Artificial Silk

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 22, 14 December 1928, Page 13

Artificial Silk

How to Wash It A2XTIFICIAL silk is now recognised as an ideal material for fine gar-

ments and drapery on account of its good wearing qualities and daintiness, It is a mistake to think garments _made of this silk must be cleaned when . dirty as they cannot be laundered. They can be washed very successfully without any damaging effects if precautions are taken in the process. This material often loses some of its strength when wet, and the garments then need handling carefully and gently. Warm water and soap should be used, but be careful in your choice of soap. , ‘Strong domestic soaps with too much alkali are fatal to silk. Flaked or dissolved soap of the highest quality is best when washing dainty fabrics. Make a lather by dissolving the soap in warm water (not hot), and allow the articles to ‘soak a few minutes. When washing the garments. they should be very gently kneaded between the fingers, and moved round in the lather until thé dirt is thoroughly _ removed. It is important to remember that there must be no rubbing on a board or wringing through a roller. Apart from damaging the fabric, silk .is liable, to stretch out of shape if pulled roughly. When all traces of grubbiness have disappeared, the garments should be rinsed well in two lots of clean water and allowed to drain. They can then be rolled up in a ball, wrapped in a towel, and gently squeezed to remove the bulk of the moisture.

When nearly dry hang them out to dry in the open air, or in a draught. Drying in front of the fire is inadvisable. No pegs should be‘ used, but the garments must be hung on a line with the weight well balanced to prevent stretching. The appearance of artificial silk is always improved after washing if itis ironed on the wrong side with a warm jron. This removes any creases and brings out the sheen of the material, but the iron must not be hot, or the threads will be damaged.