HINTS & TIPS Silk

Silk. The very word implies softness, elegance, and luxury.

Silk was discovered in China more then 4,000 years ago and has been prized ever since for its many excellent qualities.

Silk is smooth and lustrous. The fiber is strong and elastic in relation to its fineness. Silk is fairly resistant to wrinkling, and is comfortable to wear because it is absorbent and dries rapidly. Silk releases soil readily, and accepts dyes and prints easily. It is adaptable to a variety of weaves and constructions, from sheer, whisper soft weaves to rich, heavily textured fabrics.

Although it is relatively strong for its apparent delicacy, silk does require some extra care to help it retain it's beauty. Taking a few precautions can prolong the life and pleasure of your silk garments.

Why "Dry-Clean Only"?

Dry-cleaning solvents do not affect silk, so this is the safest way to care for silk. Some of the dyes used on silk may bleed or fade in water, and the sizing the manufacture used to add body might dissolve. If the care label says "hand wash," use a mild detergent and be careful not to rub the silk while wet. Iron at a moderate "silk" setting.

Use Care in Tending to Spills

Since silk fibers are easily broken when wet, never attempt to remove a spill by rubbing. Instead, blot the are gently. If rubbing damages surface fibers, a permanent light area may appear. If you have already caused a light area on your garment by rubbing it, point it out to your dry cleaner. This damage can often be masked with a special treatment.

Beverage Stains

Beverages such as soft drinks, white wine and mixed drinks contain sugar. Spills may be colorless and disappear when they are dry, but later the sugar can cause yellow stains, especially if exposed to heat. Be sure to point out any such stains so they can be removed before dry-cleaning.

Protect From Perspiration

Perspiration contains salts that can damage the fabric if left to long. Perspiration turns alkaline on exposure to air. This can also damage silk. Have perspiration stains removed as soon as possible. If you perspire heavily, consider wearing underarm shields.

Chemical Damage

Some dyes used on silk will bleed or change color when exposed to alcohol. Allow perfumes and toiletries containing alcohol to dry before you dress, and remove spills from alcoholic beverages as soon as possible.

These dyes are also very sensitive to alkaline agents. Many facial soaps, shampoos, detergents, and even toothpaste are alkaline enough to cause color loss or change.

Chlorine bleach is also damaging and should never be used on silk.

Dry-Cleaning Your Silk

Your dry-cleaner can give your silk garments the very delicate care they need. Occasionally, however, even the dry-cleaner will have trouble with silks due to shortcomings in manufacture or preexisting problems.

These could include color variances in dyes, stains from fusible interfacing, or holes from chemical or insect damage.

When taking your silk garments to your dry-cleaner keep these things in mind:

• Take in a stained garment as soon as possible.
• Tell the dry-cleaner what the stain is, of possible.
• Be sure to point out unapparent spills, such as white wine or ginger ale.
• If there is a chafed are that has lost its color or luster, point this out so the dry-cleaner can give the item a special restoration bath.

Silk is beautiful, and with proper care it will give you lasting pleasure.

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