There is hardly a more precious fabric than silk. Unfortunately, expensive silk is also very delicate. Read the current blog to find out what you need to bear in mind when washing it.
The precious silk fabric is woven from the fine threads that the silkworm itself produces and uses to spin its cocoon. Silk feels pleasantly cool, light and supple on the skin. To keep it that way for a long time, you have to treat the delicate fabric with care. Like all natural fibres, silk can clean itself to a certain extent. Sometimes it is enough to simply hang fine silk clothing out to air - but not in the sun, because the rays can attack the fibres.
If the silk is to be put in the washing machine, be sure to follow the care instructions on the label, because some silk textiles must also be dry-cleaned. Others, however, may be machine washed at 60 degrees.
Washing laundry by hand
Thegentlest way is, of course, hand washing. Fill a bowl or your sink with lukewarm water, no warmer than 30 degrees. Add some silk detergent and let the fabric soak for three to five minutes. Gently move the fabric from time to time, avoiding pushing or pulling as this can damage the fibres. Rinse the fabric with cold, clear water and gently squeeze. If you add a dash of vinegar to the rinse, it will dissolve residual soap and lime from the fabric and make it shine.
Machine wash silk
If the label allows, silk may be put into the drum in a laundry bag. This prevents fibres from getting caught in the washing machine. Be sure to use the delicate wash programme with a maximum of 30 degrees and a short wash time. If necessary, spin the garment only briefly and then wrap it in a dry towel and hang it up to dry - or pull it onto the TUBIE ironing machine, because it dries and irons silk very gently with warm air.
Drying silk
Under no circumstances should silk be put in the dryer, as it does not tolerate heat. It is best to simply hang them up, as fine garments dry quickly anyway. Wrap heavy textiles in a towel, but do not wring them out as wet fibres can break. Then hang up. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight when drying, as this can make the silk brittle and fade it.
Silk ironing
As already mentioned, silk garments are ironed most gently on our TUBIE shirt iron with warm air at approx. 50 degrees. If you do need to use the iron, make sure to iron damp and inside out. Under no circumstances should you sprinkle the silk with water, as this can cause stains. You can also place a damp cloth in between.
Have fun with the noble thread - Your TUBIE Ironing Machine Team
Photo: Pixabay