How To Wash Silk Nightgown? 7 things you need to know

Silk nightgowns is a mere epitome of confort and style wrapped with a touch of elegance. However, many people are afraid of damage the delicate fabric when it comes to washing them. 

Hopefully, this guide will be provide everything you need to know , from how to check for colorfastness to washing it either by bare hand or by machine. We even have dedicated washing tips for nightgowns with breat pads or laces. 

How Do I Know If My Silk Nightgown is Colorfast

Before you dive headfirst into washing your silk nightgown, it's crucial to check if the actual silk piece is colorfast. You can do a patch test with a new piece of silk.  This is important to check if the color would bleed through when washing with other loughwear. 

Essentially, you can simply pick a hidden area on your nighgown, This can either be a seam or hem area. Simply, dab the nightgown with cool water and gently rub it with white cloth. Watch out for any trace of color transfer or bleed through. 

If your cloth stays clean and intact during this process, it means your cloth is safe to wash. You will be cetain the proper steps to take after running the patch test above. 

Bonus Tip: If you don't have a hidden seam or feel uncomfortable snipping a piece, some manufacturers include care instructions with a colorfastness symbol. Look for a small square with an "X" inside – this indicates the color might not be fast and requires dry cleaning.

What Temperature do you Wash Silk Nightgown

When it comes to washing your silk slip nightgown, water temperature matters.Unlike cotton and other materials, silk requires a gentler treatment. Here are some of the reasons why cold water is the most advisable method:

• Silk is rather a delicate material:  washing your silk nightgown under hot water may damage the original protein fibre structure. Doing so will lead to weakening of the fibers, shrinking, or losing their initial luster. 
• The best recommended option is to use cold water. This is because cold water is capable of maintianing silk original shine and luster texture. 

Therefore, 🧺cool water (ideally between 68°F and 85°F (20°C and 30°C)) is the recommended temperature for washing your silky nightgown.

However, there are a few exceptions to consider:

• Pre-treating Stains: For stubborn stains, you might need to pre-treat the area with a gentle stain remover specifically designed for delicates. Some stain removers might require lukewarm water (around 90°F or 32°C) for activation, but always follow the specific product instructions carefully.
• Heavily Soiled Nightgowns: If your nightgown is heavily soiled, you can opt for a slightly warmer wash temperature (around 85°F or 30°C). However, exercise caution and never exceed 95°F (35°C) as this can still damage the silk.

Remember: When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and use cooler water.

Can You Machine Wash a Silk Nightgown

The convenience of a washing machine can be a highly tempting option for your sexy  silk nightgown. But whether to machine wash or not relies on a few factors. Let us consider the pros and cons to decide:

Pros of Machine Washing Silk Nightgown

it is way more convienient to washing wash a silk nightgown under gentel cycle for saving some extra time. 

Cons of Machine Washing Silk Nightgown

Since silk is a rather  delicate fabric, and even a gentle machine cycle can cause snags, tears, or shrinkage if not been set correctly. 

The vigorous movement of your washing machine can potentially damage its delicate fibers. Remeber, plase do yourslef a favour not place your statement silk nightgown under high spinning mode,  as High spin speeds can wrinkle silk and damage the fibers.

Strictly follow these precautions when machine washing

1. Always check and read the care label before sending it to any washing machine. 
2. Delicate Cycle Only: remeber to pick the gentlest cycle shown on your washing machine, often labeled as "delicates" or "hand wash."
3. Mesh Laundry Bag: Place your nightgown inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snags and potential tear during the wash cycle.
4. Mild Detergent is Key: Opt for a gentle detergent specifically formulated for delicates. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach that can damage silk. 
5. Skip the Hot Water: Keep in mind to use use cool water (ideally between 68°F and 85°F (20°C and 30°C)) to maintain the silk's integrity.
6. Minimize Spinning: If possible, opt to skip spinning altogether if you can. Remeber to always hang your silk under the sun directly for drying. 

These machine-washing tips help reduce damage, but if you truly want to treat your silk nightgown with care, handwashing is the safest bet.

How To Hand Wash Your Silk Nightgown

If your pure silk nightgown isn't labeled as machine washable, or you prefer to take extra care of your delicates, then handwashing is the best option. This method ensures a gentle cleansing that preserves the luxurious feel and longevity of your silk garment. Here's a step-by-step guide to keep your silk feeling pampered:

What You'll Need

A clean basin or sink: 🚰

Cool water (ideally between 68°F and 85°F (20°C and 30°C)): 💧

Gentle detergent for delicates (look for terms like "silk wash" or "wool wash"): 🧼

Mild white vinegar (optional): 🍶

Clean, white towels: 🛁

Step-By-Step Guide

1. Fill the Basin: Fill your basin or sink with cool water.
2. Gently Add Detergent: Pour a small amount of your gentle detergent into the water. Opt for a ph-neutral detergent designed for delicates as harsh chemicals can damage silk.
3. Submerge Your Nightgown: Gently unfold your nightgown and submerge it completely in the soapy water. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, depending on the level of soiling.
4. Optional Stain Treatment: For minor stains, you can pre-treat the area with a gentle stain remover specifically designed for delicates. Always follow the product instructions carefully and test it on an inconspicuous area first.
5. Swishing, Not Scrubbing: Avoid harsh scrubbing or agitation. Instead, gently swish the nightgown in the water a few times to loosen any dirt.
6. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and rinse the nightgown thoroughly with cool water until all traces of detergent are removed. You can repeat this process a couple of times to ensure complete rinsing.
7. Optional Vinegar Rinse: For a final touch of softness and to neutralize any leftover soap residue, add a tablespoon of white vinegar to a basin of cool water. Rinse your nightgown briefly in this solution and then rinse again with plain cool water.
8. Gently Remove Excess Water: Do not wring or twist the nightgown, as this can damage the delicate fibers. Instead, lay it flat on a clean, white towel. Roll the towel gently, pressing down to absorb excess moisture.
9. Air Dry, Flat and Pampered: Lay your nightgown flat on another clean, white towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Silk dries quickly, so it should be ready to wear within a few hours.

Washing Silk Nightgowns with Lace

Extra Gentle Handling: Lace is even more delicate than silk itself. Be extra careful when handling your nightgown, avoiding any rough scrubbing or pulling.

Mesh Laundry Bag is Your Friend: Place your nightgown in a mesh laundry bag before washing. This helps prevent snags and tears on the lace during agitation in the machine (if you choose to machine wash) or from rubbing against other garments while handwashing.

Targeted Stain Treatment: If there are any stains specifically on the lace, pre-treat them with a gentle stain remover designed for delicates. Test the product on an inconspicuous area of the lace first.

Air Drying is Key: Lace can shrink or lose its shape when exposed to high heat. Always air dry your nightgown with lace flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Washing Silk Nightgowns with Padded Cups

Silk nightgowns with padded cups require a little extra spcial tender loving care but it is worth it to keep the silk nightgown feeling and looking her best. If the cups are removable, take them out and wash separately for a deeper clean. Handwashing is the safest option since it is gentle on the fabric as well as the padding, allowing it to retain its shape. When washing, hold and press the padding gently and do not twist or wring. After rinsing, reshape the cups while still damp then lay the nightgown flat to dry. For extra support, place a clean towel inside each cup while drying but do remember to take out the towel when your nightgown is almost dry.

Special Light Cleaning Tip for Silk Nightgowns

Even if your silk nightgown did not pass the colorfastness test, please do not worry about it. Below are some tips and tricks for simple light cleaning. 

• Take it to the dry cleaner: If you want fast cleaning result for your delicate silk night gowns. Dry cleaning is a good option. 

  Spot clean gently: If there’s just a small stain, you can try spot cleaning with a mild detergent made for delicate clothes. Run a patch test to see if it changes color. 

  Let it air out:  Since silk does not hold onto smells like any other type of fabrics. You do not have to wash it often. You can just hang it in a well-ventilated spot to freshen it up.

Remember: While these options provide some cleaning power, they might not be as effective for heavily soiled non-colorfast silk nightgowns. In such cases, consulting a professional dry cleaner is highly recommended.

FAQs about Washing Silk Nightgowns

Keeping your pure silk nightgown clean and luxurious might raise some questions. Here are some commonly asked questions and detailed answers to help you care for your delicate garment:

Q1. I noticed a stain on my silky nightgown. Can I remove it myself?

If you ever run in to the occurance of a random stain on your silk nightgown. You should opt for a gentel solution for better after result. Avoid anything abrasive and harsh.  For instance, you may drop a few drops of warm lemon juice solution to the affacted areas. Do a small test in an inconspicious area. Always use a gentle dabbing circular motion when cleaning out stains. 

Q2. Can I put my womens silk nightgown in the dryer?

Absolutely not! High heat from a dryer can damage the delicate silk fibers, causing shrinkage, wrinkles, and loss of its beautiful luster. Always air dry your silk nightgown flat on a clean towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Q3. My silk slip nightgown is wrinkled after washing. Can I iron it?

Yes, you can iron your silk nightgown. There a are a few things to keep in mind.

• Use the lowest heat setting on your iron (preferably the silk or delicate setting).

• Turn the nightgown inside out to protect the outer surface.

• Place a pressing cloth (like a clean cotton towel or cloth) between the iron and the silk.

• Iron gently and continuously, avoiding long pauses in one spot to prevent damage.

• Do not use steam unless the care label specifically allows it.

Or you could click here to learn more about how to iron silk.

Q4. How often should I wash my real silk nightgown?

A1. Silk is naturally resistant to odors, so frequent washing isn't necessary. You can air out your nightgown regularly in a well-ventilated area to freshen it up between washes. However, if you've worn it for several nights or notice any visible dirt or stains, then a gentle hand wash is recommended.

Q5. Can I store my pure silk nightgown on a hanger?

Essentially, it is not abvised to hang your silk nightgown  for proloned period of time, since the   weight of the garment will gradually stretch it out. You may try these better storage options instead:

Stored folding: Carefully fold up your nightgown and put it in a dry, cool place. Use acid-free tissue paper in between the folds for a layer of added protection.

Drawer space: Store your nightgown in a drawer so that the fabric doesn't lose its form and get crumpled and wrinkled . Place delicate materials such as these in a lingerie bag to maintain your nightgown dust-free.

Conclusion

Caring for your silk nightgown is the key to keeping it soft, smooth, and elegant for years to come, By following these tips and addressing these common questions, you can ensure your silk nightgown stays beautiful and comfortable for a long time.

In this guide, we walked through everything from checking colorfastness to choosing the best washing method. Always remember to use a gentle detergent and avoid harsh chemicals, as it  helps prevent damage and keeps the fabric in great condition.