Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mix in a few drops of silk detergent. Submerge the pajamas in the water and let them soak for 3 minutes. Use your hands to gently agitate and wash the pajamas in the water until all the dirt and stains have been removed. Rinse the silk pajamas under cold water and roll in an absorbent towel to remove excess water. Hang or lay flat on a drying rack to air dry.
This is How to Wash Silk Pajamas: Step-by-Step Guide.
Silk is a delicate fabric that must be washed using very specific and gentle methods. Our article How to Wash Silk Pajamas: Step-by-Step Guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to wash silk pajamas by hand as well as how to wash silk pajamas in the washing machine.
Contents:
Learn all the best practices for maintaining the look and feel of your silk pajamas by reading our step-by-step instructional guides.
How to Wash Silk Pajamas
Before washing silk pajamas it is absolutely critical to first check the care instructions and care label. If the pajamas are dry clean only, then take them to the dry cleaners and do not attempt to wash at home.
If the care label allows for hand or machine washing, then proceed to carefully follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Hand washing silk is a simple process and can be done in 10 to 20 minutes, plus the time needed to air dry.
Things You'll Need:
- a basin, container, sink, or tub
- silk detergent or detergent for delicates
- an absorbent towel
- silk pajamas
Follow the instructions or watch the video below to learn how to wash silk pajamas.
1. Fill a Basin With Lukewarm Water
Fill a basin, container, sink, or tub with lukewarm water. The water temperature should not exceed 77°F or 25°C. If you put your finger into the water, the water should feel slightly warmer than room temperature.
2. Add Silk Laundry Detergent
3. Submerge and Soak
4. Agitate the Pajamas
Use your hands to agitate the pajamas in the water. Gently wash the silk pajamas to remove any dirt, scents, stains, or debris. Stirring the silk pajamas in the water helps to activate the detergent and clean silk more effectively.
5. Rinse the Pajamas with Cold Water
Once you are finished, rinse the pajamas under cold water until the soap has been completely removed and the water runs clear.
6. Roll in an Towel
Lay the pajamas flat and evenly on an absorbent towel, and roll the towel up like a sushi roll. Apply pressure to the top of the roll to gently remove excess water from the silk fabric. Do not twist, wring, or pull the pajamas.
7. Air Dry
Take the pajamas to hang or lay flat on a drying rack in a cool place that is out of contact with direct sunlight.
As a rule: Always air dry silk pajamas, and never ever put silk garments in the dryer.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
Learn how to wash a range of different garments made from silk and satin with our step-by-step washing guides.
How to Iron Silk Pajamas
After washing your pajamas you may find that they dry with some wrinkles in the silk. If this is the case, the best option for removing the wrinkles is to use an iron.
To iron silk pajamas you must first turn the pajamas inside out so that you are ironing from the dull backside of the garment. Set the iron to the lowest possible heat setting, or if your iron has a silk setting, use that.
Use a spray bottle filled with water to add moisture to your pajamas. Never iron silk pajamas while they are dry. After the pajamas have become slightly damp, place a cotton pressing cloth such as a bandana over top of the area you wish to iron. Never place a hot iron directly onto silk fabric.
Proceed to hand press the iron down atop the areas you wish to remove wrinkles from. Do not slide the iron around. Briefly press the iron down, lift, and repeat.
Learn the complete step-by-step process by reading our full article on How to Iron Silk Pajamas
Related: How to Get Wrinkles Out of Silk
How to Wash Silk Pajamas FAQ
Can you wash silk pajamas?
Yes, you can wash silk pajamas. Check the care instructions on your silk pajamas to see if they are required to be dry cleaned, machine washed, or hand washed.
Does silk shrink?
Yes, silk can shrink, although it should never be allowed to. In order for silk to shrink it must be placed in hot water or on a tumble dry high cycle in the dryer, although neither of these things should ever happen. Silk cannot go in the dryer and silk should never be washed with hot water, therefore, your silk should never shrink.
Can you put silk pajamas in the dryer?
No, you cannot put silk pajamas in the dryer. Putting silk pajamas in the dryer will cause irreparable damage to the silk cloth. In addition to being damage, silk will shrink in the dryer as well. Avoid putting your silk in the dryer.
Can you hand wash silk pajamas?
Yes, you can hand wash silk pajamas. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add silk laundry detergent. Submerge your pajamas in the water for 3 minutes, and then proceed to use your hands to agitate the silk in the water. Once finished, run under cold water until all the soap is washed out and take to dry in a cool place out of direct sunlight.
How often should you wash silk pajamas?
Silk is delicate and often expensive, which means you should avoid washing your silk pajamas too frequently. In order to keep your silk pajamas clean you should avoid wearing deodorants or body sprays when you wear silk. You should also try to avoid eating messy and greasy foods while wearing silk pajamas to decrease the risk of staining them. If you are planning to wear your silk pajamas after showering, you should also make sure you dry yourself thoroughly first.