Mulberry silk, the epitome of luxury and elegance, demands a touch of finesse when it comes to care. Here’s your definitive guide to maintaining the splendour of your mulberry silk garments, ensuring they remain as exquisite as the day you first wore them.
Wear and Wash
In our fast-paced lives, it’s tempting to toss everything into the washing machine. However, mulberry silk requires a more delicate approach. Sweat can turn yellow on any fabric, but it’s particularly unforgiving on silk. The "delicate" mulberry silk is not alkali-resistant, and once it leaves sweat stains that cannot be rinsed out, it’s practically unwearable. Therefore, it’s best to remove and wash your mulberry silk garments immediately after wearing them, before sweat has a chance to dry and leave marks. If you haven’t sweated much, a simple rinse with water will suffice.
Hand Wash Whenever Possible
Hand washing is the gentlest method for cleaning mulberry silk. Use a soft touch, even when dealing with stains. Mulberry silk is sensitive to alkalinity, so avoid common laundry detergents and soaps, which are typically alkaline. Instead, opt for a weakly acidic shampoo, which contains decontaminating ingredients. Adding a few drops of white vinegar to the water can help keep the silk smooth and lustrous.
For stubborn stains, resist the urge to scrub vigorously. Apply a bit more shampoo directly to the stain and gently press with your thumb and forefinger, repeating the process until the stain lifts.
Machine Wash with Caution
Contrary to popular belief, you can machine wash mulberry silk, provided your washing machine has a delicate or fine wash setting. Use a laundry bag to protect the fabric. It’s best to use a professional silk cleaning solution, which is typically low-foaming. Don’t be tempted to add more detergent if you don’t see much foam; the water should feel lubricated when the cleaning solution is added.
Remember, rinsing and spinning should be done by hand. Avoid twisting the fabric; instead, press the water out gently with both hands.
Drying
Mulberry silk is not resistant to high temperatures, and exposure to sunlight will cause it to fade. Therefore, it should never be left to dry in the sun after washing. The best method is to hang it in a dark, well-ventilated place and let it air dry. The gentle breeze will help the silk hang without wrinkles, preserving its smooth texture.
Storage
Mulberry silk is incredibly soft, but it does have a tendency to wrinkle. When storing mulberry silk garments, avoid folding them. If you have enough space in your wardrobe, hang the silk clothes separately. If space is limited, you can roll up the silk garments and store them to prevent wrinkles.
If your silk clothes do get wrinkled, you can iron them at a low temperature or rinse them with clean water and let the weight of the water help them dry without wrinkles. It’s important to note that you should never use mothballs when storing mulberry silk. High-quality mulberry silk products are naturally insect-resistant and antibacterial, so additional insect control products are unnecessary. The main ingredient in mothballs, naphthalene, can denature silk and make it fragile. Similarly, avoid using camphor wood boxes for storage.
How to Wear and Handle Silk
How you wear and handle mulberry silk can also affect its longevity. There’s no shortcut to maintaining mulberry silk: try to keep it clean. When dining out, if you’re wearing mulberry silk, it’s best to place a napkin on your lap to protect your garment.
Craftsmen who work with silk and embroidery take great care of their hands, ensuring they are soft and free from roughness or broken nails. This is because mulberry silk is easily scratched. When wearing mulberry silk, make sure your hands are smooth and avoid friction from other materials. Avoid wearing jackets with rough fibres over mulberry silk, and try to carry backpacks rather than wearing them diagonally to prevent friction.
By following these steps, you can ensure your mulberry silk garments remain in pristine condition, ready to dazzle on any occasion.
If your budget allows, investing in mulberry silk clothing is truly worthwhile. Don’t be deterred by the thought of high maintenance. With proper care, as outlined in this guide, your mulberry silk garments can last for many years, maintaining their luxurious feel and appearance.
