Scarves Cleaning and Caring for Hermès Scarves

[Pautinka]

Just wanted to share.my one recent mishap as I have successfully washed many scares. I have even boiled a scarf, that had come back from the Hermesmatic in an awful shade,on the stove in boiling peroxide. I believed that the scarves were mostly indestructible. Last week I got a couple of grease spots on my pale blue Robe Du Soie from my fingers after eating some buttered toast.I tried spot cleaning gently first. When that didn’t budge the spots, I used some Laundress bar soap and rubbed the spots more aggressively. I did end up getting rid of the grease stains but also lightened some areas of the navy section of the scarf. So going forward I will definitely be more careful when working on stubborn spots. On another note, has anyone tried to use some sort of sizing to restore any of their washed scarves to a more fresh from boutique state? I know some of us prefer the soft drape but I love the crisp brand new feel. I apologize if this has been discussed and I have missed it.

So sorry to read of your mishap. I rubbed a hole into a vintage scarf once. In answer to your question, I have successfully used spray starch (what we in the UK call sizing!) on the back of my scarves. Just a tiny amount but it gives them a lovely scent and feel.

 

[AngelFood]

If you back up a page or so, I think AnnaE uses some sizing on her scarves and explains the difference between that and starch. I'm on the fence. There are times I like my scarf with the slightly stiffer new feel and time I like it puddly....so I just leave them be.

Thank you so much bunnycat. I have checked for information on sizing before and hadn’t found anything. Today I just popped on the thread without looking first. My mistake! I have just ordered a non aerosol sizing spray from Amazon without knowing anything more about the specific product. I will test first on some old blouses and then decide which scarf I will be willing to gamble on !!!! Will report back !

 

[Julide]

I've lightly starched a couple of mine - I lightly sprayed the back of the scarf, and then ironed.
I have to confess that I do feel like they're mostly indestructible too… but I have made a mistake (or two) on mine.
But I am the only person I trust to wash my scarves and I do it all the time

I completely agree! I haven’t tried silk yet but I would rather do it myself.

 

[Pautinka]

I've lightly starched a couple of mine - I lightly sprayed the back of the scarf, and then ironed.
I have to confess that I do feel like they're mostly indestructible too… but I have made a mistake (or two) on mine.
But I am the only person I trust to wash my scarves and I do it all the time.

I agree cookie. At least if there is a problem then you can only blame yourself! [emoji16]

 

[AngelFood]

I've lightly starched a couple of mine - I lightly sprayed the back of the scarf, and then ironed.
I have to confess that I do feel like they're mostly indestructible too… but I have made a mistake (or two) on mine.
But I am the only person I trust to wash my scarves and I do it all the time.

Thank you Cookiefiend for your input. I have purchased a “very proper ironing spray for sizing and body”. At least that is what the label states !! Was looking for a non starch product. I only trust myself too. I am very particular about laundry in general and super protective of my beautiful scarves!

 

[AngelFood]

So sorry to read of your mishap. I rubbed a hole into a vintage scarf once. In answer to your question, I have successfully used spray starch (what we in the UK call sizing!) on the back of my scarves. Just a tiny amount but it gives them a lovely scent and feel.

Thanks for your input Pautinka. The product I bought is actually called London Laundry but the addresson the bottle is for Latina Beach California. Ha! I was specifically looking for a non-starch option but perhaps it is all the same. We do have one aerosol “sizing” spray available right in our supermarkets in the US but was looking for a higher end product. I will proceed with caution and report back after I get my nerve!

 

[AngelFood]

That address is for Laguna Beach. For some reason autocorrect does not like the word!

 

[kadmia]

Am hoping someone can help me out? Searched the forum but haven't found an answer.

I've purchased a lovely double plisse, but it has a very very strong musty odor. Sadness! I know I can't handwash it. Has anyone had success with dry-cleaning removing a musty odor?

I don't think the usual methods (store with baking soda, dryer sheets, air out, etc) will work as it almost smells like the odor has permeated every little pleat. It's rather rare to find I think, so am sad if I'll have to let this one go.

 

[Cookiefiend]

Am hoping someone can help me out? Searched the forum but haven't found an answer.

I've purchased a lovely double plisse, but it has a very very strong musty odor. Sadness! I know I can't handwash it. Has anyone had success with dry-cleaning removing a musty odor?

I don't think the usual methods (store with baking soda, dryer sheets, air out, etc) will work as it almost smells like the odor has permeated every little pleat. It's rather rare to find I think, so am sad if I'll have to let this one go.
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ooooo - what a shame because it's lovely.
Have you tried the methods you mentioned above? It would be at least worth a try…
For myself - I might try them and see if I had a result.

I can't say that this will work but - I had a very stinky pocket square that I washed and then rinsed in vinegar and water. Then I hung it outside to dry in the sun. I know you can't get this soaking wet but maybe a light spray with a bit of vinegar and water on the back side, then set it flat - with the pleats in place - in the sun? Just an idea and certainly one I haven't tried but it might help!

 

[Scarf and Glove]

Am hoping someone can help me out? Searched the forum but haven't found an answer.

I've purchased a lovely double plisse, but it has a very very strong musty odor. Sadness! I know I can't handwash it. Has anyone had success with dry-cleaning removing a musty odor?

I don't think the usual methods (store with baking soda, dryer sheets, air out, etc) will work as it almost smells like the odor has permeated every little pleat. It's rather rare to find I think, so am sad if I'll have to let this one go.
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Hoping that you will get some great replies, as I too have a double plisse that I’d ideally like to wash/clean.

 

[purplepoodles]

Am hoping someone can help me out? Searched the forum but haven't found an answer.

I've purchased a lovely double plisse, but it has a very very strong musty odor. Sadness! I know I can't handwash it. Has anyone had success with dry-cleaning removing a musty odor?

I don't think the usual methods (store with baking soda, dryer sheets, air out, etc) will work as it almost smells like the odor has permeated every little pleat. It's rather rare to find I think, so am sad if I'll have to let this one go.
View attachment 4340611 View attachment 4340620

This may work if you live in a cold country. If you get very cold snow put your scarf in the snow for a few hours. You need a cold day not a sunny day when the snow could melt & get your scarf wet. Weigh the scarf down with something so it can’t blow away.

I do this regularly with items that can’t be washed. Sometimes it works sometimes not, depends on the source of the dirt/smell.

This trick came from our old European antique rug dealer & it worked a charm on rugs far too fragile to ever send to the cleaners.
Good luck!

 

[etoile de mer]

Am hoping someone can help me out? Searched the forum but haven't found an answer.

I've purchased a lovely double plisse, but it has a very very strong musty odor. Sadness! I know I can't handwash it. Has anyone had success with dry-cleaning removing a musty odor?

I don't think the usual methods (store with baking soda, dryer sheets, air out, etc) will work as it almost smells like the odor has permeated every little pleat. It's rather rare to find I think, so am sad if I'll have to let this one go.
View attachment 4340611 View attachment 4340620

Beautiful double plisse, kadmia! In the past Hermes offered a service for plisses, where I believe the scarves would be cleaned and then plissed again. Not sure if still offered, but might be worth asking. Good luck!

 

[LuxRaven]

This may work if you live in a cold country. If you get very cold snow put your scarf in the snow for a few hours. You need a cold day not a sunny day when the snow could melt & get your scarf wet. Weigh the scarf down with something so it can’t blow away.

I do this regularly with items that can’t be washed. Sometimes it works sometimes not, depends on the source of the dirt/smell.

This trick came from our old European antique rug dealer & it worked a charm on rugs far too fragile to ever send to the cleaners.
Good luck!

I second this! I have heard that as well from precious antique rug experts and I also was told that during a trip to Iceland from a local. Unfortunately, I live in a mostly snowless area but I have heard nothing but positive news about this method. Good luck!!

 

[kadmia]

ooooo - what a shame because it's lovely.
Have you tried the methods you mentioned above? It would be at least worth a try…
For myself - I might try them and see if I had a result.

I can't say that this will work but - I had a very stinky pocket square that I washed and then rinsed in vinegar and water. Then I hung it outside to dry in the sun. I know you can't get this soaking wet but maybe a light spray with a bit of vinegar and water on the back side, then set it flat - with the pleats in place - in the sun? Just an idea and certainly one I haven't tried but it might help!

This may work if you live in a cold country. If you get very cold snow put your scarf in the snow for a few hours. You need a cold day not a sunny day when the snow could melt & get your scarf wet. Weigh the scarf down with something so it can’t blow away.

I do this regularly with items that can’t be washed. Sometimes it works sometimes not, depends on the source of the dirt/smell.

This trick came from our old European antique rug dealer & it worked a charm on rugs far too fragile to ever send to the cleaners.
Good luck!

Beautiful double plisse, kadmia! In the past Hermes offered a service for plisses, where I believe the scarves would be cleaned and then plissed again. Not sure if still offered, but might be worth asking. Good luck!

I second this! I have heard that as well from precious antique rug experts and I also was told that during a trip to Iceland from a local. Unfortunately, I live in a mostly snowless area but I have heard nothing but positive news about this method. Good luck!!

Thank you everyone!! The snow idea is very intriguing to me! We've just had some arctic temps too, but starting to warm up, so no reliable non-melty snow at the moment...I wish I could instill vinegar into some cold snow and try your method!

I'll let you know what I end up doing, and if it works out. Thanks again everyone!!

 

[Greendragon]

I just clean my twillies on yesterday ( use them to wrap birkin handles) with just hands soap & cold water . Very clean and I didn’t see color bleach at all . After rinse then lay flat on white bath towel then hung them to let air dry . Perfect after