There is hardly a nobler fabric than silk. Unfortunately, expensive silk is also very delicate. Read the latest blog to find out what you need to consider when washing silk.
The precious silk fabric is woven from the fine threads that the silkworm produces itself 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, the delicate fabric must be handled with care. Like all natural fibers, 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, as the rays can attack the fibers.
If you want to put the silk in the washing machine, be sure to follow the care instructions on the label, as some silk textiles also need to be dry-cleaned. Others, however, can be machine washed at 60 degrees.
Washing laundry by hand
Hand washing is of course the gentlest method. Fill a bowl or your sink with lukewarm water, no warmer than 30 degrees. Add some silk detergent and leave the fabric to soak for three to five minutes. Move the fabric gently from time to time and avoid squeezing or pulling, as this can damage the fibers. Rinse the fabric with cold, clear water and gently squeeze it out. Adding a dash of vinegar to the rinse will remove any soap and limescale residue from the fabric and make it shine.
Washing silk in the machine
If the label allows it, silk can be put in the drum in a laundry bag. This prevents fibers from getting caught in the washing machine. Always use the delicate wash program with a maximum of 30 degrees and a short wash time. If you do, only spin the clothes briefly and then wrap them in a dry towel and hang them up to dry - or put them on the TUBIE ironing machine, as this dries and irons silk very gently with warm air.
Drying silk
Silk should never be put in the tumble dryer as it does not tolerate heat. It is best to simply hang it up, as fine garments dry quickly anyway. Simply wrap heavy textiles in a towel, but do not wring them out as wet fibers can break. Then hang up. Avoid direct sunlight at all costs when drying, as this can make the silk brittle and fade.
Ironing silk
As already mentioned, the gentlest way to iron silk clothing is on our TUBIE shirt iron with warm air at approx. 50 degrees. If you do need to use an iron, then it is essential 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 fine thread - Your TUBIE ironing machine team
Photo: Pixabay