YOUNGIDEAS how to care for silk Caring for silk can seem more daunting than it actually is. As always, read the care label carefully and proceed using those recommendations. How to wash silk in a washing Common mistakes when machine: washing silk: 1. Turn your silk garments 1. Never spot treat silk fabric as inside out and place in a mesh the colour can fade or lighten bag to offer protection inside in the affected area - leaving the machine. When the cycle you with irreversible damage. is done, quickly take the items Dark or unsightly stains should out and hang to dry to reduce be taken to professional wrinkles. cleaners. 2. Use your washing machine’s 2. Any products that consist of most delicate cold cycle - chlorine bleach should never preferably 30°C – as silk 昀椀bres be used on silk as this can lead 86 85 are not fans of heat. Add a to permanent discolouration. mild detergent and remember to opt for a low speed spin. How to dry silk: If your machine has a hand 1. Dry silk garments on a wash cycle this should do the hanger as clothes pegs can job. mark the fabric. How to hand wash silk: 2. If the care label suggests 1. Using lukewarm water with a the garment can be ironed, mild detergent, soak your silk use a low temperature setting Delicates such as lingerie can garments for approximately and iron the silk while damp. be treated similarly to silk. 昀椀ve minutes and then rinse in However, always follow the Wash by hand or use a very a separate bowl of cool water. care guide instructions as delicate machine wash cycle 2. Do not wring the silk after most silk cannot be ironed. hand washing. Instead, lay 3. Avoid drying your silk in before air-drying naturally to your item 昀氀at and press the direct sunlight as this can keep shape and elasticity. water out with a clean soft cause yellowing and weaken towel. the 昀椀bres. CLOTHESCARE