Silk has a reputation for being difficult. Most of that reputation comes from people who have washed a silk piece in hot water or put it in a tumble dryer and watched it shrink or lose its sheen. The fabric itself is not fragile. It is just specific about temperature and agitation. Once you understand what it needs, silk is no harder to care for than a good wool sweater.

Hand washing: the only method worth using

Fill a basin with cool water, around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Add a small amount of a pH-neutral detergent. We use a Japanese brand called Enet, which is widely available and designed for delicates. Submerge the piece and move it gently for about two minutes. Do not scrub, do not wring. Rinse twice in clean cool water. The second rinse removes any detergent residue that can dull the fabric over time.

Drying without damaging the weave

After rinsing, lay the piece flat on a clean dry towel and roll the towel up gently to absorb excess water. Do not twist. Unroll and lay the piece flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight. Sunlight fades silk faster than almost anything else. The Daikanyama Silk Slip, which is 12 momme habotai, dries in about two hours in a well-ventilated room. Do not use a tumble dryer under any circumstances.

Ironing and steaming

If the piece needs pressing, use a cool iron (silk setting) on the reverse side while the fabric is still slightly damp. A handheld steamer works well and is gentler than an iron. Hold the steamer about 10 cm from the fabric and move it slowly. Do not press the steamer head directly against the silk. For the Daikanyama Silk Slip, we find that hanging it in a steamy bathroom after a shower removes most creases without any ironing at all.

Storage

Store silk flat or loosely folded in a breathable cotton bag or a drawer lined with acid-free tissue. Do not hang silk on a hanger for long periods. The weight of the fabric causes it to stretch at the shoulders over time. Keep it away from direct light and from cedar balls, which can stain. If you are storing for a season, a clean cotton pillowcase works well as a dust cover.

Dealing with snags

A snag in silk is not a tear. It is a loop of thread that has been pulled out of the weave. Do not cut it. Use a blunt needle or a snag repair tool to gently push the loop back through to the wrong side of the fabric. Work slowly from the right side, easing the surrounding threads back into place. Most snags can be made nearly invisible with patience. If the snag has caused a run, that is a different problem and usually requires a professional repair.

Silk is worth the small amount of extra care it asks for. A piece that is washed and stored correctly will last years. If you have a specific question about caring for a Mind Vault Tech Wave piece, write to us and we will give you a straight answer.