Caring for your silk item

Silk is a delicate material that needs to be cared for to maintain its shine and luster. Today, we reveal the secrets to caring for your silk squares: from maintenance tips to ironing, washing, and precautions.

1. Caring for your silk item

Avoid any contact with rain, which can damage your square. Indeed, isolated drops can create rings as they dry.
Furthermore, chemical products as well as any substances containing alcohol are not recommended. Be careful that no perfume, cologne, deodorant, or alcoholic beverage comes into contact with your silk item, as they can discolor it. When you apply perfume, let it dry on your skin before putting on your scarf.

2. Proper storage

Store your item flat in a box or folded in half on a wooden or plastic hanger. Just like cashmere and other natural materials, moths are attracted to silk. Place your squares in a dry place and add a sachet of lavender or cedar.

3. Washing your silk item

At Petitjean Paris, we recommend dry cleaning your silk or entrusting it to a professional. Warning: prohibit bleach and powdered detergents. Silk is a natural fiber that does not tolerate the use of bleaching agents, which can damage the fibers of this delicate material. If in doubt, entrust it to a professional.

Silk Carré Scarf 34.5" Toile Fantastique

4. Refreshing your silk item

If your silk square is stained, we recommend entrusting it to a professional. Nevertheless, you can refresh your silk item at home from time to time by gently rinsing it with cold water.

STEP 1 // WASH IN COLD WATER

Do not soak silk before washing it. Prepare a little soapy water (neutral Marseille soap without perfume) or diluted with a little special silk detergent. Dip your silk in it for a few minutes, gently swirling by hand before rinsing gently with clear water. Also, don't be surprised if the fabric bleeds a little, especially if your scarf is brightly colored.
Warning: always use cold water because lukewarm and hot water risks damaging it.

To wring, blot the damp silk between two dry and clean towels, then gently press several times.

STEP 3 // DRY

For drying, lay flat and at room temperature to avoid any deformation of the fabric. We advise you to let it dry on a towel to avoid marks from the clothesline.
Warning: Do not place your silk item folded in half on a clothesline. Also avoid sun exposure, which can cause discoloration, proximity to a radiator, or the use of stain removers. Finally, do not use a tumble dryer.

Silk Carré Scarf 29.5 Bois Enchanté

5. Ironing your silk scarf

Iron your silk square inside out to preserve its luster and avoid iron marks. Set your iron to a low temperature (120 or 130°) or to the "silk" program. Ideally, use a pressing cloth between your silk and the soleplate of your iron.

6. Machine washing?

Absolutely avoid washing your silk in the machine; this risks making it lose its luster, damaging the weave by pulling threads, and too fast a spin can permanently damage the fabric.

It's up to you!