Silk nighties have a beautifully smooth, lightweight feel that makes them a pleasure to wear. But when washing day arrives, it’s understandable to be cautious.

Can you hand wash silk? Is the washing machine safe? What detergent should you use? And how do you dry silk without damaging it?

The most important rule is also the simplest: check the care label on your nightie before you wash it. Silk garments can have different care requirements depending on their fabric, construction and finishing. Some may allow gentle handwashing, while others may recommend dry cleaning.

Once you know what your particular garment requires, caring for silk becomes much less daunting.

How to Wash a Silk Nightie: Start With the Care Label

Before filling the sink or reaching for detergent, read the sewn-in care label.

This matters because there isn’t one washing method that applies to every silk nightie. Even garments made from silk can have different instructions.

If the label specifies dry cleaning, follow that advice. If it allows handwashing, use the recommended water temperature and washing method. If machine washing is permitted, follow the label rather than assuming a delicate cycle is suitable for every silk garment.

Taking a few seconds to check first can help you avoid an unnecessary washing mistake.

How to Hand Wash a Silk Nightie

If your nightie’s care label permits handwashing, keep the process gentle.

1. Use cool water

Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water, unless your garment’s care instructions specify otherwise.

Avoid using hot water simply because you’re washing by hand. With silk, the garment instructions should always guide the temperature you choose.

2. Choose a detergent suitable for silk

Use a small amount of specialist detergent intended for silk and delicate fabrics, following the directions on both the garment and the detergent.

The Foundation’s Silk Accessories collection includes specialist laundry options for delicate garments, including Rylstone Botanicals Silk & Delicates Specialist Fabric Wash and BON SAVVY Silk Savvy Laundry Liquid 500ml.

Choosing a laundry product specifically suited to silk and delicates takes the guesswork out of deciding whether your everyday detergent is appropriate. Whichever product you choose, follow its directions alongside the care instructions on your nightie.

3. Handle the fabric gently

Place your nightie into the water and wash it gently rather than rubbing, scrubbing or twisting the fabric.

Follow the care label regarding washing and soaking. More vigorous washing doesn’t necessarily mean a better clean, particularly when you’re dealing with delicate silk.

4. Rinse carefully

Rinse according to the garment and detergent instructions, using cool water where specified.

Support the nightie as you handle it while wet rather than pulling or stretching the fabric.

5. Don’t wring out your nightie

It can be tempting to twist a wet nightie to remove as much water as possible, but silk should be handled gently.

Avoid wringing or twisting the garment. Instead, follow its care instructions for removing excess water and preparing it for drying.

Can You Wash a Silk Nightie in the Washing Machine?

Sometimes, but only when the garment’s care label says you can.

A washing machine’s delicate setting doesn’t automatically make it suitable for every silk nightie. Some silk garments are intended for handwashing, while others may recommend dry cleaning.

If your care label permits machine washing, follow its instructions for water temperature, cycle and any other precautions. A The Foundation Wash Bag can also be used for garments whose care instructions allow machine washing, helping keep delicate pieces contained during the wash.

If the label doesn’t recommend machine washing, putting the nightie in a wash bag doesn’t make machine washing suitable. Always follow the care instructions for the individual garment.

How to Dry a Silk Nightie

Silk needs thoughtful handling after washing too.

There isn’t a single drying method that applies to every silk garment. Some silk pieces may specify drying flat, while others may allow hanging in the shade.

If your nightie needs to be dried flat, support the garment so its shape isn’t unnecessarily distorted while wet. If the instructions allow it to be hung in the shade, use a suitable hanger and keep it away from direct sunlight.

Avoid twisting or stretching the garment to speed things up. Give it the time and drying conditions recommended on its care label.

What Should You Do About Stains on Silk?

Finding a mark on a favourite silk nightie can make immediate scrubbing feel like the obvious solution. With delicate fabric, gentler is better.

Start with the garment care label and the instructions supplied with your silk detergent. Avoid vigorous rubbing or experimenting with harsh household cleaning products that haven’t been recommended for the garment.

If you’re dealing with an unfamiliar or stubborn stain, particularly on a garment that recommends professional cleaning, follow its professional-care instructions rather than experimenting at home.

How Often Should You Wash a Silk Nightie?

There’s no universal number of wears after which every silk nightie needs to go into the wash.

How often yours needs washing will depend on how you wear it and its individual care requirements. Rather than following an arbitrary schedule, wash it when it needs cleaning and follow the instructions provided with the garment.

This also avoids putting delicate fabric through unnecessary washing.

How to Store Your Silk Nightie

Make sure your silk nightie is completely dry before putting it away.

Store it somewhere clean and dry, taking care not to unnecessarily crush delicate fabric. As with washing and drying, follow any storage instructions supplied with the garment.

If you’re building a silk wardrobe rather than caring for just one piece, our Perfect Silk Slip Guide also explores what to consider when choosing silk slips and chemises.

Common Silk-Care Mistakes to Avoid

Silk care becomes much easier when you stop treating every silk garment as though it needs exactly the same routine.

Some of the most common mistakes are:

• washing a silk nightie before checking its care label
• assuming every silk garment can be hand washed
• using the washing machine simply because it has a delicate cycle
• using detergent without checking whether it’s suitable for silk
• rubbing, scrubbing, twisting or wringing wet silk
• assuming every silk garment should be dried in the same way
• experimenting with harsh stain treatments

Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid. Check the label first, then let those instructions guide everything that follows.

Give Your Silk the Care It Deserves

Beautiful silk doesn’t need an elaborate laundry ritual. It simply needs care that suits the particular garment.

Start with the label, choose a detergent suitable for silk when washing is permitted, handle the fabric gently and follow the recommended drying instructions. Once those habits become part of your routine, looking after silk sleepwear feels far less complicated.

If you love the feel of silk beyond one favourite nightie, explore our Lotus Silk collection or discover more pieces across The Foundation’s Silk Lingerie collection.

You can also browse our Silk Accessories for useful additions to your silk-care routine.

Care for your silk sleepwear so it continues to look and feel beautiful.

FAQs

1. Can I hand wash a silk nightie?
   You can hand wash a silk nightie if its care label permits it. Silk garments can have different care requirements, so always check the individual label before deciding how to wash yours.
2. What detergent should I use to wash silk?
   When washing is permitted, choose a detergent specifically suitable for silk and follow the instructions for both the garment and detergent. The Foundation’s Silk Accessories collection includes Rylstone Botanicals Silk & Delicates Specialist Fabric Wash for silk and other delicate fabrics.
3. Can silk go in the washing machine on a delicate cycle?
   Only if the garment’s care label permits machine washing. Having a delicate cycle doesn’t mean the washing machine is suitable for every silk nightie.
4. Can I wring out a silk nightie after washing it?
   Avoid twisting or wringing wet silk. Instead, handle the garment gently and follow its instructions for removing excess water and drying.
5. Should I dry a silk nightie flat or hang it up?
   Check the individual care label. Silk garments can have different drying instructions, including drying flat or hanging in the shade, so follow the directions for your particular nightie.