Machine Laundering

If you choose to machine-wash your garment: use cool water & gentle cycle. DO NOT wash with non-delicate garments.

• The use of a mesh bag or pillowcase is recommended to prevent undue stress of the delicate article.
• Use a mild detergent. Wash dark deep colors separately.
• Always wash garments unbuttoned.
• DRY your silk fabric naturally by gently squeezing (don’t wring), 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.
• If Machine Drying is desired. Please use low gentle cycle or Use the heatless AIR FLUFF setting on your dryer.
• Steaming your silks is the recommended method of removing wrinkles. If a steamer is not available, you may iron your silk garments inside out, using the gentle heat setting.
• How can I avoid having the colors run?
  FIRST - Check for color fastness, then dry on rack or hang to allow air circulation and avoid wicking.

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Hand Washing

You may launder your fine silks by hand washing them. HAND WASH the garments in a sink or tub in COOL water. Never use HOT water.

• DO NOT USE ANY BLEACH OR BLEACHING AGENT
• Use a mild, gentle detergent that will wash away cleanly and will not leave a film or residue on the garment. Soak garment in solution of cool water and mild detergent for approximately 15 minutes.
• For stained or heavily soiled garments, let the garment soak in a mixture of cool water and mild detergent for several minutes.
• Agitate the garment gently, washing it thoroughly.
• Rinse thoroughly in clean, cool water.
• Dry by absorbing excess water with an absorbent towel. NEVER wring or twist the garment.
• Hang the garment on a plastic hanger or line or dry flat, letting it air dry completely. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds while fabric is still damp.
• MACHINE DRYING is not recommended to lengthen the life of your silk garments. If you do machine dry please use low gentle cycle!
• Always wash garments unbuttoned.

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Pressing and Ironing

Steaming your silks is the recommended method of removing wrinkles. If a steamer is not available, you may iron your silk garments inside out, using the gentle heat setting. This works best on damp garment.

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Stains and Spills

Bleach:
NEVER USE CHLORINE bleach on silk fibers. Strong detergents carry bleaching agents that will fade the color or alter the feel of the silk.

Fabric Softeners:
These can make the dye run or add a waxy finish to the fibers. They may also contain bleach, whiteners or brighteners, which may affect change in the colors.

• Grease (includes butter, oil, polish, wax) Use a liquid detergent and neutralize with vinegar before washing. If using a spot remover, test on an inside seam first.
• Non-grease includes alcohol, blood, tea, food. Some stains can be permanently set by heat, so be sure the stain is gone before washing/drying at hot temperature. Blot the stain or run cool water through opposite of the stain. For stains on protein fibers press mild liquid detergent onto back of stain and soak in cool water.

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Dry Cleaning:

For best results, pure silk garments should be dry-cleaned. Iris Silks recommends that you dry-clean all of your fine silk garments to extend the life of the garment, and keep it looking its best. This method of laundering has been found to increase the life of the garment, allowing it to maintain its natural characteristics, and look better for a longer period of time.

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