Silk fibers are being used increasingly in textile furnishings such a rugs, upholstery and draperies. Silk is a luxury fiber used in the manufacture of expensive, high-fashion products. It can be dyed ad printed to produce very beautiful designs and bright shades. These properties make silk a very desirable fiber. However, silk also characteristically exhibits several problems when cleaned. Silk dyes may be soluble (dissolve) in water, detergent and/or dry cleaning solvent in color bleeding and the formation of water spots, ring marks or perspiration stains. Color bleeding is more of a problem with dark colors than with pastels. Secondly. being delicate, silk is susceptible to abrasion, yarn slippage, sunlight damage, discoloration and can show texture changes. These problems are often revealed or accentuated following normal cleaning.
In order to minimize the problems described above, special procedures are required for cleaning silk. The choice is dependent on various factors such as the age and condition of the silk textile, spots and stains present and consumer expectations. In general, it is more prudent if silk is dry cleaned. Some silks can be successfully wet cleaned,but others may not. Wet cleaning of silk aids soil and stain removal but can also result in texture distortion which is seldom remediable.
Remember, more intensive cleaning is usually required to restore the appearance of an excessively soiled rug or fabric. Such thorough cleaning procedures, however, have a high propensity to cause damage. Therefore, silk textiles should be maintained well (vacuumed regularly) and cleaned more frequently, before they become excessively soiled. It is also advantageous to use silk textiles prudently. For example, use silk rugs in areas of no foot traffic (as wall hangings) or at the least, limit the amount of foot traffic on them. Avoid using silk draperies in sunny windows and protect with drapery linings.
In order to minimize the problems described above, special procedures are required for cleaning silk. The choice is dependent on various factors such as the age and condition of the silk textile, spots and stains present and consumer expectations. In general, it is more prudent if silk is dry cleaned. Some silks can be successfully wet cleaned,but others may not. Wet cleaning of silk aids soil and stain removal but can also result in texture distortion which is seldom remediable.
Remember, more intensive cleaning is usually required to restore the appearance of an excessively soiled rug or fabric. Such thorough cleaning procedures, however, have a high propensity to cause damage. Therefore, silk textiles should be maintained well (vacuumed regularly) and cleaned more frequently, before they become excessively soiled. It is also advantageous to use silk textiles prudently. For example, use silk rugs in areas of no foot traffic (as wall hangings) or at the least, limit the amount of foot traffic on them. Avoid using silk draperies in sunny windows and protect with drapery linings.
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