Cleaning Silk Fibers
Not a Do-It-Yourself Project!
Cleaning silk fibers is a job that should be done by a professional. Silk fibers can be found in many textile furnishings such as rugs, upholstery, and draperies as well as in a variety of clothing.
Silk is a luxury fiber used in the manufacture of expensive, high-fashioned products. It can be dyed and printed to produce very beautiful designs and bright shades. These properties make silk a beautiful and very desirable fiber but 'buyer beware' as we explain below.
PROBLEMS WITH CLEANING SILK FIBERS
Silk characteristically exhibits several problems that make cleaning silk fibers very difficult. The following examples are often revealed or accentuated by normal cleaning:
- Silk dyes may be soluble (dissolve) in water, detergent, and/or dry-cleaning solvent.
- Silk is prone to color bleeding and the formation of water spots, ring marks or other stains. Color bleeding is more of a problem with dark colors than with pastels.
Being delicate, silk is susceptible to:
- abrasion
- yarn slippage
- sunlight damage
- discoloration
- texture changes
SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR SILK FIBERS YOURSELF?
If you are considering the purchase of a textile made of silk fibers or if you already possess silk rugs or wall hangings in need of cleaning, you should be aware that do-it-yourself cleaning of silk may produce disastrous results.
In order to minimize any cleaning problems, special procedures are required for cleaning silk fibers. The choice of method depends on various factors such as the age and condition of the silk textile, spots and stains already present, and consumer expectations.
DRY CLEAN OR WET CLEAN PROFESSIONALLY?
In general, it is more prudent to professionally dry clean silk. Though some silks can be wet-cleaned successfully (and wet-cleaning of silk aids soil and stain removal) it may result in texture distortion, which is often permanent.
It is important to remember that more intensive cleaning is usually required to restore the appearance of an excessively soiled rug or fabric. Such thorough cleaning procedures, however, have a higher propensity to cause damage.
In our ABC cleaning plant, we are prepared to either professionally wet or dry clean your silk fibers after a thorough inspection and needs assessment.
HOW YOU CAN PROTECT
YOUR SILK TEXTILES…
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 with no foot traffic (as wall hangings) or at least, limit the amount of foot traffic on them.
HOW ABC CAN HELP…
At ABC, our combined experience of over 100 years with silk rugs and wall hangings is your guarantee that your items will be cleaned in the best possible way with the latest professional knowledge and equipment. We have the capability to dry clean as well as wet clean.
Bring
your silk fibers to our plant or call our office today at 272-1566. We will be
happy to contact you for a pick up date.
Please click here for our Pick Up and Delivery Policy and our Pick Up and Delivery Service Areas.
"The Cleanest Clean You've Ever Seen."
by
ABC Oriental Rug & Carpet Cleaning Co.
130 Cecil Malone Drive Ithaca, NY 14850
607-272-1566
Click Here for Directions to Our Facility in Ithaca, NY
HOURS:
Mon - Thurs:
8:00 - 5:00
Fridays 8:00 - 4:30
Saturdays By Appt.
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