Silk Scarves

Silk scarves require careful handling. Creased silk scarves can be lightly ironed using a low setting. Check the manual for your iron to find out which setting is best. Silk scarves should only be washed when soiled. You can hand wash your silk scarf gently in warm soap and water, but dry cleaning is recommended.

Cotton Scarves

Cotton scarves are slightly more robust. They can be machine-washed at a low temperature. Leave your scarves to dry naturally and iron on the appropriate settings for your iron. Always be careful of delicate trimmings and check that they are also cotton before washing etc.

Wool Scarves

With proper care, your wool scarves will last for years and lose none of their charm. Wool naturally loses wrinkles and returns to its shape over time. Hang your wool scarf over a padded hanger and if necessary, place in a steamy bathroom to removed wrinkles. You can also steam iron wool scarves. Use the appropriate setting and remember not to drag your iron back and forth. Instead lift and place your iron. Wool should not be ironed completely dry, instead steam iron and then leave to dry at room temperature. Do not tumble dry woollen scarves, as they will thicken up and start to felt.

Once your woollen scarves are clean and wrinkle-free, store as stated previously.

Chenille Scarves

Chenille requires little extra care and can be washed on a normal low-temperature setting. After the cycle is finished, use an extra spin cycle to remove as much water as possible. You can even add bleach detergents to your wash, but only with white chenille. You can even put your chenille scarves in the tumble dryer, in fact, this helps to maintain softness. Just use a low-temperature setting.

Chenille does not usually crease, but you can remove any wrinkles by ironing the wrong side of your scarf on an appropriate setting. If you have to iron the right side of the fabric, use a press cloth or iron through thin cotton. Once your chenille scarves are clean and pressed, store as stated previously.

Chiffon Scarves

How you care for your chiffon scarves depends on the specific type of chiffon. Chiffon scarves can be made from silk, crepe and polyester, so check the labels carefully. Silk and crepe chiffons should be dry cleaned unless otherwise clearly stated. Silk and crepe chiffons stretch and can pucker when wet, so do not attempt to remove stains yourself. Polyester chiffon is more robust and can usually be machine washed. Use a 'delicates' cycle and always double check the label and washing instructions.