Silk Care

Washable Silks:
Many of the silk items we sell are machine or hand washable. Keep them fresh & bright with LeBlancs Silk Wash when washing by hand or in a machine. You can add pure white vinegar to your rinse water to neutralize traces of alkali and dissolve soap residue. Avoid washing silk in very cold or hot water, and never use any harsh detergents that contain bleaches or brighteners.

Machine Washing:
If your machine is a top loading machine with agitator arms, a mesh lingerie or laundry bag will help prevent stress to wet silk. Although silk is a very strong material it is at it's weakest when wet.

Washing by Hand:
It’s easy. Just wash your silk fabric in lukewarm water with LeBlancs Silk Wash or any non alkaline soap. Rinse thoroughly! To retain your silk’s natural luster, don’t soak it for more than 3-5 minutes.

Stains:
Try our Silk 'n Clean - it's safe for Dry Clean only silks too! Treat food and beverage stains immediately. Soft drinks and alcohol can leave stains if allowed to dry. As with all fine fabrics, never use chlorine bleach on silk, as it will erode the fiber.

Drying:
Use the heatless AIR FLUFF setting on your dryer. Even better, dry your silk fabric naturally by gently squeezing (don’t wring), roll in a towel, and lay it flat to dry. Prevent stiffness by occasionally shaking your silk while it’s drying. Don’t use a wooden drying rack, as the dyes & finishes can leave stains. Also, as with any fine fabric, never use direct sunlight to dry it. Doing so can damage the fiber and fade the color.

Ironing:
If needed, press your silk fabric inside out with a warm iron. Too much heat can dull, pucker, or burn your silk.

Perfumes, hairsprays, etc...
Let your perfume and hairspray dry before dressing. Substances containing alcohol can damage your silk fabric.