can 100 silk be steamed

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If youre in the market for a crisp dress shirt, an iron is the tool for the job. But when it comes to finishing more delicate items-think silk, cashmere, and lace-a garment steamer is your best friend. Gentle on fabrics and tough on wrinkles, these handy tools are the secret behind both polished ensembles and low dry cleaning bills.

Although steamers are user-friendly, there are some things to keep in mind before tackling that pile of wrinkled laundry. Here, Gwen Whiting and Lindsey J. Boyd-cofounders of eco-friendly cleaning empire The Laundress-share their tips for steaming your most delicate garments like a seasoned pro.

Can silk be steamed? Always steam silk garments if you can. The steam will gently remove any visible creases and wrinkles and add luster to the fabric. The hot steam from a steamer also removes odors and kills bacteria, while nourishing the textile fibers and allowing them to regain their natural shape.
can 100 silk be steamed

Preserve Delicate Fabrics

One of the best things about steaming is that it does more than smooth things over. It can also save vintage lace, delicate tulle, and temperamental silk from a potentially damaging cycle through the washer or expensive trip to the dry cleaner.

“Steaming your clothes not only removes wrinkles-it also kills odor-causing bacteria and removes allergens that attract dust mites,” says Whiting. “This is why we love steaming to keep clothing fresh between washes, especially items you do not need to wash frequently or are dry clean-only.”

can 100 silk be steamed

Steamer Basics

First things first: Youll need a steamer.

Hand-held steamers are convenient and space efficient, and will generally get the job done. We like the Rowenta X-Cel Steam Steamer. However, if you have a large amount of delicate and dry clean-only garments, Whiting and Boyd recommend investing in a high-quality standing garment steamer.

Each time you use your steamer, make sure to fill the tank with fresh water-never overfill, never forget to fill, and never use stale water.

How to steam a silk garment.

FAQ

How do you get wrinkles out of 100% silk?

Iron the silk using the lowest setting. Don’t rest the iron on any single area for more than 5 seconds. If you don’t have an iron, simply hang your damp silk item outside on a sunny day. The heat from the sun will dry the item while the weight of the dampness smoothes out the wrinkles.

What fabrics Cannot be steamed?

However, not all materials can be steamed, and the method has its limits. “Avoid steaming suede, waxed fabrics, and anything plastic to prevent melting,” cautions Whiting. “When an extra-crisp finish is desired for durable cotton and linen items such as sheets, dress shirts and khakis, opt for the iron instead.”

How do you steam silk safely?

Steaming is also ideal for silk and delicate fabrics that cannot take high or direct heat from an iron. Take care to position the steamer head several inches away from the fabric to avoid water marks. Hold the steamer nozzle (or head) to hover over the fabric. Drag the steamer over the fabric.

Can you get 100% silk wet?

Silk is more delicate when wet Wet silk is only 80% as strong as it is when dry, so its fibers can break more easily and stretch out of shape. That’s why you need to be so careful when washing, wringing and drying silk.

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