Now that the festivals are approaching just around the corner, it is time to bring out your cherished expensive and beautiful silks. Although other types of fabrics such as Chiffons, Georgettes, Jacquards, Velvets etc. are used, Silk clothes are more widely preferred to achieve that classic, elegant and festive look. While silk clothes look really good, at the same time, the fabric is quite sensitive and even delicate so taking the right care of your silk clothes is a must during this season.
Let us look at what we can do to preserve our expensive silks in an excellent condition.
Silk threads are made from a kind of protein that is very much similar to our hair in its composition. Hence treat your silks as delicately as you do your 
hair. It is essential that silk clothes are not washed as often as other regular clothes because frequent washing damages the protein and causes permanent damage to the fabric by reducing its natural shine and also weakens the colors. The first wash of yous silk outfit should never be with soap and water, always dry clean it for the first time. Dry cleaning will fasten its colors and during later washes, the colors will not run or fade. Especially, if there are too many colors or the colors are deeper in shade, they SHOULD be dry cleaned. Later on, after wearing it, the outfit should be hung up on a hanger overnight before storing away in your closet. This will ensure that the perspiration dires out thoroughly, if not done so, the perspiration will leave permanent marks on the fabric and it will be quite unsightly and ruin the looks of your outfit.
For later washes at home, never use harsh detergent powders or soaps for cleaning them. You can use a little baby shampoo mixed in water for soaking the silk clothes and then rubbing them gently with your hands. Alternatively, soak powdered aritha or ritha (Sapindus mukorossi) overnight in water, next morning filter it and mix the liquid with water and use it to soak the silks. This works really great and retains its natural shine. Of course, while using these alternative methods, it is always prudent to read the label on the cloth and if any special instructions are given on its care, these must be followed diligently.
Unless, it is written on the label as being washing machine proof, silks must never be washed in machines or spinned dry. Instead hang them on a clothes line in shade, never in sunlight. Harsh sunlight will weaken its fabric and also damage the colors. If your clothes are embellished heavily using sequins, beads, mirrors etc. it is better to always get them dry cleaned. Trying to wash at home will break and discolor these embellishments which are usually not repairable. Also, never use any sort of bleaching solutions on them.
After a few wears and washes, the fabric becomes slightly limp and loses its natural crispness. In order to make it crisp again, I use this trick taught by my mother. After normal washing, mix half a tube of regular transparent glue in half a bucket of water and soak your silk saree in it for a few minutes. Remove and rinse lightly and then dry and iron as instructed. Your saree or kurta will again become naturally crisp as new.
Taking Care of Stains
If you happen to stain your clothes, immediately spray the affected area with lukewarm water and then pat dry with a tissue paper. After that, apply a few drops of vinegar on the stain and again pat dry with a tissue paper. Try to not rub on the stain or it will spread more.
If the stain is oily, then immediately sprinkle a little baking soda on it and press it lightly. The soda will absorb the grease, repeat again and again until the stain fades. Wash the affected area now with lukewarm water and then blow it dry with a hairdryer. But care must be taken that the stain is gone before using the hairdryer or else the stain will become permanent due to its heat. You can also substitute the baking soda for talcum powder, it too works wonders in removing the grease.
Tips for Ironing the Silks
Silks, if ironed while still damp, shine very nicely and retain their shape well. Iron with the outfit turned inside out. If colors are dark, then use another clean white sheet spread over it while ironing. This will retain their natural shine and will not make the colors fade as well.
Always use the correct temperature setting that is given on the irons for silk fabric. Using high temperature will permanently damage or even burn the fabric.
Some Important Things to Remember
Silk threads are especially sensitive to chemicals in hair sprays, anti-perspirants, deodorants, perfumes etc. So never spray these while you are wearing the clothes. Spray them while you are unclothed, let dry for a few minutes and then wear the clothes. If directly sprayed on the clothes, they will leave permanent marks on them.
As perspiration also causes unsightly marks on the clothes, do not wear overly tight clothes, but get your clothes stitched so that they are comfortably fitting and not stretching at the seams.
While storing your silks, never hang them on a hanger but store them folded. Leaving them on a hanger will weaken the fabric on the hung portions and it will tear only on those lines. The best option for storing silks is to fold them and keep them inside white cotton bags that are especially made for these purposes. Alternatively, you can wrap them up in clean white sheets.
It is also necessary to air out your silks once in a while to avoid moths and dust mites gathering in them. Each time you air them, ensure you fold them back in a different direction than before. This ensures that the fabric remains strong and does not weaken on the fold lines.
Use special moth-preventing products in your closets of cupboards to avoid moths in your clothes. If you dislike the typical smell of the mothballs, throw in a few cloves between folds of your clothes. These too prevent moths.
Last but not the least, the festivities include lighting diyas and crackers. Due care must be taken to be careful while lighting them because such clothes catch fire immediately. So be cautious, be safe and be happy!
Following these simple yet effective tips, you will ensure the longevity of your expensive silks and bring fond memories of happy times spent with your loved ones whenever you wear them.