Among the following, which fibre needs dry cleaning ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Silk is the correct answer for the fibre that needs dry cleaning. Here is a detailed explanation supporting why silk is the correct choice and why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Silk (Option 1):**  
   Silk is a natural protein fibre known for its luxurious texture and delicate nature. It is sensitive to water and can easily lose its shape, color, and sheen if washed with water. The fibres can weaken and become damaged when exposed to the agitation of a washing machine or the harshness of detergents. Dry cleaning is a gentle process that uses chemical solvents instead of water, which helps preserve the integrity, color, and texture of silk garments. This is why silk is often recommended to be dry cleaned to maintain its quality and longevity.

2. **Cotton (Option 2):**  
   Cotton is a durable and versatile natural fibre that can withstand regular washing with water. It is less sensitive to the effects of water and detergents compared to silk. Cotton garments are typically machine washable and do not require the special care that silk does. Therefore, cotton does not need dry cleaning.

3. **Polyester (Option 3):**  
   Polyester is a synthetic fibre known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wrinkles and shrinking. It is designed to be easy to care for and is generally machine washable. Polyester does not require the delicate handling that silk does, making dry cleaning unnecessary for this type of fabric.

4. **Nylon (Option 4):**  
   Nylon is another synthetic fibre that is strong, elastic, and resistant to abrasion and chemicals. Like polyester, nylon is designed for easy maintenance and is typically machine washable. It does not have the same delicate properties as silk, so dry cleaning is not necessary for nylon fabrics.

In conclusion, silk is the fibre that requires dry cleaning due to its delicate nature and sensitivity to water, which can damage its texture and appearance. The other fibres listed—cotton, polyester, and nylon—are more robust and can be easily maintained through regular washing methods, making dry cleaning unnecessary for them.