How to Wash and Clean Your Silk Pajamas
When you purchase silk pajamas, you are likely to come across tags that state ‘Dry Clean Only’. The statement is more of a warning than a command. It is basically used to warn you that silk is not sturdy enough to be washed using normal cycles in a common washer and dryer. The statement also protects the manufacturer. You can reduce your dry cleaning budget by learning how to clean your silk pajamas at the comfort of your home. Research has shown that cleaning such garments at home is easier and more affordable.

Silk fabrics are usually affected by the agitation of a regular washer. Hot water has a damaging effect on silk too. With this in mind, it follows that using the minimum agitation, soap or detergent made specifically for ‘delicates' and cold water will ensure you can clean your silk nightwear yourself. The same process will keep your garments in the best condition for years. So how does one go about the cleaning process? Having some information on cleaning silk and things that damage it is the only way you can know what to avoid when cleaning silk pajamas.

Garments made from silk contain natural oils that can be damaged by using regular laundry detergents. You should therefore consider using mild soaps such as detergents used to clean baby clothing. Cleaning products like chlorine bleach should never be used on silk. Starch should also be avoided. All you need to do is swish the garments around in the sink, drain the water after the swish and rinse using cold water. Gentle hand-washing is the best approach to cleaning silk pajamas and any other clothes you may have that are made from silk.

When you are hand washing clothes, it is normal to twist or wring them out. This should be avoided when washing silk pajamas. Instead, you should place the garment on a clean towel, preferably one that is white in color. Gently roll it up as this will help reduce the amount of water on the garment. Rolling the garment several times will ensure it has the minimum amount of water possible. Never put a silk garment in a dryer. After rolling it up several times, hang the garments to dry using wooden or plastic hangers, or on a clothes line. Avoid exposing the fabric to direct sunlight or dry heat for long periods as this will cause them to fade. The best option would be using either a wooden fold-up drying rack or an indoor clothes line.

If you want to iron the pajamas, make sure they are slightly damp. In the event the garment is completely dry, you can sprinkle some water on it to dampen it. The best temperature for ironing is 250 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Never use steam or high heat on silk as this will damage the fabric. Ironing should be done on the fabric’s reverse side. When you are storing silk pajamas, avoid placing them in plastic bags.

Some people like using cologne or deodorant often. If you plan on using these products, make sure you wait a few minutes before you put on a silk garment. This will also apply when using body lotion.

When stains have set in on your silk pajamas, you should act as quickly and soon as possible. Start by rinsing them with cold water. A talcum powder can be used to remove any grease stains. This can be followed by blotting using part of a brown paper sack or blotting paper. The brown paper sack or blotting paper should be placed above and below the stain. The paper or sack should absorb most of the oil or grease when you gently iron through the blotter.

For deodorant based stains, start by rinsing the pajamas in cold water. Follow by using a sponge to apply a 1:1 mixture of ammonia and water. Afterwards rinse with cold water. Lipstick and other stains can be removed from silk fabrics by placing some masking tape on the stain and swiftly removing the tape. You can get any remaining color off by adding a little talcum powder. Knowing how to care for silk fabrics will make it easy to clean and wash your own silk nightwear and pajamas.