Q & A Forum Topics
Silk & Rayon
Back to topic listSILK & RAYON:
Silk is a soft, elegant fiber, prized for its many unique qualities. Rayon was the first man-made fiber produced. It gives the look of silk at a fraction of the cost. Rayon is regenerated cellulose
material.
Silk is a soft, elegant fiber, prized for its many unique qualities. Rayon was the first man-made fiber produced. It gives the look of silk at a fraction of the cost. Rayon is regenerated cellulose
material.
Posted At: March 19, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Posted by: Shane Johnston
WASH OR DRY CLEAN?
Both silk and rayon fibers dry clean very well. If the manufacturer has not tested for appropriate care instructions, however, certain dyes or finishes applied to the fibers may react adversely to dry cleaning. Washing may damage garments containing sizing and / or dyes that are sensitive to water. It is important that you follow the care label on the garment.
Both silk and rayon fibers dry clean very well. If the manufacturer has not tested for appropriate care instructions, however, certain dyes or finishes applied to the fibers may react adversely to dry cleaning. Washing may damage garments containing sizing and / or dyes that are sensitive to water. It is important that you follow the care label on the garment.
Posted At: March 19, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Posted by: Shane Johnston
“WASHABLE” SILK AND RAYON
Washable silk and rayon have become increasingly popular. Some dyes on “washable” silk and rayon actually dissolve in water, causing considerable dye bleeding and transfer of the dye. This is especially true on many darker colours; most pastels have a greater degree of colourfastness. Multicoloured articles should be tested for colourfastness before washing them.
It is important to keep the washing cycle very short, followed by rapid rinsing and drying. Never soak these garments for extended periods of time.
Dry cleaning is not advised for articles of this type. Tests have shown that many of these dyes may be solvent soluble. When consumers bring these washable garments to be dry cleaned, the
dry cleaner should clean them according to the instructions on the care label. If those care instructions are not followed and a problem occurs, the retailer cannot be held responsible.
Washable silk and rayon have become increasingly popular. Some dyes on “washable” silk and rayon actually dissolve in water, causing considerable dye bleeding and transfer of the dye. This is especially true on many darker colours; most pastels have a greater degree of colourfastness. Multicoloured articles should be tested for colourfastness before washing them.
It is important to keep the washing cycle very short, followed by rapid rinsing and drying. Never soak these garments for extended periods of time.
Dry cleaning is not advised for articles of this type. Tests have shown that many of these dyes may be solvent soluble. When consumers bring these washable garments to be dry cleaned, the
dry cleaner should clean them according to the instructions on the care label. If those care instructions are not followed and a problem occurs, the retailer cannot be held responsible.
Posted At: March 19, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Posted by: Shane Johnston
SHADING DAMAGE
A frequent problem with silk and rayon is the tendency of the sizing or finish applied by the manufacturer to discolour upon contact with moisture. The moisture effects of water-soluble food and beverage spillage, perspiration, and rain may disturb sizing. If the article is badly stained by moisture, and labeled as “dry cleanable,” it may be very difficult for a dry cleaner to correct this shading. A bad discolouration may necessitate a short wetcleaning process. This is only done with the consumer’s consent. Changes in colour shading can result from a variety of outside sources.
A frequent problem with silk and rayon is the tendency of the sizing or finish applied by the manufacturer to discolour upon contact with moisture. The moisture effects of water-soluble food and beverage spillage, perspiration, and rain may disturb sizing. If the article is badly stained by moisture, and labeled as “dry cleanable,” it may be very difficult for a dry cleaner to correct this shading. A bad discolouration may necessitate a short wetcleaning process. This is only done with the consumer’s consent. Changes in colour shading can result from a variety of outside sources.
Posted At: March 19, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Posted by: Shane Johnston
HOME STAIN REMOVAL
Because of the extreme sensitivity of many dyes and sizings to moisture, consumers are not advised to attempt any stain removal using water unless they have pretested an unexposed seam. Wet the fabric and blot it with a white cloth. (Rubbing while wet during home spotting can distort the yams, causing light areas or chafing.) Allow the spot to air dry to determine if the dye and sizing are disturbed. Oily-type greases and soils often can be more readily removed by a dry cleaning fluid without adverse effects. However, in all stain-removal techniques, the fabric should only be lightly blotted with the fluid; never rubbed. Rubbing damages the colour of the fabric, often permanently.
Because of the extreme sensitivity of many dyes and sizings to moisture, consumers are not advised to attempt any stain removal using water unless they have pretested an unexposed seam. Wet the fabric and blot it with a white cloth. (Rubbing while wet during home spotting can distort the yams, causing light areas or chafing.) Allow the spot to air dry to determine if the dye and sizing are disturbed. Oily-type greases and soils often can be more readily removed by a dry cleaning fluid without adverse effects. However, in all stain-removal techniques, the fabric should only be lightly blotted with the fluid; never rubbed. Rubbing damages the colour of the fabric, often permanently.
Posted At: March 19, 2008 at 12:28 PM
Posted by: Shane Johnston
PERSPIRATION PROBLEMS
Perspiration contains salts that can damage fabrics, especially silk. Perspiration is acidic and turns alkaline on exposure to the atmosphere. This can cause the fabric to change colour and may disintegrate and weaken silk. Have perspiration stains removed as soon as possible to avoid permanent staining. If you perspire heavily, consider wearing underarm shields.
Perspiration contains salts that can damage fabrics, especially silk. Perspiration is acidic and turns alkaline on exposure to the atmosphere. This can cause the fabric to change colour and may disintegrate and weaken silk. Have perspiration stains removed as soon as possible to avoid permanent staining. If you perspire heavily, consider wearing underarm shields.
Posted At: March 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Posted by: Shane Johnston
COLOUR CHANGES
Some silk dyes bleed or change colour when exposed to solutions containing alcohol. Allow perfume, deodorant, and hair spray to dry before you dress, and remove spills from alcoholic beverages as soon as possible. Some dyes, especially blues and greens on silk, are sensitive to alkalis. Many facial soaps,
shampoos, detergents, and even toothpastes are alkaline enough to cause colour loss or change on sensitive items. If this happens, talk to your dry cleaner promptly about possible restoration.
Many bright colours used on these fabrics can fade from exposure to sunlight or artificial light. Some blue and green dyes fade exceptionally fast, especially on silk. Store garments in closets away from any light, such as windows or electric lights left on.
Never use chlorine bleach: it permanently damages silk.
Some silk dyes bleed or change colour when exposed to solutions containing alcohol. Allow perfume, deodorant, and hair spray to dry before you dress, and remove spills from alcoholic beverages as soon as possible. Some dyes, especially blues and greens on silk, are sensitive to alkalis. Many facial soaps,
shampoos, detergents, and even toothpastes are alkaline enough to cause colour loss or change on sensitive items. If this happens, talk to your dry cleaner promptly about possible restoration.
Many bright colours used on these fabrics can fade from exposure to sunlight or artificial light. Some blue and green dyes fade exceptionally fast, especially on silk. Store garments in closets away from any light, such as windows or electric lights left on.
Never use chlorine bleach: it permanently damages silk.
Posted At: March 19, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Posted by: Shane Johnston
