How To Wash Mulberry Silk
Mulberry silk is a very delicate fabric that requires special washing practices to maintain its lustrous sheen and ultra-soft texture. Its natural fibers are susceptible to damage, resulting in tearing and fading.
Silk lovers face a lot of confusion regarding washing of silk. One common doubt is whether silk should be washed by hand or in a washing machine? In this guide, we’ll clear all your queries about washing mulberry silk.
Mulberry Silk: Hand washing vs Machine washing
Hand washing mulberry silk with lukewarm water is the most preferred method to avoid deterioration of this luxurious fabric. Frequent agitation in a machine can ruin the smooth silk fibers, causing them to break or shrink. For best results, wash your silk garments & pillowcases by hand with a mild detergent.
Method:
- Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add silk-specific detergent into it.
- Now soak your silk clothes and accessories in it and let them sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Rub gently across your palms to get rid of dirt & oil.
- Rinse with cold water to remove detergent thoroughly.
- Instead of tumble dry, hand them on a drying rack away from direct sunlight.
To wash your silk bedding items, you can opt for a delicate cycle of washing machine. But, first make sure to put your silk items in a mesh laundry bag to prevent the chances of snags.
Which Detergent is best for washing Mulberry silk?
Unlike regular fabrics, silk can not be washed with an ordinary detergent. You will need a pH-neutral detergent that is specially designed for silk fabric. Labelled as eco-friendly or natural, these silk detergents are perfect to avoid allergic reactions to your sensitive skin. Let’s delve into the top recommendations for proper cleaning of silk:
- Heritage Park Silk and Wool detergent
- The Laundress Delicate Wash
- Slip gentle silk wash
Avoiding Harsh chemical-based detergents:
Avoid using biological detergents that contain laundry enzymes such as alpha-amylase, protease, and lipase. Similarly, never use bleach; it can damage mulberry silk fibers.
Dos and Don’ts of washing silk sheets & Pillowcases:
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Wash your silk sheets and pillowcases separately from the other items. | Never expose your silk bedding to bleach or harmful chemicals. |
| Turn your silk pillow covers inside out before laundering | Don’t use fabric softeners otherwise they will degrade the protein-rich silk fibers |
| Use a mesh laundry bag to avoid silk from tearing in the machine. | Don’t use boiling hot water for washing silk. (Ideal temperature 20°C to 30°C) |
| To improve the luster, you may add a few drops of white vinegar while washing silk. | Don’t agitate silk as it can disturb the natural pattern of its luxurious threads. |
How to remove stubborn stains from Mulberry silk?
If you experience an ugly stain on silk fabric, you need to identify it first and then use the right strategies for removing it.
Water-based stains: (Tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc.)
Firstly, blot the stain with a clean cloth or blotting paper. Then put a few drops of detergent and let it absorb into the stain for a few minutes. Finally, rinse with cold water thoroughly to get rid of soap residues.
Oil-based stains: (Food or cosmetics)
Blot the stain with a clean cloth or blotting paper. Then put some corn starch or talcum powder to soak the excess oil. After 15-20 mins, brush off the powder and wash the area with a gentle detergent. Finally, rinse with cold water thoroughly to remove any leftover soap.
Blood Stains:
To remove the tough blood stains, soak the silk fabric in cold water for half an hour. Then gently rub the affected area with a few drops of enzyme-based detergent. Finally, rinse with cold water and air dry away from direct sunlight.
Note: Enzyme-based detergents help to digest the proteins in blood, allowing stain to get off easily.
How Often do I wash Mulberry Silk?
The frequency of washing depends on how often you’re using the silk fabric. Silk sheets and duvet covers tend to absorb less oil than other fabrics. So, it’s desirable to wash them once a week.
On the other hand, silk pillowcases accumulate a lot of facial oil and dirt. So, it’s recommended to wash them every three-four days. The same goes for silk eye masks and hair accessories such as scrunchies and head bands.
Final Thoughts:
By following the simple care guidelines, you can maintain the beauty and integrity of the precious silk fabric. If you’re looking forward to investing in premium quality silk at affordable rates, Silk Pearl is a trusted brand to shop from. You will be pleased with their top-notch quality, OEKO-TEX certified silk items being sold at the most reasonable price ranges. So, it’s time to make a wiser decision and embrace the luxury & comfort of real silk products with Silk Pearl.
