How to Care For Silk Clothing

Silk fabrics are beautiful and can be used in a variety of ways. They can be worn as clothing, accessories, bedding and more.
The benefits of silk fabric include its softness, lustrous sheen and flexibility. It also wicks moisture away and can keep you cool in the summer and warm in winter.
A natural material, silk is created by insects including silkworms and weaver ants that nest on mulberry trees. It's an eco-friendly choice because it doesn't use chemicals and dyes that could harm the environment.

What's more, the sericin residue of silk is a natural repellent that keeps out bacteria, dust mites and moulds.
How to care for silk garments
To clean silk, always use detergents and stains removers that are clearly labelled as safe for silk fabric. Silk garments are delicate and can become misshapen if they're soaked in water, so it's important to wash them separately from other items or dry clean them.
When hand-washing silk, it's best to use cold water with a small amount of a gentle liquid laundry detergent. Be careful not to scrub as this can damage the fibers.
Stored properly, silk will last a long time without losing its luster or causing stains. However, dirt and natural oils can build up as it sits or hangs in storage, so periodically check your clothing to make sure it's completely clean.
If you have an expensive piece of silk, it's a good idea to get it professionally cleaned when necessary. The dry cleaners' solvents are stronger and can remove stains that hand-washing may not.