Silk Gown Care Tips

We are always asked the best way to treat and care for silk gowns. When we came across these silk care tips, we felt it would be beneficial to share them with the world! When in doubt, always seek a professional.

First of all, did you know that Silk is a protein fiber and similar to human hair? Remembering this will help you when you think about the care and also cleaning it.
To prolong the beauty and life of silk garments, follow these simple guidelines in use and care:

1. Avoid extreme changes in temperature.

2. Since it is a delicate fabric strong detergents will harm the fibers and cause it to lose its silky properties.

3. Do not expose to direct sunlight as it will discolour a white garment and fade if it is coloured.

4. Silk has a natural elasticity which does not hold creases well. Therefore, if you hang your garment many of the creases will fall out naturally. Alternatively press with a dry iron on a silk setting, preferably while the garment is still a little damp. Steam can be used on heavier silks but could cause puckering and shrinkage on finer fabrics.

5. Use care when dressing and grooming to avoid staining silk items. Silk fabric is easily damaged by alcohol-based products such as hair spray, perfumes and chemical products such as nail polish remover. Apply perfume and hair spray before putting on a silk garment as the mist from such products may cause stains.

6. Once dressed, cover the garment with a towel before applying hair spray. Do not polish nails while wearing a silk garment as nail polish can remove color, damaging the fabric permanently.

Spot Cleaning Tips for SilkHere are some of my tips for spot cleaning silk. However a word to the wise, I always proceed with caution when cleaning silk and I test my method on an inconspicuous area first. If in doubt, consult a reputable dry cleaner.
I never use a wet method of cleaning; generally I use a moist sponge or cotton ball gently blotting the stained area until cleansed.

Red Wine: Immediately sponge out the area affected with club soda or white wine. Then dab the area with a mixture of cool water and ammonia. Blot dry.

Perspiration Stains: New perspiration stains are acid based while older stains become alkaline. I use a two part stage to remove these stains. 1. Add one tablespoon of vinegar to a half a cup of water. Blot the stained area with a cheese cloth or cotton ball, dry, and then use a mixture of alcohol and baby shampoo (see below) going over the same area. Rinse using a blotting method to remove solution.

Blood: There are a few methods that I have used ranging from one part hydrogen peroxide to 9 parts water, sponging with a lukewarm solution of Oxalic Acid (10%) or a mixture of 3 tbsp. alcohol and 3 drops of baby shampoo. Whichever method you use make sure you remove solutions with warm water blotting afterwards and clean towel to dry. I always have an absorbent towel underneath any spot cleaning I do with silk so that it does not penetrate into the other fabrics.

Lipstick: Over the years I have found that a mixture of 3 tbsp. alcohol and 3 drops of baby shampoo works the best to remove makeup. Generally, I always take a little container with me to every trunk show I go to. The key is to remove the stain as soon as you find it.

Perfume Stains: sponge with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water or a few drops of alcohol to a cheesecloth pad and then sponge fabric lightly.