The smell of fresh bed linens is one that is unbeaten by any other laundry scent, and the sight of pure white sheets and blankets is one that no one can resist. Silk bedding offers a great degree of comfort when looked after.

So stick to this guide to preserve its beauty and ensure a healthy sleeping environment. By the end of this guide, you will understand how to properly wash silk bedding.

Properties of Silk Bedding

Silk fabric is beautiful because of its lustrous colour, natural shine and smooth texture. Silk fabric also feels cool to the touch because it has a tight, woven texture that allows air to pass through with ease. Because of its unique physical properties, silk bedding requires special care to prolong its beauty.

Silk and other natural fibres are vulnerable to staining from many sources. Cellophane, red wine, coffee and tobacco will mar the silk fabrics' surface long after the stain is gone. These stains are hard to remove without damaging the silk, so prevention is the secret to keeping silk bedding looking beautiful.

Washing Silk Bedding

Silk bedding should be hand-washed using cool water mixed with mild liquid detergent. Hot water should never touch silk because it will cause the fabric to shrink and wrinkle. Ensure you're not rubbing the fabric together too much, and don't leave it to sit in the water.

Always dry silk bedding on a flat surface in direct sunlight to ensure that the fabric is completely dried out. Because silk is so delicate, it is essential to follow all recommended care instructions so you can preserve its natural beauty. Silk sheets are more prone than other fabrics to shrinkage if they are not dried thoroughly after washing.

You should wash silk bedding as little as possible, and then only when necessary. Remember that silk fabric gets softer with each wash, so the piece will become more delicate over time. For that reason, always hand-wash at first, and then if you need to machine wash, make sure it's on a hand-wash mode (if it has one).

Drying Silk Bedding

You can tumble dry your bedding but make sure it is on the lowest heat setting and comes straight out of the dryer. And don't mix your fabrics in either the wash or dry cycle either since this can cause materials to damage, shrink or break altogether. If you've got good weather or a lot of indoor space, dry your silk bedding on a flat surface in direct sunlight, so the fabric is completely dried out.

Some people believe that folding bedding can help preserve their longevity. This is true for some fabrics. Yet, your silk sheets can actually take a break from folding and unfolding, as the more you do it, the more the edges and creases of your sheets wear away.

Because silk is high-maintenance, it is essential to follow all recommended care instructions to preserve its natural beauty. Silk sheets are more prone than other fabrics to shrinkage if they are not dried thoroughly after washing.

Storing Silk Bedding

Be sure to store your silk bedding properly between washes to avoid wrinkles and folds. Do not store your silk bedding in plastic bins or bags because they will trap heat and humidity, which could cause mould or mildew damage over time. Invest in a good set of quality metal hangers.

Some people believe that folding bedding can help preserve their longevity. This is true for some fabrics. Yet, your silk sheets can actually take a break from folding and unfolding, as the more you do it, the more the edges and creases of your sheets wear away. Thus, silk should also hang on padded hangers to prevent it from stretching out of shape.

Make sure you read the labels on silk bedding before washing it. Only iron silk if needed using a low setting and a pressing cloth. But it's better to avoid any stress to the silk unless necessary.

Silk Bedding Stains

As discussed earlier, silk bedding is prone to staining and, for most stains, impossible to get out. Hence, it's always better to prevent these stains from occurring in the first place. It's one of the main reasons you should only ever wash silk bedding on its own. If you wash it with your clothes and other fabrics, there's a good chance the colours will run, causing fabric stains to both your silk and clothing.

To prevent stains from ruining silk sheets or silk pillowcases, always cover them up wherever they come into contact with any liquids or foods that may leave behind a colour. Covers are the most popular solution due to their durability and ease of use. They're also easier to clean than silk bedding!

One way to avoid stains while the bedding is in use is by using suitable duvet cover and protectors. This will also help to minimize any dust mites that could otherwise attack the bedding. But remember not to store the bedding covered up.

Properly Wash Silk Bedding

Keeping your silk bedding clean is essential, but it's also necessary to know how to do so in the correct manner. For the best results, wash it by hand and use cool water mixed with a mild liquid detergent.

When drying your silk sheets, never use a dryer. Instead, dry it on a towel on a flat surface in sunlight to prevent shrinkage.

If you follow these simple rules, your high-quality, beautiful silk bedding will last a lifetime! So if you've enjoyed our silk bed care tips, have a look yourself at our silk bedding products today and give yourself the good night's sleep you deserve!

Michelle Smith