Effect of alkalies: As a protein fibre, silk is vulnerable to alkalies. But the action of alkalies is slower than wool. It gets dissolved in caustic soda. Neutral soap is recommended for washing. Effect of acids: silk is resistant to organic acids and sometimes these are used in finishing silk fabrics. Like wool keratin, silk fibroin also gets damaged with mineral acids. Silk has the characteristic of absorbing and holding acid molecules which tend to damage silk fibroin on storage. Effect of bleaches: Silk is resistant o mild bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium perborate. It gets damaged with the use of chlorite bleaches.
Miscellaneous properties: Effect of Sunlight: Silk is damaged by exposure to direct sunlight. Drying in shade is recommended. Raw silk is more resistant to light than degummed silk. Effect of Mildew: Silk is not susceptible to mildew unless left in damp condition for a long time. Effect of Moths: Silk has high resistance to moths and silver fish. But beetles may destroy the fibre. Effect of Perspiration: Silk is damaged when perspiration is left in garments after washing. Finishes given to silk:
Degumming – Removal of silk gum, sericin.
Weighting- Adds weight after degumming.
Scrooping – Treated with organic acids to produce the scroop sound when worn
Calendering – Enhances luster and makes it wrinkle free.
Care of Silks: Silk fabrics are generally regarded as clean fabrics. Due to their filamentous nature, it will not hold much soil and cleaning is simple and does not require any friction. Mild soaps such as reeta nut or neutral soaps / liquid soaps can easily be used for washing of silks.
It is preferable to dry clean certain luxury fabrics as it retains its high luster and softness. Crepe, georgette and organzine fabrics need careful handling as they shrink in washing. The shape of these can be restored back by careful steaming.
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