How to wash the ice-silk fabric?

Ice silk is a luxuriously soft and breathable textile made from the silk produced by caterpillars living in high-altitude areas. While durable, ice silk requires some special care to keep it looking and feeling its best. This guide covers everything you need to know about properly washing and caring for your ice silk garments and textiles.

When you first receive your ice silk garment or textile, resist the urge to immediately wash it. Ice silk is coated in a natural protein called sericin that helps give it strength and luster. To preserve these properties, you’ll first want to set the sericin by following these steps:

1) Lay the item out in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours. This sunbathing allows the sericin coating to properly set.

2) Once set, gently brush the fabric with a soft-bristled clothing brush to remove any surface debris or lint.

With the sericin coating now set, your ice silk is ready for its first wash.

Now, let’s explore the two main methods for washing your ice silk garments and textiles: machine washing and hand washing.

For machine washing, use the delicate or hand-wash cycle with cool water and a mild detergent formulated for delicates. Avoid using bleach, fabric softeners, or detergents with enzymes as these can break down the silk fibers over time. When the cycle is complete, promptly remove the items and lay flat or hang to air dry.

If hand washing, fill a basin or clean sink with cool water and add a small amount of delicate wash or silk-specific detergent. Gently submerge the garment or textile and let it soak for 5-10 minutes. Avoid twisting, wringing or agitating the fabric. Simply dip it up and down in the water a few times, then rinse thoroughly with cool water until no more soap remains. Gently press out excess water with your hands, then lay flat or hang to air dry.

While ice silk may require some extra care, following these simple steps will keep your garments and textiles looking vibrant and feeling luxuriously soft for years to come. Remember to always use cool water, a delicate detergent, and avoid any harsh chemicals or agitation. With proper washing technique, you can enjoy the breathable comfort of ice silk!