Because silk is such a fine and flimsy material, many people assume that it is not durable and extremely difficult to care for. Add hand-painted designs to the mix and you will increase the fear that the item is highly impractical and therefore represents poor value for money.
However, in reality, women’s hand-painted silk scarves and hand-dyed shawls are very easy to care for and make a stunning addition to any lady’s wardrobe.
As with any item worn over the body, silk scarves and shawls should be cleaned regularly to remove stains, perfume residue, and airborne contaminants that can affect the material’s appearance. Washing not only refreshes colors, giving them new life, but also removes odors that can cling to any type of fabric. Far from shortening the life of the item, it keeps it in tip-top condition so your precious and unique scarf or shawl will continue to provide value for many years to come. Here are some quick and easy tips to keep in mind to prolong the life of your portable canvas.
1. Please wash the item by hand. The dry cleaning process uses harsh chemicals that can not only have an adverse effect on the silk material, but also on the colors and dyes used to create the unique designs on your hand painted or dyed scarf or shawl. The agitation and rapid changes in temperature that machine-washed garments are subjected to can also damage hand-dyed or hand-painted silk. Handwashing is fast, effective and safe, and of course cost-effective. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, and always make sure to use a mild detergent or, better yet, a mild baby soap or shampoo. The nature of the material is such that this should be enough to even remove stains, but it is important not to rub the material vigorously as this could cause worn spots to appear. Common household salt, when added to the soap and water solution, will prevent the item’s colors from running, but bleach should never, under any circumstances, be used.
2. Add vinegar during rinse. Once you have washed your silk scarf or shawl, you should rinse it in clean, cold water, making sure not to wring it out in the process. When all the soap has been removed, rinse again, but this time add a little household vinegar to the water. Not only will this neutralize the soap, but it will also brighten the fabric, bringing it back to its natural shine. Finally, rinse again with clear, cold water to remove the vinegar, taking care that no odor remains.
3. Use clean towels to dry your scarf or shawl. Silk should never be squeezed as this can cause it to stretch and become misshapen. Instead, place the scarf or shawl on a clean, dry towel, then roll it up. This will effectively squeeze out excess water without causing any damage. Once this is done, simply place the scarf or shawl on another dry towel and let it air dry.
4. Iron carefully. When ironing your silk scarf or shawl, it is always preferable to work on the wrong side of the fabric, but make sure the iron is on its lowest setting. Alternatively, you can use a slightly higher setting, but place the item under a clean cotton cloth or towel so it does not come into direct contact with the heat.
Hand painted silk scarves and shawls are a delight and by following these simple steps yours will give you pleasure for years to come.