Silk garments, from high-end designer labels or neckties to everyday silk casual wear, are very popular among men and women. We know because we clean a lot of silk garments, from ties to dresses, and wraps to blouses. Silk drapes, looks and feels great, but, like other fabrics, it can wear, stain, and fade. Here are the five most common questions we get on silk care.
- In an emergency, should I use club soda to treat the stain?
There is nothing special about club soda as a stain remover agent. If you are attempting any do-it-yourself stain treatment just remember – BLOT, DON’T RUB. Silk will chafe or develop light areas if rubbed while wet. Bring your garment to us ASAP.
- How do I care for silk every day?
- Apply perfume, cologne, deodorant, and hair spray before dressing to prevent color loss and staining.
- Exercise caution when using household products.
- Never use chlorine bleach or products containing chlorine on silk.
- Store garments in a dark area.
- Should I dry clean or wash my silks?
We know that silk responds well to dry cleaning. Washing silk at home may work, however, we’ve seen shrinkage, limpness, and considerable fading on silk clothes that have been cleaned by customers at home. Follow the manufacturer’s care label instructions and remember that in most cases, anything that can be washed at home can also be safely dry cleaned.
- I washed it at home and now look at it. Can you help me?
Some ‘washable’ silk dyes do not react well to water. Often times bright colors fade or multi-colored dyes will bleed together. We see these most when light and darker dyed fabrics are combined. At Flair, we routinely double check colorfastness before beginning any cleaning process. Restoring damaged silk is difficult, and most improvements are only temporary.
- Can you get the underarm stains out?
Our expert cleaners know how to address this problem but, sometimes perspiration and other conditions of wear can result in permanent color changes.
Contact with chloride salts, which in addition to perspiration, are present in many beverages, foods, and medicines, weaken silk. The most common type of chloride damage is the result from perspiration or contact with an antiperspirant.
At Flair, we have the experience and knowledge to carefully clean all of your silk garments. If you have a question, bring in your garment, we’ll take a look and let you know the best course of action.
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