Discover our expert techniques for maintaining and cleansing luxurious silk, ensuring your Clù pieces stand the test of time.
How to wash silk:
As you may know, silk comes in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics. Some are more delicate than others and require gentle care, while others can withstand machine or hand washing. It's essential to know the type of silk you have and how to care for it properly. Some types can be cleaned by machine, while others need to be hand-washed or dry cleaned. There are also some silk fabrics that don't support water, and it's crucial to follow the care instructions on the label to avoid damaging the fabric.
Handle with Care
When it comes to washing silk, it's essential to avoid harsh powder detergents and bleach that can damage the delicate fibers. Instead, opt for a laundry product that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
Handle with Warmth
Silk fibers are sensitive to heat, and hot water can damage the fabric. It's important to clean silk with lukewarm water, which is gentle on the fibers. When washing your art-as-scarf, let it sit for five minutes in lukewarm water, then rinse it gently.
No Spinning, Please!
Silk fibers are fragile and can be easily damaged. Do not attempt to wring out excess water from your silk garment by twisting it or using a washing machine. Instead, gently sponge the fabric by placing it between two towels. To dry it, lay the garment flat on a drying rack, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources, such as radiators, as this can cause color changes or leave marks.
Ironing with Care
Iron silk while it's still damp, using a low-temperature setting. Turn the garment inside out and iron gently from top to bottom to avoid pulling on the fibers. Once you've finished ironing, hang your garment to dry completely.
Ironing silk requires special care. Most irons nowadays have a special silk setting but, in case yours does not, make sure to always set the iron at a low temperature and glide on still-damp fabric. To avoid pulling on a fiber, turn your garment over so that the label is facing out and iron gently from top to bottom. Once ironing is finished, place your garment on a hanger to let it dry completely.
To maintain the quality of your art-as-scarf piece, it is advisable to avoid ironing it whenever possible. If your art-as-scarf is not excessively wrinkled, an effective alternative is to hang it on a clothes hanger and allow gravity to naturally work out any minor wrinkles. This method will help prevent any damage to the delicate fibers of the silk and keep your art piece looking its best.