What Is Washed Silk?
Our washed silk is 100% Mulberry silk fabric that has undergone a special finishing process to give it a softer, more relaxed texture with a slightly sueded appearance. This simple non-toxic process, often called "sandwashing" or "enzyme washing," removes the natural stiffness and sheen of traditional silk, making it feel buttery smooth, lightweight, and drapey.
It retains the breathability, health benefits and temperature-regulating properties of untreated silk while being less prone to wrinkles, hard to remove stains and damage from daily use.
Washed Silk Charmeuse
100% Silk
Our Washed Silk Charmeuse Satin is Grade A Mulberry Silk. The hand is sumptuously smooth with a soft, fluid drape and a subtle sheen. The surface is lightly sanded and then washed with a natural non-toxic protein based enzyme to further soften the fabric for a relaxed feel.
Why We Love It:
- The epitome of everyday luxury: machine wash and dry on delicate cycle at home.
- Great for sensitive skin for its soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and temperature regulating qualities.
- Helps skin and hair retain moisture with it's molecular sericin and fibroin content.
- The fabric has two different sides: one shiny like satin and one matte.
How To Care For Washed Silk?
Machine Wash Cold
- Wash with cold water on a delicate cycle along with other soft garments that do not have zippers or hardware.
- Wash with like colors.
- Use gentle silk-friendly detergent without bleach or stain removing solvents.
Tumble Dry Low
- Tumble dry on a low heat setting together with other soft garments that do not have zippers or hardware.
- Remove promptly to avoid setting any wrinkles.
Time is Luxury. We do not recommend hand washing and air drying washed silk as it will become stiff. You may steam your silk on a medium heat setting to revive softness and remove any wrinkles.
FAQs About Washed Silk
Does washed silk contain toxic chemicals?
No. Our washed silk undergoes a non-toxic, low environmental impact treatment process. It involves a dry brushing step and then undergoes a protein-based enzyme water wash. This protein-based enzyme or protease enzyme is specially formulated to only react with the sericin protein in silk filaments, softening the coating but leaving the fibroin protein behind as to not damage the structural integrity of the silk. No residue is left behind after the treatment is finished and it never comes into contact with your skin.
Does washing the silk weaken it?
No. There are two proteins present in silk that give it molecular strength: sericin and fibroin. Sericin is an outer gummy coating that often leaves the silk stiff, however, it has many health benefits (we use raw silk with high sericin content for our beauty accessories). Fibroin is the core protein that makes up the structural integrity of the silk. Even after the initial washing treatment the fibroin is un-weakened. With repeated washing at home the silk will retain it's durable structure and last for years to come.
Is washed silk eco-friendly?
Yes! Silk naturally involves much less water to produce compared to other natural fibers such as linen or cotton. It also does not need any harsh neuro-toxic chemicals to produce like Tencel, Modal, Rayon, or bamboo silk alternatives. For washed silk, the washing process done at the factory is non-toxic and protein-based, which has a low environmental impact and never comes into contact with your skin.
