Kimono cleaning in London

I have an antique silk kimono bought in Japan that really needs a wash! Is there anywhere in London that specialises in kimono cleaning? Alternatively, is it possible to take it to a normal dry-cleaners?
Thank you!

If it is an antique, I would certainly consult a specialist before cleaning it. If I were you I would try an antique dealer specializing in Japanese antiques.

Imagine going on the Antiques Roadshow and the specialist tells you: "It would have been worth XXX, but since it was dry-cleaned, it is only worth a fraction of that value." :-)

my answer will not be very helpfull, I am afraid, but here it goes.before actually cleaning a Kimono all the seams are open i.e. the kimono is completely taken apart and each piece is cleaned separately by hand, then the kimono is sewn back together. so cleaning isn't an easy process. to avoid having to do that often kimonos are always worn with undergarnments of the same shape that have a higher collar so that perspiration and oil from the skin of the neck doesn't soil the kimono . hand cleaning is done the way real silk clothes used to be cleaned. that is laying on a flat surface covered by towels, by pressing a wet cloth dipped in natural soap. (the cloth is "stamped" all over the fabric, working a few square inches at a time and that cleaning cloth is changed as soon as some soil is evident on its surface), the kimono various pieces shouldn't be immersed in water, wrung, hung etc. this is also the way real wool sweaters used to be cleaned. Some professional cleaners in big towns still do hand cleaning. it might be worth investigating. but of course it is rather expensive as it takes a lot of time.. if the kimono is antique and fabric has real gold and silver threads, embroidery etc. I don 't think that water should be used. how about asking a museum?? they would know how to clean Victorian clothes that weren't easily washable so..

from a Japanese company selling kimonos: :
If you have your kimono stained or soiled, dry cleaning is a better choice, but you should tell the staff at the cleaners that kimonos are made of delicate silk that are easily damaged by dry cleaning. In the old days, there was no dry-cleaning. So, kimonos were washed by the cleaning process called, "Arai-Bari". Once disassembled, kimonos were washed with water and dried out on wooden boards, then reassembled. These days, valuable kimonos are still cleaned in this way by professionals because this has been the best way to care kimonos in the ideal condition.

from Wikipedia (a long interesting article) : In the past, a kimono would often be entirely taken apart for washing, and then re-sewn for wearing. Modern fabrics and cleaning methods have been developed that eliminate this need, although the traditional washing of kimonos is still practiced. A new custom-made kimono will be delivered to the customer with long, loose basting stitches placed around the outside edges. These stitches are sometimes replaced for storage. They help to prevent bunching, folding and wrinkling, and keep the kimono's layers in alignment.

Like many other traditional Japanese garments, there are specific ways to fold kimonos. These methods help to preserve the garment and to keep it from creasing when stored. Kimonos are often stored wrapped in paper.

Kimonos need to be aired out at least seasonally and before and after each time they are worn. Many people prefer to have their kimonos dry cleaned, although this can be extremely expensive, and may be impossible for certain fabrics or dyes

I googled "UK" & "Kimono" in Japanese. According to Kimono-salon (london-based Kimono special store), there's no dry cleaner who can handle Kimono properly and the salon recommend bringing Kimono back to Japan for cleaning.

Kimono salon
http://www.kimonosalon.co.uk/

I also found a Japanese beauty salon, which offers Kimono rental service and a wedding salon for Japanese in London. I wonder if one of them can help you to send your kimono to Japan for cleaning and back to London.
1)Watabe Wedding
One Dovedale Studios, 465 Battersea Park Road, London SW11 4LR
9:00�`17:00
+44-20-7924-2622
2)Kirei De Go
0781-371-0582
(near Hanger Lane Station)