Tips on Silk Care...

What is Silk Mark:

Silk mark is a Quality Assurance Label which signifies that the product to which it is affixed is made of pure silk. Further, Silk Mark connects members of the silk fraternity.

• Silk Mark protects & promotes Silk.
• Silk Mark is "Your Assurance of Pure Silk"
• silk Mark protects the interest of consumers.
  
• silk Mark is a Regd. Trade Mark used only by Authorized Users.
  
• silk Mark benefits all stake holders in the silk value chain.

Silk Mark Launch:

Silk Mark Scheme was launched in Bangalore by the Hon'ble Union Minister of Textiles on 17 th june 2004 at a glittering function in the presence of Silk luminaries and industry leaders.

How does Silk Mark help Consumers:

There are many number of fake silks that could rob you of the pleasure of shopping for silk and all the sensations that pure silk holds. We know you are not gullible.You may even be quite knowledgeable of silks yet the guile of a dobgy silk trader or manufacturer could always outwit you and when in doubt,you need help.It is here that the Silk Mark comes in. Silk Mark helps the consumer to identify genuine pure natural silk products and help in hassle-free shopping.

How to identify Silk Mark products:

• Only Authorized Users of Silk Mark can use the Silk Mark Label in their products.Look for Silk Mark Authorized User Certificate/Logo displayed at the Retail outlet.
• Make sure that each silk product you buy is attached with a Silk Mark Label duly Affixed with a hologram.
• At the store you buy silk from look for Silk Mark.
  

The Silk Mark Label and Hologram:

The Silk Mark Label on a specific format is printed by SMOI and supplied to Authorized users. High security Hologram manufactured under license is provided with special features and an identifiable serial number assigned to each piece of hologram.

The Indian Silks:

India is the only country in the world known to produce all the varieties of commercially produced silk.

• Mulberry Silk- The silkworm Bombyx mori feeds on the mulberry Leaves to produce the renowned Mulberry Silk
  
• Tassar Silk- Tassar silk is generated by the silkworm, Antberaea mylitta which mainly thrives on Asan and Arjun plants found in central India.
  
• MugaSilk- "Muga"-obbtained from the silkworm Antbera assama feeds on som and sualu Leaves. Muga in Assamase also means yellowish.They are the most expensive of all and are produced only in India.
  
• Eri Silk- also known as the Endi or Errandi silk is thick., warm, soft, rare and very long Lasting. Eri silk is produced by philosamia ricini that feeds mainly on castor Leaves.
  

Range of Silk Mark Products:

SilkMark covers all silk products including Primary, intermediate and finished products- raw silk, yarns, fabrics, sarees, made-ups, garments, carpets etc.

Washing & Caring Tips for Silk Products:

Silk- the 'Queen of Textiles' is Lustrous & colourful, soft & strong, light & comfortable with fantastic drape unsurpassed by any other fiber- either natural or synthetic. Caring of your silks is very important to get long cherishing of your gorgeous silks.

• Silk should be soaked for 2 to 3 minutes in cold water (with few drops of Citric Acid or Vinegar) before and after washing . Each piece should be washed separately.
  
• Wash to liquid ratio may be kept between 1:20 to 1:30
  
• Soap should be mild & little, water should be warm & soft. It water is hard add a pinch of borax, sodium borate or ammonia for better results.
  
• Hand washing with soft brushing is highly recommended to machine washing. process should be quick to avoid long contact with soap water. Extra soap should be removed by rinsing 2 to 3 times in fresh warm water and soaked for 2 to 3 minutes in cold water as above.
  
• Silks should never be squeezed or twisted either to remove soap or extra water. Should be rolled in Turkish towel and pressed to remove extra water.
  
• Drying should be on flat surface and not on hangers or wires.
  
• Ironing results will be better if litter moisture is left and on back side of the surface with medium heat to avoid damage & iron marks.

Storage of Silk Products:

• Store in cool and dry place in brown craft paper covers.
• In case of sarees avoid stacking more than three, frequently reverse and change the folds. A small sandal wood piece instead of naphthalene balls would provide dry, cool and fresh air. Sweat should never be allowed to settle & should be removed by rinsing in cold water.
  
• Hang the silk products in good ventilated wardrobe or cupboard.
• Use anti- mildew compound spray.
  
• Wrap in muslin cloth to avoid discolouring of zari.
  
• Wrap in newspaper that is moth repellent.
  
• Use natural perfume like Sandalwood swatch for refreshning.
  
• Plastic bags given as package material after laundering or purchase should not be used for storage.
  

Stains Removal for Silk Products:

Tyes of Stain Treatment

Blood : Soak in warm water, sponge with a few drops of ammonia in 10cc of
hylydrogen peroxide, and then launder.

Butter : Use drops of carbon tetrachloride.
Chocolate : Soak in hot water and launder.
Coffee or tea : Allow the fabric to dry. sponge with carbon tetachloride. if stain remains
remains. launder in hot water using small quantity of hydrogen per
oxide.
Cosmetics :Dampen the stain and rub with bar soap. finally rinse and wash.
Ink or Lipstick : the stain on Paper towel face down. sponge back with dry clea
ning solvent or alcohol. Avoid water until stain is removed, rinse
and launder.
Nail polish :Sponge with acetone.
Cream (ice, milk) : Sponge with carbon tetrachloride. Launder in hot water.
Egg :Sponge in cold water
Fruit juices: Sponge with alkali and alcohol in equal proportions and launder.
Greasy stains: Apply face powder and place the stain face down on paper towel and
sponge with dry cleaning solvent and dampen slowly. rinse and
wash or launder.
Mud: Allow to dry ,sponge with carbon tetrachloride, rinse and wash or
launder.
Paint :Rinse in warm water and launder. if stain remains sponge with
turpentine and kerosene.rinse and wash or launder.
Varnish oil :Sponge with carbon tetrachloride.
Perspiration :Rinse in dilute Hydrochloric acid and launder.