Can silk be washed at home? Care for long-lasting use

Silk: A Coveted Fabric

Silk is known as a precious natural fiber.
You probably see it most often in ties, scarves, pillowcases, and pajamas.
While it may seem difficult to care for, with an image of "it looks hard to maintain...", it's actually an easy item that you can care for at home.

For those who don't know how to wash (care for) silk products, we will explain everything from choosing detergent to drying methods.

First, I want to emphasize that silk **has different precautions depending on the item**.
I will introduce general care methods, with **the care label of your silk item as the top priority**.

To Care for Silk, First Understand its Characteristics

Before introducing how to wash silk, you first need to understand what kind of material silk is. Here's a concise summary of silk's characteristics ↓↓↓

■ The History of Silk

This is an anecdote, so if you already know it or just want to know how to wash it, feel free to skip ahead.

It is said that silk was discovered approximately 4,500 years ago when Chinese Empress Leizu accidentally dropped a cocoon into hot water and, while trying to retrieve it with chopsticks, noticed silk threads wrapping around them. To weave this into fabric and export it to Western countries, a 7,000 km road was created from what is now Chang'an to Turkey.
This is the 'Silk Road'.

 At that time, the technology for producing silk thread from silkworms was top-secret information in China. It was even considered to be as valuable as gold. And it is said that this technology was introduced to Japan, where we live, from the Korean Peninsula during the Yayoi period.

It is clear that it has been highly valued since ancient times, and still is today.

■ Characteristics of Silk Fabric

The characteristics of silk are diverse, so we'll introduce them by dividing them into pros and cons.

① Beautiful luster
Silk has a triangular fiber cross-section, so it reflects light like a prism.
② Soft to the touch
Silk fibers are fine, making them exceptionally soft to the touch.
③ Natural fiber, so it's less prone to static electricity
④ Cool in summer, warm in winter
Silk has low thermal conductivity, making it cool in summer and warm in winter.
⑤ Gentle on the skin
Silk is composed of 18 types of amino acids, which are similar to the components of human skin.
⑥ Reduces hair tangles and even bedhead
Minimizes hair damage and can be used for hair care.

-Cons-
① Weak to sunlight
Because it is made of protein, it discolors with UV rays.
② Prone to stains
It's susceptible to moisture and easily stains.
③ Weak to acids and alkalis
④ Prone to shrinking when wet
⑤ Susceptible to insect damage

Finally, silk has the characteristic of "absorbing UV rays easily."
While wrapping silk around your neck to protect against UV rays is an advantage, silk itself has a tendency to yellow when it absorbs UV rays, so be careful of direct sunlight.

How to Wash Silk at Home

Hand washing is essential! Gently press the product with both hands or submerge it in water; avoid harsh rubbing that can damage the fabric.
While dry cleaning at a specialty store is always the most recommended method for silk, you can also extend the life of your silk products by using the following methods.◎

1. Hand washing in water below 30°C is essential.
   Gently press the product with both hands in lukewarm water at 30°C or submerge it in the water, avoiding harsh rubbing that can damage the fabric.
2. Use a neutral detergent or a special silk detergent.
   We recommend household detergents for silk. Silk is a natural protein, and chlorine bleach will damage the fabric, so absolutely do not use it.
3. Soak for 3 minutes.
   Soak in the silk cleaning solution for 3 minutes.
4. Agitate
   Gently shake the pajamas back and forth and side to side in the water to remove dirt. Gently stroke with your hands and rinse 2-3 times.
5. Rinse (with water below 30°C)
   Replace the water several times and rinse until no more foam appears.
6. Towel dry
   Pick up the silk product, wrap it in a spread-out towel, and absorb the moisture.
7. Dry
   Lay flat to dry in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
   *Caution: Do not hang on hangers or with clothespins. A drying rack basket is recommended.

▶︎What to observe
・Wash in water below 30 degrees Celsius (do not use hot water).
・Care by hand washing or on the delicate cycle of a washing machine, according to the garment's care label.
・Place in a laundry net for washing. 

▶︎Precautions
・Do not wring or twist the fabric.
・Do not use hot water, tumble dryers, or bleach.
・When drying, avoid direct sunlight and lay flat.
・When storing for a long period after care, try to place it in a non-woven fabric case or a special silk storage bag (storing it sealed in plastic bags or plastic cases can prevent humidity regulation and lead to mold).

Proper Care for Long-Lasting Use!

Knowing how to care for silk offers many benefits in terms of use! It's a delicate material, so handle it with extreme gentleness.