How to Wash Silk Pyjamas Correctly

There’s nothing quite like slipping into a pair of soft, luxurious silk pyjamas at the end of a long day. But when it’s time to wash them, you might wonder: How do I keep them looking and feeling as good as new without causing damage?

Silk is delicate, but caring for it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the right techniques, you can easily maintain the beauty and longevity of your silk loungewear from the comfort of your home.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to wash silk pyjamas safely and effectively so you can enjoy their elegance night after night without the stress.

How to keep your silk pyjamas looking luxurious wash after wash

The safest way of washing silk is to hand wash it, especially pure silk. We know it may sound taxing, but you will be surprised by how quick and easy the whole process is.

Here is a simple breakdown of how to hand wash silk:

1. Start by checking if the silk is colorfast

Colorfast silk is simply dyed silk that doesn’t lose its colour. It’s important to know this to avoid mixing colorfast silks with those that aren’t. To check for colorfastness, use a soft white cloth to gently dab cold water on the inner seam of your silk.

If you notice any colour transfer or the dye seems to bleed through, it means the silk is not colourfast. That means you should wash it separately from the rest and apply more care to minimise colour fading from the hand wash.

2. Take care of any stains beforehand

You should take care of silk stains as soon as possible, before they are set, to make them easier to remove.

To remove the stains, mix a bit of mild soap in some cool water to form a diluted soap solution. Next, soak cotton wool or a cotton bud in the solution and gently dab or blot the stained spot. Do this repeatedly on both sides of the stained spot until you’ve gotten most of it out. Be careful not to vigorously rub the fabric and damage it.

3. It’s time to hand wash your silks

Fill a basin with cool water (30º) and add a few drops of specialist silk detergent for delicate fabrics. Add your silks and let them soak for a few minutes. Once they’ve soaked, all you need to do to hand wash silk is move it around gently in the water.

You can plunge it up and down or stir it around several times. Do not use any force and avoid rubbing the silk. Because of the soft silk fibers, the gentle movements are enough to remove any dirt or residue.

4. Rinse out the detergent and dry

To rinse out the soap, simply hold the silk garment under cold running water until it is fully rinsed. Do not wring out the excess water. You can pat it down gently with a clean, dry towel and hang it on a line or a hanger to air dry.

But ensure you hang it somewhere indoors, in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Once dry, you can iron silk or use a steamer to restore its luster and remove any wrinkles. But ensure you turn the silk inside out, place a pressing cloth between the iron and the silk, and use the lowest temperature.

Can I Machine-wash Silk Pyjamas?

It depends on the type of silk and the brand. Generally, silk is a very durable natural fiber when dry. But wet silk fibers are very delicate, so it’s rarely recommended that you machine wash silk items.Even so, some silks are “washable silk” and can be washed in the machine without damaging them. But before you rush to throw your beautiful silk comfort wear into the washer, here are a few essential pointers to take note of;

Check the silk garment label.

Most silk items have a fabric care label that tells you how to clean the silk clothing. If the label says it’s okay to wash in the machine, then you will have the green light.

However, if the label doesn’t specify or if there is no care label, it is better to err on the side of caution and avoid the washer.

Wash silk items separately.

Never load your silk clothing with other clothes, especially jeans or clothes with zippers or fasteners. The rough textures and heavy fabrics could end up snagging or damaging your delicate silks. So, always wash your silk pyjamas separately.

Use a wash bag made for delicate clothing items.

Your silk pyjamas can also get snagged on the washer’s drum and possibly even tear. So, first put your pyjamas in a mesh delicates wash bag. This will provide extra protection against any abrasive damage. Also, avoid overloading the machine by leaving enough room to fit in a hand.

Use delicate detergent

You can’t use the same detergent you use on cotton fabrics to wash your silks. Such delicate fabrics require a good, gentle silk detergent. Look for soaps or detergents that specify they are suitable for silks or delicates.

Set the washer on a delicate cycle

Most washing machines come with a gentle or delicate cycle setting, and some may even have a silk setting. Also, ensure you use cold water or set it to the lowest temperature (at most 30℃).

Do not spin

You’re not supposed to wring silk after washing it. Therefore, spinning your silk PJs in the washer to remove the excess water may end up damaging or even shearing the fabric. Besides, silk is a light enough material that will dry quickly by simply air drying.

Can You Put Silk Pyjamas in the Dryer?

Absolutely not! Never tumble-dry your silk clothes. The heat from the dryer will shrink and damage the silk fabric.

If you need to speed up the drying process, avoid the dryer and gently remove excess moisture using a clean, soft towel. Lay your silk pyjamas flat on the towel, roll it up, and press lightly to absorb water. Then, lay them flat on a drying rack or a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated area.

Depending on the temperature and humidity, your silk pyjamas should be fully dry within a few hours—typically between 3 to 6 hours. For best results, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, which can damage the fabric.

Conclusion

Silk pyjamas are an investment in comfort and luxury, and with the right care, they can stay soft and beautiful for years. While silk may seem delicate, washing it properly is easier than you might think. A gentle hand wash or a careful machine wash with the right settings will help preserve its elegance without the need for expensive cleaning services.

By following these simple steps, you can continue to enjoy the timeless feel of silk sleepwear —keeping it as stunning as the day you bought it.

Of course, the quality of the silk also matters. Find the best quality 100% pure Mulberry silk loungewear from Karmen Pedaru. Each piece is creatively designed to be versatile, durable, and easy to care for. Shop for a pair today!