Caring for Linen
- Linen is washable, but it can shrink if it has not been pre-shrunk by the manufacturer. Always check the care label attached to the garment before laundering.
- If machine washing linens, use warm water and a short, gentle cycle.
- Separate colors before washing. Many linens may bleed.
- Dry linen garments on a clothing rack or hanger.
- Have all pieces of your linen outfits drycleaned at the same time to avoid color discrepancies.
- When pressing, use a high temperature with a spray mist or damp cloth.
- If your linens have been treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish, use a lower setting on your iron.
Caring for Silk
- Silk is a widely used fiber in men’s and women’s apparel. In today’s markets, silk is often used in both high-end designer wear as well as casual wear. It may be dyed various colors, from the darkest black to brilliant reds, fuchsia, and yellow.
- For best results, follow the care label on your silks. Don’t dry clean your “washable” silk unless the care label specifies that dry cleaning also is acceptable.
- Have all parts of an outfit cleaned at the same time to maintain a uniform appearance.
- Never use bleach-it permanently damages silk.
- Allow perfume, deodorant, and hair spray to dry before dressing and remove spills from alcoholic beverages as quickly as Alcohol can cause dye bleeding and discoloration.
- Use caution with household products. Alkaline products such as facial soaps, shampoos, detergents, and even toothpastes can cause color loss or change on silk. If contact occurs, talk to your dry cleaner promptly about the possibility of restoration.
- Store your silk garments in closets or away from light sources. Most colors used on silk fabric can eventually fade from such exposure.
Information courtesy of DryCleaning & Laundry Institute.