A lot of care labels on silk and delicate items, say 'dry clean only'. Manufacturers these days tend to put it on every garment care label without any real thought, a lazy way of protecting themselves rather that giving genuine helpful advice to their customers.

Most 'dry clean' only silk items, and many other delicate items, can be washed at home with little time and effort - and actually, it is better at retaining the fabric quality than regular dry cleaning. If the garment is free from padding, tailoring, or embellishments, then there's every chance that it will wash really well with a delicate hand wash product and the right technique.

When washing your silks, either choose a delicate cold cycle on your washing machine or follow the steps below for handwashing. For washing, always make sure you are using a specialist detergent that is designed to protect silk fabric. The Clothes Doctor Eco Wash Silk Detergent uses a gentle formula that cleanses silk while also scenting it with a delicate Bergamot and Sandalwood fragrance, making it the best laundry detergent for silk.

Although moths are better known ruining cashmere and wool, they can ruin silk as well, so to protect your silk items, pop a Natural Fragrance Bag in the drawers. The fragrance they release may naturally deter moths, and it beautifully scents your clothes.