How To Wash Silk Sleepwear

Hand washing is the best method in caring for silk garments. By following a few simple steps you will be rewarded with a beautiful garment that holds its shape and luster.


Silk chiffon, silk crepe, silk georgette, the list is plentiful as to the different types of silk fabric. From the humble beginnings of the silk worm busily spinning in its cocoon, nature has provided us with many choices to create different types of fabric. The cultivated silkworm works tirelessly spinning filaments into thread which will be turned into beautiful fabric we all enjoy. Cultivated silk differs from wild silk, as cultivated silk worms are fed mulberry leaves. The wild silk worms are fed a different diet of a broader range of plants and the color is easily identified by the deep coffee color due to the tannin in the leaves the cultivated silkworm produces. After all this hard work, the filaments from the silk worm are unraveled and reeled into one yarn which goes onto become clothing, drapes, sleep wear. Although a resilient fabric that is quite strong, silk must be hand washed, with the exception of silk bridal dresses. As silk is one of the world's most luxurious fabrics, simple steps of washing can ensure its' longevity. Although most silk clothing can be dry cleaned, this process can dull the beautiful overall look of the garment and hand washing only enhances the beauty of the fabric. By following these simple steps you can insure the longevity of your silk:
• Always test an inconspicuous part of the item such as the inside seam or hem.
• Use lukewarm water and mild non-alkaline soap or baby shampoo.
• Rinse the item gently adding a few teaspoons of distilled white vinegar to neutralize alkali traces and dissolve any soap residue.
• You can also add a few sparingly drops of conditioner to the final rinse for a beautiful soft feel.
• Do not wring or twist, simply roll in a towel to extract water and voila! In these simple steps you have added to the many years of wear to your silk garment.
• Simply hang your garment to dry where its shape will hold and although it may be wrinkly a quick iron on the silk setting, turning the fabric inside out will ensure a wrinkle free finish.
• Remember never hang your silk garment in direct sunlight as this can damage the fiber and fade the color.


Most silk garments do have a dry clean only or even mild machine wash instructions and unless your silk item is a luxurious evening or bridal gown, simple silk garments should be hand washed by following these simple steps the end result is worth it.

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