Caring for your Silks

Each fabric survives wear and tear according to its built-in characteristics and earlier treatments, but when different fibers are used to weave their reaction on humidity alters. Pure silk can withstand wear and tear better than a fabric woven of silk and cotton or any other combination. Damage to silk could be caused by light, dust, dirt, grease, excess moisture and excessive dryness. It is imperative that silk is protected from light as light fades colors and attack the fibers making them brittle. Dust and dirt contain small particles of dirt which might cut the fabric. So it is important to keep dirt well away. Water can mark silks and cause dyes to run. Together with heat, it provides the conditions for moulds to grow. Dryness can make the fibers brittle, so they break. Hence, correct moisture content is necessary for suppleness. The ideal storage and display temperature for silk is between 12 and 18 degree centigrade and a stable humidity of 50 to 55 percent will be good for the fabric. Silk should be stored in a dark place, at a moderate and constant temperature and carefully wrapped in acid-free tissue paper. Layers of fabric should be protected from each other and you should put crumpled tissue paper inserted inside sleeves and folds to prevent cracking. Prevention of damage is the best form of taking care of silk for there is no remedy for damaged silk.