Q.  I just designed and created my very own hand-painted silk scarf. You sent it home with me in a bag, and it's wet. Now what do I do?

​Tonight:  BE VERY GENTLE WITH YOUR SCARF, as the paint is still malleable. Handle it as little as possible. Avoid direct sunlight until after the scarf has been ironed.
  1. Fill a bowl with some cold water (hint: if you are in a hotel, use the ice bucket)
  2. OPTIONAL: For a more luxurious, softer feeling silk (or other fabric), add a small amount of unscented liquid fabric softener, such as Downy, Dreft, or any store brand) to the bowl of water. If you don't have softener, but want to soften your fabric, you can use regular hair conditioner. 
  3.  Remove the scarf from the bag and place it into the water. This is to let the water help you unfold it - not to wash anything out of it! Let it sit in the water for about one to three minutes
  4. OPTIONAL: if using fabric softener, let it soak an hour or overnight.
  5. HANG IT UP TO DRIP DRY: Give the fabric a swish or two to release the wrinkles, then take it straight out of the water and hang it to drip dry. Do not twist, wring or squeeze your scarf!  You can hang your scarf from a skirt hanger with clips, or drape it over the [clean] shower bar. 
  6. CONTINUE TO DRY FOR AT LEAST 8 HOURS: Once dry, you can wear it gently, or leave it on the hanger or lay it over a chair, or even gently fold and place it between layers of paper in your luggage.  For best results, allow your scarf to continue to dry for at least 8 hours before ironing. KEEP IT OUT OF THE SUN UNTIL IRONED.
  7. IRON: Using the hottest setting, iron the scarf to heat set the colors, and create a silky smooth finish.  *******Please do not skip this step - ironing is important to make it sun-safe and washable, and to prevent future fading!!!!
  8. Your item is now ready to use and enjoy! 

Q.  How do I care for my ready-to-wear scarf or other water-marbled items?
  1. WE RECOMMEND HAND WASHING. As needed, gently hand wash in cold water (add a tiny bit off baby shampoo or Woolite only if needed)
  2. Line dry
  3. low iron or use cool steam as needed
  4. We do not recommend professional dry cleaning
  5. You may use Dryel Dry Cleaning System in your home dryer, but it's costly and not necessarily any better than washing by hand.

  • Helpful Hint:  When traveling, your dried silk item may be wrapped gently in tissue and placed in a zip lock bag; blow a puff of air into the bag before sealing to create a bit of cushion around the silk, and place in your suitcase. Hang it up when you reach your destination; hanging will usually remove most wrinkles.

Q.  Do I have to use fabric softener in my initial care? Can I add fabric softener at a later date?

  • No, and yes.
  1. Some folks prefer the crisp feel of the silk WITHOUT fabric softener. Whether or not you choose to use fabric softener, the silk will get softer the more you use it.
  2. If you desire to soften you silk at a later date, that's fine. DO immerse the silk in cold water tonight (or as soon after painting as possible) and hang to dry, then iron after at least 8 hours, as shown above. After that, if you desire to soften it more, just put some liquid fabric softener and cold water in a bowl or sink, add your silk and swish a few times.  Let it soak for a few minutes, then hang to dry.  Iron when dry.

Still have questions? Call us at (949) 424-3458.

©Mayu Silk Art 2014           [email protected]        instagram @mayusilkart
P.S.  We love photos! If you get a chance, we'd love to see a photo of you (or your recipient) enjoying your finished design!!  Email your photos to [email protected] or tag us on Instagram or Facebook. Thanks!!!
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