You can extend the life of your silk bedding by washing it the right way, which will keep it supple. Everything you need to know about how to clean silk pillowcases and linens at home is provided here.
In fact, silk is much simpler to clean than you may expect because of its protein composition (much like your hair). Silk fibers are formed from the cocoons of silkworms that have been cooked in boiling water until they unravel. If you’re allergic to dust mites and moths, silk is the right bedding for you. When it comes to people with eczema or sensitive skin. Its ideal since it wicks away moisture from the body and keeps you cool all night.
As a result, when it comes to washing day, the rich feel it might be scary. Making silk bedding by hand or machine is perfectly OK if it is made of 100 percent. Keep your bedding looking and functioning at its best by learning how to remove stains and properly dry it.
Silk is Washable
Silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and durability, and it has a long trading history across the world
Like any other material, it has to be washed on a regular basis to keep it free of germs and bacteria. You may wash 100% silk products at home, regardless of the label’s recommendations.
Even if the label specifies “dry clean only” or “don’t wash.” Silk pillowcases, on the other hand, need a few precautions in order to maintain their appearance.
A few of the dyes used to color silk aren’t washable, despite the fact that its is. If you wash it, you’ll get rid of the silky sheen and be left with a grittier finish. When dealing with stains, stay away from baby soaps and shampoos!
Your silk may be damaged, left with residue, or stripped of its luster if you use soap formulated with lye and plant lipids, which are both harmful.
Before you wash, be sure to do a water test and a color bleeding test to make sure there won’t be any irreversible damage. Choosing the appropriate detergent is the most crucial stage in cleaning.
Delicate Wash or Gentle Silk Wash is the best detergent to use. There is no need to use chlorine bleach on since it might damage or even disintegrate the fibers.
How to Clean Silk
Hand-washing is the safest way to do it, even if it may be washed in a machine.
A Do-It-Yourself Silk Cleaner Items Needed:
- A bathtub or a washtub
- Silk detergents of your choice are here.
- A drying rig
- Consider using a steamer instead of an iron.
- Pre-treat the scents before combining them into a single soap solution.
Wash your silk bedding as usual after soaking it in lukewarm water mixed with 1/4 cup white vinegar. Put some chilly water in a fresh washtub. Follow the label’s instructions for the proper detergent addition.
Make Sure Your Pillowcases Are Clean Before Continuing
Make sure to soak your pillowcases, which should be turned inside-out. You should only use similar colors to wash numerous sets of sheets. Gently stir the water and soap in the sink with your hands to remove any clumps. Fibers of silk grow weak when they are wet, and they should not be rubbed excessively. It should not be allowed to soak for more than 30 minutes.
Cool water should be used to rinse your item thoroughly. Make a gentle effort to extract water from your products. Do not wring them out with your hands.
A drying rack or an even surface is ideal for airing out your silks. Hangers with metal clips should be avoided at all costs since they may harm the material. Padded or flocked hangers are the finest options. When it washed, it will get creased. Our instructions for drying and preserving are below.
To sanitize, some washing machines include a sanitize button or option that utilizes water as hot as 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Laundry can be cleaned effectively with hot water since viruses and germs cannot live at these temperatures. To clean your clothes in hot water, you can use either a traditional laundry detergent. One of the alternatives that we’ve talked about above.
You must know the difference between cleaning and disinfecting while dealing with filthy clothing. Likely to be contaminated with harmful germs and bacteria that generate bad odors. To guarantee that your laundry is fully cleansed and disinfected every time it is washed. Know the above in your back pocket!
How to Wash Silk in the Washer
Pop your item in the washing machine – we recommend placing any silk items inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to avoid snags or damage caused by the drum.
To get started, you’ll need to have:
- A delicate cleansing agent
- A washing machine sock made of mesh
- A drying rig
- Using a steam or hand iron
To begin, choose a machine temperature and setting.
Your washing machine probably has a silk cycle. Use the delicate cycle if it doesn’t already have one; otherwise, handwashing is the best option. In order to avoid ripping and wrinkling, gentle cycles are the best option for washing.
Due to its low or no spin and short cycle, this is the safest method of washing silk in a machine. The water should be at a low temperature, and the spin speed should be set to slow.
Put in a laundry bag and wash in the washing machine
Silk garments and towels should be washed separately from your regular laundry load; do not mix with cotton garments or towels. As a last precaution, only wash your clothes in the same color. Smaller objects should be placed in mesh laundry bags while cleaning silk pillows.
The washing is done; now it’s time to dry
Rinse and dry your silk garments right away when the wash cycle is through. It is best to keep in the bath for no more than 30 minutes. Use a drying rack or a level surface to dry your items without using metal hangers. We’ll teach you how to eliminate creases from silk after it’s dry.
How to Remove Stains from a Silk Pillowcase
If you spot clean silk, you may leave behind larger stains that permanently alter the fabric. Treat the afflicted areas with a stain remover specifically formulated for the fabric to remove the stain before washing your bedding. With your finger or a brush, dab the stain with the stain remover and cold water. Rub or tug at spots on silk carefully to avoid damaging the delicate fabric. Use one of these techniques to clean your product to its full potential.
Remember to wash your pillows every few months to keep them fresh. Pillows may get infested with germs, dust, filth, and perspiration over time.
Dab don’t slide! Lightly dab the garment with the iron, hold it down for a few seconds and lift the iron up.
Methods for Drying and Storing Wool
Silk pillowcases should never be dried in the dryer, regardless of how you wash them. Also, do not dry your silk in direct sunlight. Both methods will fade and shrink.
Unwrinkling silk using a handheld steamer is a good alternative to using a regular iron since silk is a supple material. Place a pressing cloth between your item and the iron while ironing at the lowest setting.
Hang your silk goods or store them in hanging storage bags to prevent fading, dust, and bugs from getting to them. All of these procedures are applicable to silk garments as well.
