moisture, which can lead to yellowing or the accumulation of mildew.