Cleaning and Care

Cleaning

1. The Buyer will immediately waive any right to make a claim against Silk Trader in the event that the goods are treated in any way contrary to any instructions, including cleaning instructions otherwise provided to you by Silk Trader.

Delivery

2. Delivery times on orders or confirmations are estimates only. Silk Trader shall have no liability to the Buyer for any losses arising by reason of delay in delivery, whatever the cause of the delay.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TREATING AND CARING OF FABRICS

This section includes information on cleaning codes, fabric compositions, general care and handling for specialty fabrics, checking fabrics and Dry Cleaning.

Silk Trader Cleaning Disclaimer:

Please note: that the cleaning instructions in this section are offered as a guide only. Silk Trader takes no responsibility in the event that fabric becomes damaged during the cleaning process. All cleaning of fabrics is done so at your own risk and Silk Trader does not guarantee any cleaning processes.

All of our fabrics will be marked with any one or a combination of the following cleaning instructions:

Code Instructions

A – Dry Clean Only 30oC
B – Cool, gentle hand wash 30 °. Do not soak, bleach, rub or wring. Drip dry or dry without delay away from direct heat
C – Cool Iron on reverse side
D – Do not Iron
E – Dry Cleanable
F – Do not Dry Clean
G – Possible Shrinkage 3%
H – Possible Shrinkage 5%
I – Do Not Wash
J – Spot Clean with damp cloth. Do not rub.

Please abide by these instructions and talk to your dress maker or dry cleaner if you are still not sure or send us an email to info@silktrader.com.au with your question/s.

Fabric Composition

Most of the fabrics sold by Silk Trader contain one or a combination of the following fabric components:

Acetate, Acrylic, Cotton, Linen, Lurex, Metallic, Nylon, Polyester, Poliamide, Rayon, Viscose, Silk, Spandex, Wool.

Please refer to the fabric dictionary for an explanation of any of these components or send us an email to info@socraft.com.au with your question/s.

General Care and Handling for specialty fabrics

Beaded and Embroidered fabrics – Please be careful when caring for your beaded fabric as it is hand worked and/or detailed. If possible to retain some beads from seams or off cuts, so that you have a supply of beads in reserve if you lose some beading in the course of manufacturing or cleaning the garment. Many garments made with beaded and embroidered fabrics will be lined, and it is safe to dry clean MOST garments, but please check with a reputable drycleaner that specialises in couture, bridal or after five cleaning.

Lace – Lace must always be handled with care, and it is recommended that you store your lace packed clean into layers of acid free tissue paper, and in a cool, dark, dry place. Lace can snag and tears easily -to maintain your lace in the best possible condition it is recommended that you dry clean only from an experienced dry cleaner who uses the appropriate chemicals and low temperature heat.

Metallic Threads and Plastic stones – Metallic threads and plastic stones are easily affected by heat and strong dry cleaning chemicals. If excessive heat or chemical is applied, the metallic threads or stones will curl and possibly burn and/or melt, permanently damaging your fabric and any fabric it is attached to. It is highly recommended to test the fabric/motif with your dry cleaner first. The best solution is to remove the fabric/motif containing the metallic threads and or stones from the garment before washing or spot clean the garment as necessary.

Silk and silk mixes – Silk is a natural fabric – variations in weave or finish are not considered flaws; it is characteristic of fine silk yarn and gives this fabric its unique appearance. Silk is extremely sensitive to heat and light, and it is recommended that silks be stored in a cool, dark, dry place when not being used. To maintain your Silk in the best possible condition it is recommended that you dry clean only from an experienced dry cleaner who uses the appropriate chemicals and temperature heat.

Wools and wool acetates – Wool is a natural fibre and is susceptible to occasional variations in weave. It is recommended to dry clean these fabrics. It is advisable to check with your drycleaner if there is likely to be any shrinkage with dry cleaning. Hand wash at your own risk using approved wool washes. If this fabric is hand-washed you may expect up to 15% shrinkage and it is recommended that you wash before sewing if this is the method you will use to clean the garment. Never use bleach or machine wash.

Checking Fabric

All fabrics are quality inspected for lines, marks or faults before they are dispatched. Extra fabric is allowed for a line or fault and is generally marked on the roll to alert you to this occurrence.

Please note: also that colours, especially in silks, will vary from dye lot to dye lot, however, this is usually within a tolerance range of 5-10% deviation – we strongly recommend that you check the fabric for colour before cutting, as no claims will be accepted for replacement of goods once the fabric has been cut.

Dry Cleaning

Dry Cleaning is by definition, cleaning with solvents and little or no water. Perchlorethylene, the cleaning fluid used by most dry cleaners, is the most effective cleaner so far for most types of fabrics. Australian law does not permit any dry cleaner to use any chemical containing fluorocarbons – this therefore, limits the types of chemicals dry cleaners can use for cleaning and therefore makes it more difficult to clean some fabrics manufactured overseas with specialty features. It is important to check with a reputable dry cleaner as to what process can be used on the fabric or product you are intending to dry clean.

FABRIC CARE

CARING FOR YOUR SILK GARMENTS

Dry cleaning is the safest option with silk. You will usually find silk labeled “Dry Clean Only”

You should never spot clean silk, as it will water mark.

Washing Silk: some unlined silk garments may be gently hand washed in cool water using a product such as Softly. Adding salt or vinegar to the rinse water helps maintain the luster and set the dye.
Drip dry in the shade and iron damp on the silk setting. If your garment dries completely, ironing is easier if you put it in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight.

However
• Washing will soften the silk and change the drape of the garment
• Silk may shrink up to 3%
• Do not spot clean silk as it will water mark
• Silk dyes may run. Always wash separately, and it is not recommended to wash shot silks (with different colour warp and weft). There is a high risk of one colour bleeding into the other

CARING FOR YOUR SILK CURTAINS:

Silk is care category 2. Remove hooks, rings and trim before cleaning. Dry cleaning only
Do not wash or spot clean. Possible shrinkage 3%.
Do not allow dust to accumulate. Gentle vacuum regularly using an appropriate attachment.

CARING FOR YOUR POLYESTER CURTAINS:

Polyester is care category 4. Remove hooks, rings and trim before cleaning. Dry cleanable
Do not wash or spot clean. Possible shrinkage 3%.
Do not allow dust to accumulate. Gentle vacuum regularly using an appropriate attachment.

Washing polyester – most polyesters can be cold hand washed. Do not bleach. Do not rub or wring. Drip dry in the shade. Use cool iron.

Some polyesters, eg Elegance, should only be dry cleaned. Please check with us if you are not sure.