How To Wash Silk? A Step-by-Step Guide

A Guide for Washing Silk Ties, Silk Pillowcases, Peter Alexander Silk Pyjamas, and More

Silk is a delicate fabric that requires special care when washing.

In this guide, we will walk you through how to wash silk pillowcases and how to wash Peter Alexander silk pyjamas, as well as answer your questions about whether or not silk ties can be washed and how often you should wash silk pyjamas.

Silk Washing Detergent:

When washing silk, it is crucial to use silk washing detergent or a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using regular laundry detergents or those containing bleach or enzymes, as they can damage the silk fibers. Look for detergents specifically labeled as suitable for silk or delicate fabrics.

Silk detergents we’ve tested:

How to Wash Silk Garments:

What do you need:

Silk Detergent.
Vinegar.
Drying rack.
Bucket.
Mesh laundry bag.
Clean Towel

Silk Cleaning Instruction:

1. Follow the care instructions on the label of your garment.

Follow the care instructions on the label of your garment.
Dry clean only: This garment should be taken to a professional dry cleaner.
Hand wash: This garment can be washed by hand in cold water with mild detergent.
Machine wash: This garment can be machine washed in cold water on a delicate cycle. However, it is preferable to hand wash it instead.

2. Stain Removal:

To remove a stain from silk, it is important to act quickly. A dried stain will be much more difficult to remove.
Gently blot the stained area with a paper towel or clean cotton ball to remove as much of the stain as possible.
Make a gentle silk stain remover by mixing two tablespoons of either white vinegar or lemon juice with two tablespoons of lukewarm water.
Test the solution on a hidden area of the silk to ensure it does not remove the fabric dye.
Dab the stain with the solution using a clean, white cloth. Do not rub the stain, as this may spread it.
Wash the silk as usual, according to the instructions on the garment care tag.
No time to prepare the solution, use our Silk Safe Stain Removal

3. Hand Wash

Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle silk washing detergent.
Swirl the water gently to create suds.
Submerge the pillowcase in the water and gently agitate it.
Let it soak for a few seconds, then drain the soapy water & set the silk garment aside.
Empty the sink and refill it with fresh, cold water.
Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the rinse water.
Gently agitate the garment in the water until all of the soap is gone. You may need to empty and refill the sink two or more times to completely remove the soap.
Press the garment gently to remove excess water.
Lay it flat on a clean towel and roll it up to absorb more water.
Unroll the towel and reshape the garment
Place on a drying rack to Air dries away from direct sunlight.

4. Cleaning Silk using a Washing Machine

If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of machine washing, some silk items can be safely cleaned in the washing machine. However, it’s essential to check the care label first to ensure it is machine-washable.

Before proceeding, make sure the silk item is colourfast and designated as machine-washable on the care label. If the label specifies hand wash or dry clean only, avoid using the washing machine.
Put the garment inside out
place it inside a mesh laundry bag
Place the silk item in the washing machine by itself or with similar colours and fabrics. Avoid adding any heavy items.
Add the detergent to the washing machine. Ensure you’re using a detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics like silk.
Set the washing machine to a ‘delicate’ or ‘gentle’ cycle, which typically involves slower agitation and shorter washing time.
Select a cool water temperature to prevent any potential shrinkage or damage to the silk fibres.
Once the washing cycle is complete, promptly remove the silk item from the machine. Avoid leaving it sitting in the machine for an extended period as it may lead to creasing or wrinkling.
Lay the silk on a clean, flat towel or a drying rack to dry naturally. It’s important not to tumble dry silk, as the heat and agitation can cause damage.

5. How To Iron Silk Garments

Can you iron silk?

Yes, you can iron silk, but it is important to do so carefully. Silk is a delicate fabric and can be easily damaged by heat. Follow the tips above to iron silk without damaging it.

Use the right temperature setting. Silk should be ironed on the lowest heat setting possible. If your iron does not have a silk setting, use the wool setting.
Use a press cloth. A press cloth is a thin piece of fabric that you place between the iron and the silk. This will help to protect the silk from the heat of the iron.
Iron the silk while it is still slightly damp. This will help to prevent the silk from creasing.
Do not iron the silk for too long in one spot. This can cause the silk to scorch.
Iron the silk in the direction of the grain. The grain is the direction in which the silk fibers are running. Ironing in the direction of the grain will help to prevent the silk from creasing.

How Often Should You Wash Your Peter Alexander Silk Pyjamas To Keep Them Looking Their Best?

The frequency of washing your Peter Alexander pyjamas depends on several factors, including personal preference, body sweat, and the overall cleanliness of the garment.

As a general guideline, it is recommended to wash pyjamas every three to four wears to maintain their freshness and hygiene. However, if you sweat heavily during sleep or if the pyjamas become visibly soiled, it is advisable to wash them more frequently.

Ultimately, it’s essential to assess the condition and odor of the pyjamas to determine when they require cleaning.

How do we clean silk at Crisp Laundry?

The preferable method for cleaning silk is through dry cleaning to preserve its soft nature.
If the silk is machine washable or suitable for handwashing, we prefer to wet clean it as it is safer and more gentle on silk compared to home cleaning methods.
In case the silk loses its shine, which can happen after multiple cleanings, we soak it in special chemicals and then proceed with the dry cleaning process. This helps restore its original appearance, making it look brand new.
Additionally, we have a specialized stain removal process that is safe for silk fabrics.

Please note that these procedures are carried out by our professional team at Crisp Laundry to ensure the best care and maintenance for your silk garments.

How To Wash Silk? A Step-by-Step Guide

A Guide for Washing Silk Ties, Silk Pillowcases, Peter Alexander Silk Pyjamas, and More

Silk Washing Detergent:

How to Wash Silk Garments:

What do you need:

Silk Cleaning Instruction:

3. Hand Wash

4. Cleaning Silk using a Washing Machine

5. How To Iron Silk Garments

How Often Should You Wash Your Peter Alexander Silk Pyjamas To Keep Them Looking Their Best?

How do we clean silk at Crisp Laundry?

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