The Essential Care Guide to 100% Mulberry Silk

Wash, Press, Store, and Love Your Silk | Liu&Liu

Introduction

Liu&Liu believes that 100% mulberry silk deserves gentle care. This guide shows you how to wash, press, and store your silk with confidence. The tips apply to silk clothing, silk eye masks, and silk scrunchies. The advice also suits life in the UK and Germany. The goal is simple. You enjoy lasting softness, natural shine, and a calm, slow‑luxury routine.

1. How to Wash 100% Mulberry Silk (Safely and Simply)

• Use a gentle detergent.
  You should choose a detergent made for silk or delicates. You can use a mild shampoo as an alternative. Silk is a protein fiber. Hair is also protein. A gentle shampoo respects both.
  
  
• Avoid harsh cleaners.
  You should avoid alkaline laundry liquids and bleach. Harsh products can harden silk. Harsh products can cause yellowing. Fabric softener is not necessary.
  
  
• Wash by hand.
  You should fill a clean basin with cool water under 30°C. You turn the garment inside out. You submerge the silk and gently swish. You keep the soak short. You never wring, scrub, or twist.
  
  
• Rinse and finish well.
  You rinse with cool water until the water runs clear. You can add a few drops of white vinegar to the final rinse. The vinegar helps restore a soft hand and a fresh drape.
  
  
• Dry with care.
  You place the silk flat on a towel. You roll the towel to blot extra water. You reshape the garment. You dry it flat or hang it away from sun and heat. Direct sunlight can yellow silk. Long sun exposure weakens the fiber.
  
  
• Act fast after sweat.
  You avoid wearing silk during intense workouts. You rinse or wash promptly if sweat soaks the fabric. Quick care prevents stiffness and discoloration.
  
  
• Do a quick colourfast test.
  You wet a clean, light cloth. You press the cloth on an inside seam for a few seconds. You check for dye transfer. If dye transfers, you avoid water washing. You send the item to a trusted dry cleaner.
  
  
• Know when to dry clean.
  You dry clean delicate chiffon, glossy satin weaves, or structured pieces. You dry clean formal QiPaos, padded items, and tailored garments. Professional care protects the shape and finish.
  
  
• Fix common wash issues.
  You can revive an older, stiff silk with a brief soak in cool water plus a very small amount of white vinegar. You always test on a hidden area first. You treat fresh oil drops before water touches them. You apply a small dab of dish soap to the dry stain. You wait three minutes. You rinse with cool water and repeat if needed.

2. How to Press or Steam Silk (Wrinkles Happen)

• Press at the right moment.
  You press silk when it is almost dry. You lightly mist the fabric if needed. You wait 3–5 minutes before pressing.
  
  
• Use low heat and a barrier.
  You set the iron to low (about 110–140°C on silk/low). You turn the garment inside out. You place a clean, damp pressing cloth between the iron and the silk. You avoid direct iron‑to‑silk contact. You keep the iron moving.
  
  
• Avoid water spotting.
  You do not spray heavy water directly on the surface. Water droplets can leave marks on some weaves.
  
  
• Try vertical steaming.
  You can steam from the inside on low steam. You keep the steamer head a small distance from the fabric. You let the piece cool before wearing or storing.

3. How to Store Silk (Protect the Fiber, Protect the Finish)

• Choose the right environment.
  You store silk in a cool, dry, and dark place. You avoid radiators, strong light, and damp corners. Light can fade color. Heat can weaken fiber.
  
  
• Let silk breathe.
  You use breathable garment bags or cotton covers. You avoid plastic sleeves and vacuum bags. Compression can damage the filament structure. Lack of air can cause odour and mildew.
  
  
• Hang or fold with intent.
  You hang lightweight blouses, dresses, and robes on padded hangers. You fold heavy crepe, double‑weave, or beaded pieces to prevent stretching. You support folds with tissue.
  
  
• Keep storage simple and safe.
  You keep the wardrobe clean and closed. You separate dark and light colors. You avoid perfume and cosmetics on stored garments. You skip mothballs. You use cedar or natural repellents wrapped in cloth, placed near but not touching the fabric.
  
  
• Air items regularly.
  You take silk out to air from time to time. You let the fiber relax. You allow any humidity to escape.
  
  
• Prevent deep creases.
  You never crush silk into a ball. Long, hard creases can break fibers. Some severe creases will not fully recover with washing or pressing.
  
  
• Keep tricky items apart.
  You store color‑intense or chemically treated fabrics away from pale mulberry silk. You reduce the risk of color transfer or off‑gassing.

4. How to Handle Snags, Pulls, and Other Everyday Issues

• Treat snags gently.
  You resist pulling a loose filament. You use a clean, blunt needle to coax the loop back to the inner side. You smooth the area with light fingertip pressure. You trim only a tiny fuzz if it remains on the surface. You visit a tailor for large runs.
  
  
• Treat fresh oil stains early.
  You dab a small amount of dish soap on the dry stain. You massage lightly. You wait three minutes. You rinse with cool water. You repeat if needed.
  
  
• Know the limits.
  You avoid DIY burn tests or bleach tests at home. Fire is unsafe. Chlorine bleach can destroy silk. A professional can test fiber content if you need proof.

5. Why Silk Feels Good (The Science in Simple Words)

• Silk is a protein fiber.
  Mulberry silk contains amino acids, like skin and hair do. The surface is smooth and low‑friction. Your skin enjoys less drag. Your hair enjoys fewer snags. Many people with sensitive skin enjoy that comfort.
  
  
• Silk breathes and balances.
  Silk allows airflow. Silk absorbs moisture and releases it quickly. You feel cool when the day is warm. You feel softly warm when the room is cool.
  
  
• Silk and sunlight.
  Silk can absorb some UV. Sunlight can still damage silk over time. You should avoid strong sun during drying and storage. Shade is your silk’s best friend.

6. Heritage and Origin (A Note on Suzhou, China)

China is the home of mulberry silk.
Regions along the Yangtze River Delta hold deep silk traditions. Cities such as SuZhou, HangZhou, and HuZhou became historic silk markets. Many luxury fibers still come from this region. Liu&Liu values this heritage. Liu&Liu sources 100% mulberry silk from SuZhou, China for purity and consistency.

7. Silk Grades Made Simple (What 6A Means)

Grades reflect fiber quality.
Suppliers often grade silk from lower grades up to 6A. 6A represents the longest and finest filaments. A higher grade usually means a smoother hand and stronger yarn. You get better drape. You get better durability. You see a cleaner, more even sheen.

8. How to Spot Real Silk (Quick, Non‑Destructive Checks)

• Look.
  Real silk shows a soft, pearl‑like lustre. The shine looks deep, not glassy. The color looks even.
  
  
• Touch.
  Real silk feels smooth, soft, and lively. The fabric springs back after a light squeeze. The hand is not plasticky or stiff.
  
  
• Listen.
  Real silk may make a gentle “silk rustle” when you rub layers together. The sound is light and crisp.
  
  
• Wrinkle test.
  Real silk creases lightly and then relaxes. Many people say, “No wrinkles, not real silk.” You should still treat the phrase as a clue, not a rule.

Safety note: A burn test or chlorine test belongs in a lab. You should avoid flame and harsh chemicals at home.

9. A Quick‑Start Checklist (UK & Germany Friendly)

• You hand‑wash in cool water under 30°C.
• You use silk detergent or mild shampoo.
• You avoid bleach, strong alkali, and fabric softener.
• You test colourfastness before washing multi‑colour silk.
• You blot dry with a towel and dry flat in shade.
• You press on the reverse with a pressing cloth at low heat.
• You store in a cool, dry, dark space with airflow.
• You avoid plastic and vacuum bags.
• You hang light pieces. You fold heavy pieces.
• You keep perfume and cosmetics away from stored silk.
• You treat oil stains before adding water.
• You fix snags with a needle, not with a tug.

10. Why This Care Matters (Value for You)

• Good care extends life.
  Your silk keeps its drape, glow, and strength. Your cost per wear drops. Your wardrobe stays timeless.
• Liu&Liu believes in slow luxury.
  You buy fewer pieces. You buy better pieces. You enjoy calm confidence every time you wear 100% mulberry silk.