Look after your scarf and your scarf will look after you...

A little maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that your favorite scarves look good as new for a lifetime. Caring for scarves involves maintenance on two fronts; while using the scarf and while storing the scarf. As with any other clothing item, a rule of thumb says that the user should read the instructions mentioned on the label and follow them to the tee. The reason for this is that different scarves may have different maintenance requirements depending on the fabric, size  and whether embellished with embroidery or crochet work.

Firstly, let us consider how you would store the scarves in your cupboard when not in use. Scarves should basically be stored in a cool and dark place. Many experts recommend that the scarf could even be kept in the closet wrapped in a soft muslin cloth to preserve its delicate good looks. Another factor to be kept in mind is aeration. If the scarf is not frequently used, it is advisable to remove the scarf from inside the cupboard around once a month to prevent disintegration of the scarf’s fibers due to suffocation. Scarves are sometimes also susceptible to attacks by moths. Therefore, it would be good idea to place camphor balls or some other pest repellants in the closet in which the scarves are kept. Besides being folded and placed on a shelf, scarves can also be hung on hangers having a non-slip surface. To keep the scarves crease-free, it is advisable to roll them around cylindrical objects such as rollers or used tissue rolls.

Belisi silk scarves should preferably be dry-cleaned before placing in the cupboard. In this way,  the scarves would remain fresh for a long time. This is especially true for silk and woolen scarves. Scarves of all materials should be cleaned using mild detergent and rinsed in cold or warm water. After washing, they could be hung-dried. Avoid wringing the wet scarves as this could result in tearing of the fabric or deterioration of the material.

When a Belisi silk scarf is stained, a rinse in a vinegar solution would be preferred as compared to a wash in plain water. The acid content in the vinegar prevents undue alkali damage to the material. Also, washing in plain water could result in the stain spreading or the stain acquiring a ring-like appearance. For grease stains, layering on talcum powder is a good idea as the powder absorbs the moisture from the stain. Thereafter, the clothing accessory can be dry cleaned in order to get it good as new.

Sometimes, silk tends to get stained by sweat. Therefore, using another lining under the silk scarf on hot days in the outdoors makes sense. However, if there is a stain, a tablespoon of ammonia dissolved in water would take care of the stain when applied on the concerned area. Just about any scarf, be it a silk head scarf, a long silk scarf, or any other Belisi silk scarf  - good care will ensure that they retain their freshness for  decade. Larger scarves such as hip scarves will need all the more care. Just a little investment of your time in good care of your scarf collection can pay rich dividends in guaranteeing you need never buy another scarf again.