Laundry Detergents: do not use household laundry detergents that contain protease, enzymes, alcohol, bleach, or any alkalines. Prolonged use of detergents containing these items will dissolve protein based natural fabrics such as silk and wool. If using a detergent, then make sure it has been specially designed for protein fibres.
Hand Washing: I would recommend hand washing your silk scarf in lukewarm water with a drop or two of Baby Shampoo (non-alkaline). Swish the scarf around a bit, then allow it to soak for 1-2 minutes. Move it around again, then let it sit another couple of minutes. Drain the water and gently squeeze out the excess water. Rinse the item with lukewarm water until all soap residue is gone. You can also add a small amount (approximately 1 tablespoon/15 ml) of vinegar to the first rinse to remove soap residue and restore luster to the fabric. Rinse thoroughly with clear, lukewarm water.
Machine Washing: use a detergent designed for delicate items such as silk and wool. Wash item(s) in a laundry bag with the machine set on a delicate cycle. The water temperature should be cool (100 Fahrenheit / 37 Celsius). You can wash silk in hotter water, but this can cause shrinkage and/or loss of colour intensity. Once done, remove the silk item from the laundry bag and gently shake out the wrinkles. You can dry it flat or hang it to dry.
Drying: I find it is best to air dry silk items. Gently shake out the wrinkles, then roll the item in a clean, neutral coloured towel and gently squeeze out the excess water. Lay the item on a flat, neutral coloured towel away from direct sunlight. You can also drape the item over a towel in the bathroom or over a coat hanger. If using a coat hanger make sure it does not have a rough surface or colourants that could transfer onto your scarf. When drying eco-dyed scarves inside or outside, make sure you hang them in the shade. If you prefer to use a drier, then make sure the setting is on low heat. You only need to dry it for a few minutes.
Dry Cleaning: I do not recommend this because the chemicals used could possibly remove and/or change/shift some of the natural dyes that come from the plant material.
Ironing and/or Steaming: set iron to “silk” and iron on the back of the fabric. Wrinkles can be ironed out more effectively if the scarf is slightly damp. You can also use a press clothe when ironing your silk scarf. This will capture any rust stains that might occur if your iron decides to “spit” water out of the steam holes. You can also use a clothing steamer to remove wrinkles.
Please note: some Eco-dyed scarves will have permanent “wrinkles” or “creases” in them due to the leaves, the way the item is folded and/or rolled, and whether you clamp the bundle or tightly bind it with string before placing it in the dye bath. In general, some of these creases cannot be removed because they are a by product of eco-colour dye method.
