CARING FOR YOUR SILK

Silk sarees are elegant masterpieces that hold a special place in our hearts. They are delicate compared to other fabrics in our wardrobe, and hence, require extra care to maintain their beauty and longevity. Here are some tips to take care of your silk sarees:

1. Wash them in cold water using mild detergents and avoid using harsh brushes or bristles. If there is a stubborn mark, dry cleaning is the best option.
2. Dry them in the shade, avoiding direct heat and sunlight. Air dry them naturally and avoid using dryers.
3. Store them separately in a muslin cloth or cotton bag, away from direct sunlight and damp places.
4. Change the folds of the silk sarees every few months to avoid fraying and permanent fold marks.
5. Use napthalene balls or silica gel pads to prevent bugs and fungal growth.
6. Steam iron the sarees using low heat and a muslin cloth to protect the fabric.

Here are some additional tips that may help with your handloom silk:

1. Dry Clean Only: Handloom silk should be dry cleaned to avoid shrinkage, discoloration, and damage to the fabric.
2. Avoid Hanging: Handloom silk garments should be laid flat or folded to avoid stretching or pulling of the fabric.
3. Rotate your collection: rotate your collection of handloom silk garments to ensure they get equal wear and tear, which helps prolong the life of the fabric.

By following the tips provided such as Dry Clean Only, Avoid Hanging, Rotating your collection, Store Properly, Avoid Hot Water and Harsh Detergents, Iron Carefully, you can ensure that your silk sarees remain fresh and new for years to come. It's important to remember that silk is a delicate and luxurious fabric that requires proper care to maintain its beauty and longevity. By taking the time to properly care for your silk sarees, you can ensure that they remain a cherished part of your wardrobe for many years to come. Remember, silk is a timeless investment that you won't regret making.

SILK FABRIC CARE: Handwashing Silk

Silk is a luxurious and delicate fabric that requires special care to maintain its beauty and integrity.  Handwashing silk is a simple process that can be done at home and ensures that your silk garments and accessories will last for a long time.

Before handwashing silk, it is important to check the care label on the garment to ensure that it is safe to wash. Some silk garments may be dry clean only, while others may be hand washable. If the label states that the garment is hand washable, then it is safe to proceed with washing it.

To handwash silk, you will need a mild detergent specifically designed for silk, lukewarm water and a clean sink or basin. Fill the sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent, making sure to follow the instructions on the detergent package. Gently agitate the water to create suds, then add the silk garment to the water. Use your hands to gently massage the detergent into the fabric, being careful not to rub or wring the silk.

It is important to avoid using hot water or bleach on silk, as these can damage the fibers and cause discoloration. It is also important to avoid exposing silk to direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.

Once the silk has been washed, it should be rinsed thoroughly in lukewarm water to remove all traces of detergent. Make sure to rinse the silk until the water runs clear and there are no suds remaining. Do not wring or twist the silk, as this can cause creasing and damage to the fibers.

After rinsing, the silk should be gently squeezed to remove excess water. It can then be laid flat on a clean towel to dry. Avoid hanging silk garments to dry, as this can cause stretching and warping. It's best to let the garment dry naturally, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Once the silk is dry, it can be ironed on a low heat setting, using a pressing cloth to protect the fabric. Be sure to iron on the wrong side of the fabric to avoid any shine or damage to the surface of the silk.

Handwashing silk is a simple and effective way to care for your silk garments and accessories. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your silk will stay looking beautiful and luxurious for a long time.

It's also good to note that not all silk garments are the same, some silk may require more delicate care than others. Avoid using fabric softener and spot cleaning with water, as it may cause discoloration or shrinkage.

Another important step in silk care is to store it correctly, silk should be folded and stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and other sources of heat and moisture. A silk garment bag or acid-free tissue paper is perfect for storing silk.

In summary, handwashing silk is a way to care for your silk garments and accessories. It is important to check the care label on the garment to ensure that it is safe.  While handwashing can be generally considered for cleaning silk, there are certain exceptions such as heavily soiled or stained items, items with special finish or treatment applied to it, items with embellishments and large items like silk bedding and curtains, in these cases it's best to seek professional cleaning services.

Why Silk shrinks

Silk shrinkage occurs due to the way the individual silk fibers are twisted together when weaving. Silk fibers, being a protein, do not shrink on their own. However, when yarns are highly twisted and weaves are loose, the twisting energy in the fibers is released when the silk comes in contact with water, causing the fabric to shrink. It is similar to how a rubber band bunches up when its length is reduced after being twisted. Ready-to-wear silk garments often shrink because manufacturers don't take the extra step of washing the fabric before construction to prevent shrinkage.