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Noble sensitivity: how to wash silk without ruining it
22.12.2023
Translation: machine translated
Silk is light as a feather, supple, breathable - and very delicate. Care must therefore be taken when washing, drying and ironing. Here's how to do it right.
Silk is one of the finest textiles. The animal fibre is obtained in a complex process from the cocoons of silk-spinning insects and consists mainly of protein. The natural fibre feels great to wear, has a temperature-regulating effect and, like wool, can absorb up to 30 per cent of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet. Of course, there is another catch: the material is extremely delicate. With a little know-how and sensitivity, you can care for your silk items without any textile accidents. Here's a guide.
Hand wash, machine wash or dry clean?
When it comes to delicate silk, it is all the more important to check the care label. Some silk fabrics shrink on contact with water and therefore require dry cleaning. Otherwise, hand washing is usually recommended. In this case, you should soak the garment in cold water for a maximum of five minutes and move it gently back and forth. Avoid rubbing and wringing at all costs.
With the blessing of the care label, silk can also be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Many modern models even have a silk wash programme. Under no circumstances should you exceed the recommended temperature and spin speed of 30 degrees and 800 revolutions per minute respectively. Even better are 20 degrees and a spin speed of 600. A laundry net offers additional protection against friction.
And whether hand or machine washing: use products that are explicitly suitable for silk. Conventional detergents contain additives and enzymes that can attack the protein fibres and make them dull and brittle in the long term. Also avoid fabric softener. It leaves behind unsightly residues.
Ironing + Laundry care accessories
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Brabantia Laundry protection bag 3 pieces, White
Dry and iron gently
Silk is sensitive to heat and friction - so it should never be tumble dried. After washing, hang the garment on a hanger to dry or, even better, lay it flat to dry. This will prevent the fabric from warping. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can bleach the fabric. If the clothes are very wet after the wash cycle, you can roll them up in a dry towel and carefully squeeze them out before air drying.
You should iron your silk garment inside out at a low to medium temperature - ideally while it is still damp. When steaming, you should make sure that your appliance does not spit large droplets. Silk quickly develops unsightly stains and water marks if it comes into contact with water unevenly. As it is relatively crease-resistant, it is often sufficient to hang it up in the bathroom during a hot shower. The water vapour gently smoothes out light creases.
Airing instead of washing
This all sounds pretty complicated and time-consuming. But the good news is that natural fibres are dirt-repellent and therefore don't need to be washed often. So skip a few washes and air out your silk item in the fresh air instead. This will save you time and also protect the fibres.
Cover photo: Cottonbro Studio via Pexels
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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