Silk - the very word implies softness, elegance, and luxury. This shiny fibre, produced by silkworms to form their cocoons, was discovered in China more than 4,000 years ago. It has been prized ever since for its many unique qualities.

Soft and fluid, rayon is a favourite of fashion designers. It gives the look of silk at a fraction of the cost. Rayon is regenerated cellulose material produced from a solution of a cellulose source (wood pulp, cotton waste, etc.) The solution is forced through a spinneret and subsequently regenerated to form the fibre. It was the first manmade fibre produced.

Wash or Dry-clean?

Both silk and rayon fibres dry-clean very well. If the manufacturer has not tested for appropriate care instructions, however, certain dyes or finishes applied to the fibres may react adversely to dry-cleaning. Washing may damage garments containing sizing and/or dyes that are sensitive to water. Also, some rayon water-spot or stain readily upon contact with any moisture. It is important that you follow the care label on the garment.

"Washable" Silk and Rayon

Washable silk and rayon have become increasingly popular. It is assumed that if a garment is labelled as "washable," the manufacturer has tested the fabric accordingly. However, this is not always the case. Some dyes on "washable" silk and rayon have actually dissolved in water, causing considerable dye bleeding and transfer. This is especially true on many darker colours; most pastels have a greater degree of colourfastness. It is not advisable to wash dark-collared garments with other items due to the possibilities of dye bleeding and migration. 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, as prolonged soaking will often cause dyes to bleed and migrate even more.

If you follow the procedure suggested on the label and the appearance of the item is permanently altered, return it to the retailer for an exchange adjustment.

Colour Fading

Occasionally, dyes on silk and rayon are not colourfast to the procedures listed in the care instructions. Articles labelled as "dry cleanable" will sometimes contain dyes that bleed extensively when dry-cleaned. Deep colours may transfer onto lighter areas. The same is true for some articles that are labelled a "washable".

Most stains are water-soluble and required special spotting techniques using moisture that are not part of normal dry-cleaning. The degree of stain removal will often be determined by the colourfastness of the dye. Sometimes, a dye is initially disturbed by the moisture of the staining substance and will not withstand the additional moisture needed to remove the stain. The stain cannot be removed without serious colour failure.

Beverage Stains

Beverages such as soft drinks, wine, and mixed drinks contain sugars. A spill may be colourless and disappear when it dries, but later the sugar may cause yellow or brown stains, especially when exposed to heat. Be sure to point out such stains so that the drycleaner can use special pre-treatments on the stain prior to dry-cleaning. Sugar-based beverage stains cannot always be completely removed, especially on silk.

Chemical Damage

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, purples and greens on silk, are sensitive to alkalise. Many facial soaps, shampoos, detergents, and even toothpastes are alkaline enough to cause colour loss or change. If this happens, talk to your drycleaner promptly about possible restoration.

Many bright colours used on these fabrics can fade from exposure to sunlight or artificial light. Some blue, purple and green dyes fade exceptionally fast, especially on silk. Store garments in closets away from any light, such as windows or electric lights that are left on.

Never use chlorine bleach - it permanently damages silk.

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