A Chinese silk handbag will add elegance and class to any outfit. This glamorous accessory can only enhance an ensemble, making you feel as though you live in the lap of luxury. If you’ve ever shied away from purchasing one of these beauties because you’re afraid it might be high maintenance, you couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, these handbags do require a bit of care, but not as much as you think.
If you’ll be carrying one of these luxurious bags, be sure to keep it from being exposed to the elements. It should go without saying that you leave your silk handbag home during inclement weather. Snow, rain and sleet as well as fog and other precipitation can cause water marks and staining.
Be careful when placing your silk handbag on tables or anywhere else spills can happen. If silk gets stained and isn’t treated immediately, there’s a good chance the stain could set in permanently. If your handbag is dirty or stained, you have several options, but first check the label and follow any cleaning instructions. If you’re unsure of how to clean it, you might also call the bag’s manufacturer or designer or the store in which you purchased the handbag for tips on how it should best be cleaned. Your dry cleaner might have some answers as well, but dry cleaning is not always recommended. Too much dry cleaning can cause the color to fade.
Don’t wait until your handbag is very dirty before you begin cleaning. Heavy rubbing will cause damage to the fibers.
If you’re going to clean the bag yourself, always spot test on a hidden area, such as the inside of the handbag, to make sure you won’t cause any damage. Wait until your test area dries before you treat any spots or stains. If there are no marks or discoloration, it’s ok to go ahead and treat the stain.
A solution of mild detergent and cool or lukewarm water is great for cleaning silk. (A mild detergent is one containing no bleaches or alkalis, such as most dish detergents or detergents used to wash baby clothes. Chlorine bleaches will cause the silk to yellow.) Again, always test in a hidden area first. Sponge a little of the solution on the spot and then blot with a clean towel to rinse. Never rub at a stain, as this will only cause the stain to spread and wear out the fibers.
You might also be able to hand launder the whole handbag this way, but only if absolutely necessary because it depends on the makeup of the bag. Never throw the bag in the dryer as the heat will cause any stains to set and the fibers to weaken. Don’t wring it dry, either. This, too, will damage the silk. Roll the handbag in a thick towel so the water can be absorbed that way. Drip dry or lay it flat on a towel. Washing items made of silk can cause excess die to discharge so try not to wash your handbag too often to prevent fading.
Even though it’s considered a delicate fabric, it’s actually quite strong. If your handbag is repeatedly exposed to the sun, however, it can cause the fabric to weaken and fade. Silk doesn’t do well in extreme changes of temperature so it’s a good idea to store your silk in a cool, dry place – but don’t keep changing its location from hot to cold temperatures. When storing your handbag for a prolonged period of time, place in a pillowcase made of cotton or other breathable fabric. Silk is attractive to moths and needs to stay out of direct sunlight.
It’s not difficult to care for a Chinese silk handbag. Just take care to keep it out of sunlight, inclement weather and avoid spills or anything else that can cause the silk to stain. Remember, if all else fails, call in a professional, you want your Chinese silk handbag to last as long as possible.
