SILK

  • Best professionally cleaned
  • Only pre-washed silk is washable. Read the label!
  • Dry cleaning is generally preferred, since laundering detergent and dyes in other clothes may adversely affect silk fabric.
  • For washable silk, follow the care instructions carefully.
  • For items without linings and without embellishments attached, careful hand washing is permissible, with mild soap and lukewarm water.
  • Chlorine bleach should never be used on silk.
  • For long-time storage, silk should be sealed against light, air and insects.
  • For specific instructions, always refer to the garment’s sewn-in care label.

LINEN

  • Some linen is washable, while others are dry clean only. Be sure to check the label.
  • Washable household linen, handkerchiefs, and linen apparel can be washed easily and become softer with use.
  • White linens should be dried in the sun, if to help them to keep their whiteness.
  • Generally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for drapery linens, upholstery linens and decorative linens.
  • Linen fabrics may need frequent pressing, unless treated for crease resistance. (Permanent press and soil release finishes are now being used effectively on 65% linen/35% polyester tablecloths, napkins and placemats.)
  • For specific instructions, always refer to the garment’s sewn-in care label.

COTTON

  • Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high temperatures (boiling water does not hurt the fiber).
  • Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton.Chlorine bleach can be used safely on cotton whites. Use color safe bleach on dyed cottons.
  • Since cotton fibers are fairly inelastic cotton fabrics may wrinkle easily. And, fabric may need frequent pressing.
  • However, cotton fabric can be treated with a wrinkle resistant finish to create a more resilient fabric/garment. The label will tell you if this finish has been applied.
  • A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry cotton. Cotton will take much longer to dry than less absorbent fibers.
  • Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily
  • For specific instructions, always refer to the garment’s sewn-in care label.