What’s not to love about silk? This natural fiber has a lot going for it. Not only is it one of the stronger fabrics on the planet but the look and feel is stunning and sensual. Of course, to keep your silk garment looking as fabulous as the day you bought it does take some effort… or so they say! “’Respect’ your silk,” is all you hear– my take is that silk is a little too pampered and it’s time we put this in perspective. To help, we bring you this tongue-in-cheek no care guide. While it might not bring out the best in your silk, it will sure make your life a lot easier.
Tip #1: Skip the dry cleaner and go straight to the washing machine! Go on, throw it in the washer and while you’re at it, choose a heavy spin cycle, silk likes it rough!
Tip #2: Disregard the care label. Who do they think they are, after all? Silk needs special care? As if! Hot water takes care of dirty laundry. Really dirty? That’s what super-strength detergent is for!
Tip #3: Got a real tough stain? What’s bleach for anyway? Go ahead and treat that tomato salsa stain with chlorine bleach, animal fibers just fall apart at the site of it and that stain will be gone before you can blink! Did we mention the beautiful yellow tint that bleach leaves behind?
Tip #4: Rough it up! Hand wash? Leave it for hours to dry flat on a towel? You can’t be serious? This is bug excretion! So what if silk is one of nature’s fastest drying fabrics? Wring that camisole out until it screams!
Tip #5: Drying basics – Hot! Hot! Hot! No time to wait? Pop it in the dryer and, presto! Silk is no longer burdened by that beautiful shine and you’ll have that super-sexy shrunken look for a night on the town!
Tip #6: Alcohol is not the enemy! One little drink doesn’t hurt does it? Go ahead, primp in your favorite silk undies while you spray on perfume, your hairspray and all those nice little extras that are rich in alcohol. Don’t think twice about those dark, spreading droplets on your lovely pastel silkies. No one will notice… or, have another drink and you won’t notice it either.
Tip #7: Wrinkle Care. Let’s see, where are we? We’ve ruined the fabric, taken away the beautiful luster, wrinkled, shrunken and stained what’s left. Only one more step…heat up the iron to super hot, spray with water and watch as silk grows pretty rings, water spots, and scorch marks right before your eyes! The good news: not a single wrinkle!
Okay, next week, we’ll remove our tongue from our cheek and give you the real scoop on how to care for your lovely silk treasures. Trust us, it’s not difficult and it doesn’t take much!