Silk is a soft, lustrous fiber taken from the cocoon of the silkworm. Silk garments are delicate and can be easily damaged. Read the care label in your garments. Some lightweight silks are hand washable in cool water with a mild detergent. Rinse several times to remove suds and never wring to remove water. Wringing can break the fibers. Dry flat.
Professional cleaning is recommended for heavier and structured silk garments.
Extremely high temperatures when ironing can scorch silk. The scorching or yellowing occurs as the fibers begin to burn. Burned fibers cannot be revived.
Since silk is made of protein, it will dissolve in chlorine bleach. Even dilute solutions of chlorine bleach will cause permanent yellowing, color loss and weakening of silk. All stain removal products should be tested in an inconspicuous spot. For best results, take a stained silk garment to a professional dry cleaner.
