How to Wash and Care for Silk Nightwear at Home
By Aubade® Official Store: French Luxury Lingerie | Published: 2026-10-17
Category: Tips & Care
Learn the proper way to hand wash and care for your silk nightwear at home, including tips for silk tops, nightgowns, and pajamas. Keep your delicate silk lingerie looking beautiful longer.
Quick Answer
To wash silk nightwear at home, always hand wash in cool water with a mild, silk-safe detergent. Never wring or twist the fabric; instead, gently press out water and lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and machine drying to keep your silk pieces soft and vibrant.
Why Hand Washing Is Best for Silk Nightwear
Silk is a natural protein fiber that is delicate and can be damaged by the agitation and heat of a washing machine. Hand washing gives you full control over water temperature and pressure, reducing the risk of snags, stretching, or fading. For silk nightwear like the Lazy Days Top with thin straps, which blends modal and silk for softness, gentle hand washing helps maintain the fabric's smooth feel and the integrity of any lace or trim details.
Choosing the Right Detergent for Silk
Use a detergent specifically formulated for silk or delicates. These are pH-neutral and free of enzymes, bleach, and optical brighteners that can weaken silk fibers or cause yellowing. Avoid regular laundry detergents, which are too harsh, and never use fabric softener—it coats the fibers and reduces breathability. A small amount of mild baby shampoo can work in a pinch, but dedicated silk wash is best.
Drying and Storing Silk Nightwear
After washing, never wring or twist silk. Gently roll the garment in a clean, dry towel to absorb excess moisture, then lay it flat on a drying rack or a second towel away from direct heat or sunlight. Hanging wet silk can stretch it out of shape. Once dry, store silk nightwear folded in a drawer or on a padded hanger. Avoid wire hangers that can leave marks. Keep away from mothballs—cedar blocks or lavender sachets are safer alternatives.
Step-by-Step: How to Hand Wash Silk Nightwear
- 1. Fill a Basin with Cool Water: Use cool or lukewarm water (below 30°C / 86°F). Hot water can shrink or dull silk. Add a capful of silk-friendly detergent and swirl to dissolve. Checkpoint: Water should feel cool to the touch, not warm.
- 2. Submerge and Gently Agitate: Place your silk nightwear in the water and gently press it down to soak. Swish the garment softly for 2–3 minutes. Do not rub, scrub, or twist. Common mistake: Rubbing can cause white streaks or damage the fibers.
- 3. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with fresh cool water. Gently press the garment to release detergent, then repeat until no suds remain. Avoid running water directly onto the silk. Checkpoint: Residual detergent can cause yellowing over time.
- 4. Remove Excess Water: Lift the garment out carefully and lay it on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up and press gently to absorb moisture. Never wring or twist. Verdict: This step prevents water spots and speeds up drying without damage.
- 5. Lay Flat to Dry: Place the nightwear on a dry towel or mesh drying rack, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Keep away from radiators, direct sunlight, and humidifiers. Next step: Once fully dry, store folded to maintain shape.
Product Care Spotlight
- Lazy Days Top with thin straps: The Lazy Days Top with thin straps features knit fabric made from a blend of modal and silk for comfort and unbeatable softness. The modal-silk blend is less fragile than pure silk but still benefits from hand washing to preserve the lace neckline and bare-back design. Gentle care prevents distortion of the thin straps and maintains the piece's elegant shape.
