Tuesday, January 26, 2010

How to Clean Silk Shirts

Silk is a delicate natural fabric that many love as it feels soft and comfortable against the skin. Because silk is so delicate, often a silk shirt's label indicates it should either be dry cleaned or hand-washed only. In most cases, even if the label indicates the shirt can be machine-washed, this fabric will last longer if you wash it gently by hand or by dry-cleaning. No matter how you choose to clean it, there are important facts you should know so you don't damage that precious silk shirt.

1. Fill a plastic bucket or a sink with warm water. Add a few drops of a mild laundry soap or a mild shampoo. Texere Silk, a wholesaler and retailer of handpainted silk suggests using any mild soap or shampoo that is non-alkaline, as well as adding a spoonful of borax if you have hard water

2. Place the silk shirt in the water and move it around a bit in the water to loosen soil from the shirt.

3. Rinse it completely with clean, warm water. If you clean your silk shirt in a sink or tub and have a sprayer on hand, you can rinse it by gently holding the shirt up with one hand and spraying it down with the other. Otherwise, hold the shirt under a running faucet.

4. Hang the silk shirt on a plastic hanger to dry. Don't use wood hangers, warns Texere Silk, as wood dyes or finishes may damage the fabric. In addition, do not dry the shirt under sunlight.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Silk------the mere word creates a vision of cascading softness and elegance, but its popularity goes beyond luxury. Like other natural fibers, silk breathes, making it the perfect choice for any season. Its fibers dye beautifully, producing bright colors rarely seen in other fabrics. Silk has many characteristics depending on its construction. It can be delicate or heavyweight, smooth or nubby.

Silk's Many Faces------ CHARMEUSE. When we think of silk, this is the fabric that often comes to mind. The fabric back is a flattened crepe while the front is a shimmery satin weave. With its drape, charmeuse works well for blouses, scarves and lingerie. Look for patterns that are loose and flowing or have soft gathers, but avoid pleats as the fabric is too soft to hold folds. Use a “with nap” pattern layout to prevent color variation.