For the record, I washed it on quick wash, cold/cold with tide cold water clean. I’m letting it air dry now
Scarves Cleaning and Caring for Hermès Scarves
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I have washed some 90 silk and twillies in cold water with Laundress soap. Although there is no color run I have to admit that the silk lost its shine even though it is clean. So the mildest soap will still stripe some of the original qualities from the H silk.
+1
plus, there's always risk to get the hem pressed flat by an enthusiastic but clueless worker
Give it a quick iron (on low, dry setting) when it is damp and you will never know the difference after.
Thx Bunnycat! I did later that night and tucked it back into its box. I’ll have to check it in the daytime to see if it lost any luster but it did not appear so after I pressed it.
I don’t think it lost luster. But it was difficult to iron, I ended up flattening the sides do it is no longer puffy but that’s ok.
I would air it out. I purchased a bottega veneta ikat silk scarf a few yrs ago from a consignment store. It smelled of perfume and that musty odor it gets from being stored for a long time. I aired it outside on a sunny day and that got rid of the odor. It’s my favorite on H scarf.I have just received a vintage pre owned scarf, it looks clean and the folds are fine but it has a musty smell, can someone give me suggestions on how to remove it?? Thanks
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I have just received a vintage pre owned scarf, it looks clean and the folds are fine but it has a musty smell, can someone give me suggestions on how to remove it?? Thanks
I second the airing it out. I hesitate to wash vintage scarves because the dyes may not be stable. Maybe you could put a piece of scented shelf liner under the wrapping paper in a box with it ( ie- not actually touching the scarf but in the box) , and see if that helps too?
Just washed NTM mousseline that had a perfumey smell. Airing for several days helped, but had not eliminated the smell. Now it is ready to wear! Yes!
I have just received a vintage pre owned scarf, it looks clean and the folds are fine but it has a musty smell, can someone give me suggestions on how to remove it?? Thanks
It will go in time but you just ca't be i a hurry to wear it. If it's dry where you are hang it outside otherwise just hang it inside (not put away. Not the kitchen obviously). Basically do nothing else and eventually the smell will go.
I did it! I washed two scarves for the first time! While a couple of small stains were not removed, they both feel and smell so fresh and clean. I followed instructions posted here and from MaiTai's Picture Book and am delighted with the results. Thanks for the guidance so I could overcome the fear of taking the plunge!
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AnnaE, thank you for chiming in as well - every success story is a boost! I believe sizing stuff you can buy in your countries must be softer and better than what I can find here. I grew up learning how to mix corn flour and water, and when this concoction was sprayed onto lace curtains and table cloths they got so stiff they could literally stand up! Think our shops sell some ready made sprays but still too strong for a delicate moussie.
Of course — I have, let’s say, well over a hundred scarves of various ages, and I hand wash, iron and use starch / sizing on them all. I have never had a problem.
I actually get free dry cleaning / pressing / laundry through work, so scarves are literally the only thing that I do myself, and I am no domestic goddess, I promise.
Sizing is resin-based and tends to be less stiff than regular starch. I think it also adheres less to natural fabrics like silk and cotton, so it works nicely for scarves by not stiffening them too much. For really floppy ones, I will use regular starch, but not the extra strength version.
It’s actually really hard to get sizing in the U.S., so I order it on Amazon — I just don’t think people iron much these days. We have starch of various strengths too. I buy both in an aerosol can format, and they are usually just a couple bucks each.
If you were willing to experiment, you could do to a fabric store and buy a bit of silk similar to regular Hermès silk and mousseline silk and see if you can use a tiny bit of starch in a can from a greater distance without making things too stiff. Alternatively, perhaps you can order sizing online as well — not sure if that’s possible where you live.
Thank you, AnnaE for your clarifying and kind reply! I live in Norway, and don’t think people do a lot of starching here either anymore, apart from the linen shirts for our national costumes
Amazon is a valuable tip, I use it extensively for books, both the UK and US site, preferably the UK due to faster mail. To be continued
I guess you're talking about the "delicate wash" – doesn't sound so delicate! I currently use their wool and cashmere shampoo for my silks and all kinds of wools, and it's great. No enzymes in that one.
I use the handwash cycle on my washing machine, but if I had any super delicate items I'd handwash them. Regular Hermès scarfs in silk and/or cashmere come out great in my experience.