Check the Label: Look for care instructions. If labeled machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold water (30°C/86°F) and a gentle detergent specifically formulated for silk/ mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Choose a delicate or hand wash cycle with a low spin speed to minimize agitation. Opt for a short wash cycle to minimize the time the silk item spends in the washing machine. This will help prevent excessive agitation and reduce the risk of damage.
For hand washing, use lukewarm water (around 30°C/86°F) and a gentle detergent specifically formulated for silk.
Protection: Place silk in a mesh bag for machine wash or hand wash delicately, avoiding wringing or twisting to prevent stretching or damage to the delicate fibers.
Drying: After washing, lay the silk item flat to air dry on a clean towel away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid hanging, as this can cause stretching. Reshape the item if necessary.
Ironing: use a low-temperature setting (around 110°C/230°F).
Storage: Store silk items in a cool, dry place, folded in a breathable garment bag or tissue paper to protect from dust and moisture. Avoid storing in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew.
FAQ
Why my pillowcase feels dry after washing it?
Silk pillowcases are renowned for their smooth texture and ability to retain moisture, which can benefit both your skin and hair. However, sometimes, after washing, silk can lose some of its natural moisture-retaining properties. There could be a few reasons why your silk pillowcase feels dry after washing:
1. Harsh Detergents:
Using harsh detergents or washing silk pillowcases with regular laundry detergent can strip away the natural oils from the silk fibers, leading to dryness.
2. Improper Washing Technique:
Silk is delicate and requires gentle washing. Aggressive washing techniques such as scrubbing or wringing can damage the fibers, causing them to lose their moisture-retaining properties.
3. Hard Water:
Washing silk in hard water can leave mineral deposits on the fabric, making it feel dry and rough.
To restore the moisturizing properties of your silk pillowcase, you can try the following steps:
1. Use a Gentle Detergent:
Use a detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics or silk. These detergents are milder and less likely to strip away the natural oils from the silk fibers.
2. Hand Wash or Gentle Cycle:
Hand washing is the gentlest method for washing silk. If you prefer to use a washing machine, select the delicate or hand wash cycle with cold water and a gentle spin.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight:
After washing, avoid drying your silk pillowcase in direct sunlight as it can cause the fibers to become brittle and lose their moisture-retaining properties.
4. Use a Fabric Softener:
Adding a small amount of fabric softener to the rinse cycle can help restore some of the silk's natural softness and moisture.
5. Steam Ironing:
After washing, gently steam iron your silk pillowcase on the lowest setting to smooth out wrinkles and help restore its natural luster.
6. Conditioning Soak:
You can try soaking your silk pillowcase in a mixture of water and hair conditioner for about 30 minutes before washing. This can help restore some moisture to the fibers.
7. Avoid Heat:
Avoid using hot water or high heat settings when washing or drying silk, as heat can damage the fibers and cause them to lose their moisture-retaining properties.
By following these tips, you can help restore the moisturizing properties of your silk pillowcase and keep it feeling soft and luxurious wash after wash.
Contact
Still have questions? We're happy to help, please email us at info@psboutique.ch
