Using silk fibers as interior decoration material not only provides sound absorption, dust absorption, and insulation but also offers flame-retardant properties.
Distinguishing Mulberry Silk from Pure Silk - Care Methods for Mulberry Silk and Pure Silk Garments
Distinguishing Mulberry Silk from Pure Silk
The primary difference between pure silk and mulberry silk lies in their origins: pure silk is a synthetic fiber derived from mulberry silk. Mulberry silk is the raw material, while pure silk is the processed fabric. Their definitions also reveal this distinction.
Mulberry silk is a natural animal protein fiber and the primary raw material for silk weaving. It is smooth, soft, and lustrous, offering warmth in winter and coolness in summer. When rubbed, it produces a distinctive silk chirp. It has excellent elasticity and good heat resistance but is vulnerable to saltwater corrosion and should not be treated with chlorine bleach or detergents.
Common silk fabric varieties, categorized by weaving techniques, include double crepe, heavy crepe, georgette, double georgette, heavy georgette,satin crepe, plain crepe satin, stretch plain crepe satin, and warp-knitted fabrics. Among these, stretch plain crepe satin is a new fabric type. Its composition includes mulberry silk blended with 5% to 10% spandex, making it a blended fabric. It features excellent elasticity and relatively low shrinkage.Washing Methods for Mulberry Silk and Silk Garments Washing Methods for Mulberry Silk Garments Hand washing is optimal: Add a small amount of acidic detergent or acidic shampoo to cool water. Stir the detergent thoroughly by hand before adding the garment.Do not soak garments for more than three minutes. Gently rub by hand, rinse thoroughly, and optionally add two to three drops of vinegar for a second rinse to maintain brightness. Do not wring dry; lay flat to air-dry in the shade. If not ironing, smooth out wrinkles by hand when the garment is 70% dry. Never use laundry detergent, laundry soap, or regular soap.Do not wash with other garments.
Silk Garment Washing Method
Hand Wash:
Silk garments are made from delicate, protein-based fibers. Avoid rubbing against rough items or machine washing. Soak garments in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then gently rub with a specialized silk detergent, low-foam synthetic detergent, or neutral soap (for small items like scarves, a good quality shampoo can also be used). Rinse dyed silk garments thoroughly in clean water.
Drying:
Avoid direct sunlight after washing silk garments, and never use a dryer. Instead, air-dry them in a cool, well-ventilated area. Sunlight's ultraviolet rays can cause silk fabrics to yellow, fade, and age prematurely.Therefore, after washing, do not wring out silk garments. Instead, gently shake them out, lay them flat with the reverse side facing up, and allow them to air dry until about 70% dry before ironing or smoothing them out.
Storage:
For storing silk garments, thin items like underwear, shirts, pants, skirts, and nightwear should be thoroughly washed, ironed dry, and then stored. For autumn/winter garments, outerwear, Hanfu, or cheongsams that are difficult to disassemble and wash, use dry cleaning to clean them thoroughly and iron them flat to prevent mold growth and moth damage.Ironing also helps eliminate bacteria and insects. Additionally, keep storage boxes or cabinets clean and seal them tightly to prevent dust contamination.After washing, if wrinkles appear, ironing is necessary to restore crispness, drape, and aesthetic appeal. Before ironing, allow garments to air dry until 70% dry. Lightly mist with water, wait 3–5 minutes, then iron at a temperature below 150°C. Avoid direct iron contact with the silk surface to prevent glossy patches.
Care Instructions for Mulberry Silk and Silk Garments
Care Instructions for Mulberry Silk Garments
1. When purchasing mulberry silk garments, select sizes 2–4 cm larger than your usual size for comfort and to minimize damage to the silk protein fibers.
2. Air-dry mulberry silk garments in the shade; avoid exposure to sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
4. Mulberry silk garments are highly absorbent. When not worn, hang them on hangers in a well-ventilated area. If not heavily soiled, avoid washing; instead, air them in a ventilated space until sweat evaporates before wearing again.
5. Store mulberry silk garments hung to maintain dryness. Insect repellents must be wrapped in cloth and never placed directly on clothing.
Care Instructions for Silk Garments
1. Hand wash below 30°C (86°F), turning garments inside out. Soaking in water with a few drops of rice vinegar before washing yields softer, smoother silk.
2. Avoid alkaline detergents or soap during washing. Air-dry in a well-ventilated area afterward to prevent damage to the fabric's texture and luster.
3. Wash silk garments immediately after they become damp with sweat.
4. Avoid hanging silk garments on hard metal hooks to prevent damage to the fabric surface.
5. When storing silk garments, do not use mothballs, as they can cause the fabric to become brittle.
6. Iron at a temperature of 100°C (212°F), preferably with a pressing cloth.
Mulberry Silk vs. Pure Silk: Which is Better?
Pure silk garments offer softness and comfort, while mulberry silk can be processed into cosmetics or silk protein. Both have distinct advantages and applications:
Benefits of Mulberry Silk:
1. Mulberry silk serves not only as the primary raw material for silk weaving but also for manufacturing artificial blood vessels.
2. Mulberry silk is the optimal material for silk quilts. Quilts made from it are soft, form-fitting, warm, and breathable. Their eco-friendly and healthy properties also offer multiple health benefits.
3. Mulberry silk can be developed into numerous high-tech byproducts.
4. Containing 18 amino acids highly nutritious for humans, silk has inspired the development of cosmetic lines primarily based on sericin.
5. Mulberry silk can also be processed into edible silk protein.
Advantages of Silk:
1. Silk fabrics possess high porosity, offering excellent sound absorption and breathability. Beyond apparel, they are ideal for interior decor such as silk carpets, tapestries, curtains, and wall coverings.
2. Using silk fibers in interior decor not only provides sound absorption, dust absorption, and insulation but also offers flame-retardant properties.
3. The tryptophan and tyrosine in silk protein absorb ultraviolet rays, giving silk excellent UV protection.