Silk
Protein fiber that weakens when wet.
- Silk is damaged by alkaline soaps and high temperatures, is insect-prone, and is sensitive to sunlight. [1]
- Hand wash in cold water and hang to dry; iron warm with a press cloth rather than directly on the fabric. Deodorants can damage silk. [2]
- Like wool, silk is a protein fiber that weakens when wet — handle gently and avoid aggressive wet treatment. [3]
Sources
- Institutional University of Georgia Extension (Textiles) — Fiber Types (accessed 2026-08-18)
- Institutional University of Tennessee Extension — Clothing and Textiles Intermediate Project Guide, Unit IV: Caring for My Clothes (W 1061-D) (accessed 2026-08-18)
- Institutional University of Georgia Extension (Textiles) — Care and Storage of Textile Heirlooms (accessed 2026-08-18)
Updated 2026-08-18. Compiled from the cited sources; not independently verified by this site. Care labels and manufacturer instructions always take precedence. Spotted an error? See the corrections policy.