Today’s Fabrics are More Versatile

Some silks should be dry cleaned but most can be hand-washed and, in fact, many silks look better and last longer when hand washed.

But beware, many inexpensive and poorly woven silks may fade, become stiff, change texture or lose their sheen when hand washed.

For routine hand washing of silks, soak the garment in lukewarm water and a mild soap solution or hair shampoo. Rinse in clear, cool water until all the soap is gone. Then fill the sink again and add a quarter cup of white vinegar to the final rinse. Vinegar neutralizes any remaining soap, and allows it to rinse out completely restoring the fabric's natural sheen, it can make a dramatic difference. Give the fabric a final rinse in clear, cool water to remove the vinegar smell.

Most linen items launder beautifully and wet cleaning is recommended because the more linen is washed, the softer, more absorbent and more luminous it becomes. Linen can be washed by hand or on the gentle cycle in a washing machine.

Use the right washing agents. Only oxygen-type bleaches should be used for white linen laundering, chlorine bleach can cause white linen to yellow. Wash darker-colored pieces and lighter-colored articles separately. When machine washing, put delicate or fringed items in a pillowcase or a net bag to reduce wear and tear.

Whether washing by hand or by machine, use cool or warm water, never hot!
All linen items need to be thoroughly rinsed in plenty of water to remove all soap, detergent and residual soil to prevent the formation of the so-called age spots due to the oxidation effect. Try a couple of tablespoons of cream rinse for your hair in the final rinse cycle. Linen is cellulose fiber and this can make linen more lustrous.

Drying Silk and Linen - Air Dry or Machine Dry?

For both linen and silk, you can either air dry or use the delicate, no heat setting on your dryer. Most people prefer to air dry to reduce the risk of shrinkage.

After rinsing thoroughly, roll up in a towel and squeeze - do not wring - to remove moisture, then dry flat on a towel or on a padded hanger. You can prevent stiffness by occasionally shaking the garments while they are drying.

You should never use direct sunlight to dry your silk garments as it can damage the fiber and fade the color. However, drying white linen in the sun helps retain the original bright white color.

Ironing Silk and Linen

Whatever drying method you choose - line drying, tumble drying or lying out on a terry towel - make sure your silk and linen articles are slightly damp before ironing. This will make your ironing job easier. Over-drying linen leads to the loss of the natural moisture content and makes the fabric brittle.

How much heat is too much? Before ironing any item, be sure that the hot shoe of your iron is clean, smooth and free of mineral deposits - they can cause brown spotting. Using distilled water in your steam iron will help prevent this.

When dried flat or hung, many silks will not need to be ironed. If needed, press your silk fabric inside out with a warm iron. Too much heat can dull, pucker, or burn your silk. Using a press cloth is also recommended. I use an old pillow case cut in half.

Ironing linen is a great deal easier if you do it when the linen is damp. Steam ironing dry linen is less effective and requires more effort.

For extra crispness spray the laundered items, especially napkins, with starch and iron at a medium to hot setting. If you prefer a softer look, use spray-on fabric sizing. In case of light-colored linens, iron on the wrong side first, then on the right side to bring out the sheen. Iron dark linens on the wrong side only. Pure linen can withstand the highest temperature setting on your iron. Use a press cloth to safeguard delicate lace and cutwork. A press cloth also helps to avoid press marks over seams, hems and pockets. When traveling, do not try to steam out wrinkles; wrinkles must be pressed out with a hot iron. Dampen the linen with a spray bottle first.

THE DRY CLEANING PROCESS

FACT OR MYTH

THE LIFE OF A DRESS SHIRT

SUMMER STAINS

A SEASON FOR DELICATES

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER WEDDING GOWN CLEANING

WATER-PROOFING SUEDE AND LEATHER

REMOVING TRICKY, STICKY STAINS

CLEANING WINDOW DRESSINGS

CARING FOR WOOL

WARM WEATHER STAINS

CLEANING DOWN

CARING FOR YOUR SWEATERS

PROPER CARE OF LEATHER AND SUEDE BEGINS AT HOME