Silk is a natural material, which is made from cocoons of silk worms. The strands are removed from the cocoons and made into threads, which are then woven into a luxurious material. The resultant silk cloth is considered one of the most sought-after textiles in the world.  Nearly every woman owns at least one silk scarf, but few know how to clean them without damaging the delicate fibers.

Here are a few guidelines on how to care for your silk scarf:

When cleaning high quality fabrics, the safest route is hand washing. With hand washing there is a reduced likelihood of damage caused by the friction of rubbing the soiled area.

Before using any chemicals, test a small part of the fabric for colorfastness. Certain detergents can have an adverse effect on a fabric’s color. If the color seems to fade or appears to change, do not continue to use the chemical. Once the cloth passes the colorfastness test, soak it in a solution of lukewarm water and mild soap. Then, using cool water, rinse the scarf until all the soap is gone.

A trade secret is to add some vinegar if you do a second rinse. The vinegar neutralizes the soap and also works to restore the scarf’s shine. Rinse the scarf a third time to completely wash off the vinegar. It is a good idea to get rid of any excess water by rolling the scarf in a towel. Lay the scarf flat on a clean towel and leave it to dry.

If you choose to dry clean your silk scarves, be warned: dry cleaning a silk scarf can be a gamble. Not every laundromat is diligent in checking a silk fabric for colorfastness before applying harsh detergents. If you are going to have your silk scarves dry cleaned, be sure to talk with your dry cleaner about the process they use.

When a silk scarf is properly cared for, it can become a wonderful heirloom accessory. Take care of your silk scarves by cleaning them in the correct manner and storing them in a well-ventilated spot.

Shop for Lardiere Silk Scarves now.