How to Care for Silk
Since ancient times, silk has been used in daily life and ceremonies in Thailand, with wearers often donning sarongs or draping silk over the shoulder. Traditional wisdom for cleaning silk has persisted through the ages. Some methods, such as washing silk clothes with coconut water or rubbing onion on stains before washing, are still effective. Even today, silk can be sewn into modern clothing, and silk garments can still be cleaned at home.
Basic Recommendations: Starting with the Silk Shop
When purchasing new silk before sewing, it is recommended to clean it first to remove dust and residual dye. Soak the silk fabric in clean water mixed with salt and gently wash it. Some silk from stores is pre-washed and treated, which means it can be sewn immediately.
The washing method for silk is similar to washing other garments—dark and light-colored fabrics should be washed separately. Before washing, make sure that the detergent is completely dissolved in water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap, as residue can cause a dull yellow color on the fabric.
There are a few additional precautions for silk: do not use hot or warm water as it causes silk to shrink and wrinkle. Avoid soaking silk in detergent for a long time, scrubbing with a brush, or twisting the fabric. Instead, gently squeeze out the water. Wash quickly with gentle rubbing, and allow it to air dry. This will help maintain the color, softness, shine, and stability of the fabric.
Removing Stains from Silk Before Washing
Before attempting to remove any stains, test the stain remover on a small area first. Avoid using liquids that may alter the fabric color. Natural substances like vinegar or lemon juice work well on silk stains. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, wipe the stain, then rinse with clean water before drying.
Tips to Maintain the Shine and Bright Colors of Silk
After washing silk, soak it for 1-2 minutes in water mixed with distilled vinegar (about 1 tablespoon of vinegar per 12 liters of water). Rinse with clean water, gently squeeze out excess water, and let it air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. For those who like the scent and softness, silk can also be soaked in fabric softener or silk conditioner.
Ironing Silk at Home
Many prefer to dry clean silk garments, following the label "dry cleaning only." However, if you wish to avoid dry cleaning agents, you can wash silk garments yourself, either by hand or machine. Understanding the nature of silk helps ensure proper care and effective cleaning.
Laundry Detergent for Silk
Baby bath soap—whether liquid or bar soap—is the best choice for washing silk clothes. Shampoo or mild multi-purpose liquid soap with neutral or slightly acidic pH also works well. Do not use standard detergent or bleach, as most detergents have strong stain-removing properties that can damage silk. Bleach, even in small amounts, can reduce silk's shine and cause decay.
For those interested in purchasing silk for luxury dressmaking, you can browse our products at www.silkket.com. Our store offers a variety of plain colored silk, Mudmee pattern silk, and local silk in numerous shades, all with meticulous quality crafted by expert technicians.
Our store is proud to contribute to preserving this beautiful culture. Contact the Chap Mai store team for assistance in choosing products and additional advice via LineOA: @chobmai.
Source: Sericulture Department Celebrate His Majesty the King
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