Silk

Treat It With Respect

Silk Is Beautiful ....

Ever since the Chinese cultivated silkworms 5 centuries ago, the thread of the silkworm has been a thing of beauty and the fabric considered a precious possession.

Silk requires special care to stay beautiful.

	Keep it in a cool, dark, dry place, where strong light cannot weaken and yellow the fabric or fade the dye.
	When ironing, a low setting is necessary.
	Never iron silk velvet, as the pile flattens and will be permanently damaged.
	Certain stains damage silk fibers and should be dry cleaned immediately after soiling.

Consumer Care

Perspiration Stains

Perspiration and deodorant combine to create one of the most common causes of discoloration and deterioration of silk fibers. The chloride salts in perspiration, if left untreated, cause the most damage to a perspiration stained garment. Perspiration should be removed as soon as possible by dry cleaning.

Use of underarm pads in silk and delicate garments help protect against perspiration damage. Prolonged contact with perspiration, deodorant and body oils can cause permanent staining.

Color Loss, Water Soluble Dye

Some dyes in prints on silk actually bleed when wet with water. This can cause shaded areas in the underarm due to a dye bleeding from the moisture of perspiration or the moisture of any water-soluble staining substance, such as a food stuff or beverage. Water and other wet additives are needed for the removal of these stains. This accepted use of water could cause additional dye bleeding. Manufacturer’s should use dyes in prints that are fast to water.

Color Loss Spillage, Perfume

Some dyes on silk will bleed when wet with solutions containing alcohol. Alcohol is found in perfume, cosmetics and alcoholic beverages. Allow perfumes, deodorants, etc., to dry before pressing.

Color loss from alcohol is usually permanent. Avoid direct contact with these substances, if possible.

Yarn Slippage

Silk is usually a sheer fabric. Loosely woven silks are more susceptible to yarn slippage. This is most likely to occur while the fabric is damp with moisture and exposed to strain. This usually occurs in the underarm, elbow or waist area. Do not purchase tight fitting, sheer silk garments.

Variance in Color Between Items

Your silk garment can be made of panels from several different bolts of material. Each bolt is treated with textile oils and dyes to obtain a desired shade.

Consequently, some finishes are soluble in solvent and produce a slight variance in depth of color after cleaning.

Stains from Fusibles

lnnerfacings are used to give the collar, pocket and trim stability and body. lnnerfacings are frequently attached with an adhesive-like substance, referred to in the industry as a ‘fusible”. The adhesive-like substance used on these fusibles are not always resistant to dry cleaning. When this happens, a series of dark spots will develop on the outer fabric. They are usually permanent. Only the manufacturer can control this by selecting proper fusibles when the garment is being constructed. Faulty garments should be returned to the retailer, who in turn should return them to his source of purchase.

Chafing in Home Spotting

Never attempt to remove a stain from your silk garment by rubbing with a damp cloth. This breaks the surface fibers very easily and can cause a permanent light area. Just blot the area, never rub.

Light Fading

Constant exposure to light, whether natural or artificial, will cause many brightly colored silks to fade to a lighter color. Light also tends to yellow and weaken silk. Do not select silk curtains for any windows that receive any degree of light exposure. Store your silks out of direct light exposure.

Chloride Damage

Silk is weakened by chloride salts. These are found in perspiration, as well as in some food stuffs and beverages and plain salt water (ocean spray). As the article is worn and stained, the chloride salt starts weakening the silk. If left long enough, holes will develop. If you perspire heavily, it may be advisable to wear a perspiration shield. If not possible, have your garment cleaned soon after staining has taken place. Rapid removal of the stains can prolong the life of your garment.

Beverage Stains

Prolonged contact with various soft drinks, fruit juices and mixed drinks, as well as coffee and tea, can develop into permanent yellow stains if they are not immediately removed. When first spilled, these substances are usually not visible. As they dry, they become more apparent and are more difficult to remove.

Dry cleaning makes your clothes last longer. Soil and stains left in a garment act as an abrasive and cause clothes to wear out.

Wear your silk with pride and leave the care of this precious fabric to your drycleaner, a member of the International Fabricare Institute (IFI). IFI is the trade association representing launderers and drycleaners around the world. Membership in IFI makes your cleaner an informed drycleaner, one who cares for your appearance. He keeps you well groomed using modern cleaning procedures.

With thanks to the International Fabricare Institute

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