A definitive guide to silk bedding and bed linen care

December 9, 2019

Silk is a naturally delicate material, therefore when it comes to washing and taking care of silk products, a little more effort is required. This however, is a very small price to pay when you consider the superior, luxury feel that silk provides. Depending on the kind of silk, and the type of silk product, professional cleaning and upkeep may be essential, although more often than not, silk bed linen can be cared for at home.

When washing silk bedding, it is important to follow care instructions in order to avoid your silk products from becoming damaged, and while all products at Gingerlily are supplied with detailed guidance on how to care for them, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to tell you exactly how each different silk product type needs to be maintained.

We always recommend specialist care for your silk at Gingerlily, because this provides the peace of mind that its delicate feel and touch is preserved for as long as possible. Read our guide to caring for silk and discover how to properly care for silk bedding and silk bed linen, silk nightwear and silk accessories.

Silk Pillowcases

Each of our silk pillowcases are crafted from the finest A Grade Mulberry silk. This means they require a little extra care and attention than a regular cotton pillowcase, especially to preserve the natural proteins that provide all of the benefits for your skin and hair.

How to wash silk pillowcases

Our silk pillowcases are machine washable at 30°c maximum heat. Washing at a higher temperature could cause significant damage to your silk pillowcase, so it is crucial to wash at no higher than this temperature.

We recommend the Gingerlily Liquid Silk Wash to launder your silk pillowcase, or an alternative quality silk-specific detergent. Sensitive and delicate detergents work best, so be sure to read the label to avoid spoilage. To dry, simply hang out in natural, indirect sunlight on a washing line.

Shop our range of 100% Mulberry silk pillowcases at Gingerlily.

Silk Duvet Covers

Our silk duvet covers are also delicately crafted from 100% Mulberry silk of the highest quality and come in a range of colours and designs.

How to wash silk duvet covers

To wash your silk duvet cover, you can also machine wash at a very low temperature, no higher than 30°c. We also recommend washing it inside out.

Once you have washed your silk duvet cover, we recommend hanging it on the line to dry. This ensures the silk duvet cover maintains its shape and natural sunlight is best to maintain the natural proteins.

Creases should naturally fall out of your duvet cover when airing on the line, however we strongly recommend ironing on a medium heat setting with steam. This will help restore the natural sheen of the silk and suppleness to the fabric, adding to that luxurious feel.

Shop our range of 100% Mulberry silk duvet covers at Gingerlily.

Silk Sheets

How to wash silk sheets

To clean your silk sheets, you may machine wash again at a low, eco-friendly temperature. As silk sheets are naturally thin, a quick wash will suffice. Made from 100% A Grade Mulberry silk, Gingerlily silk sheets, both flat and fitted, are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust-mites and other bacteria and so do not require a rigorous cleansing routine.

Once washed at a low (sub 30°c temperature) using a sensitive silk detergent, made specifically for delicate materials, hang your sheet out to dry in natural, indirect sunlight if possible. This ensures the shine of your silk sheet is retained and that it doesn’t become out of shape. Once dry, gently iron on a medium setting to bring out the product’s original shine and remove any creases that may remain after airing.

Shop our range of 100% Mulberry silk sheets at Gingerlily.

Silk Pillows, Silk Duvets and Silk Mattress Toppers & Protectors

At Gingerlily, our silk duvets and silk mattress toppers and protectors are crafted from the finest, A Grade Mulberry silk to provide the ultimate luxury sleeping experience. Due to the delicate nature of this strain of silk, you should take extra care to protect your Gingerlily silk duvets, toppers and pillows with removable, washable covers.

Caring for silk bedding

Mulberry silk is naturally resistant to dust-mites and is naturally hypoallergenic, with temperature-regulating properties that work to protect your bedding. Your silk bedding however does require some maintenance care, particularly in the event of spills or other washable damage.

Because Gingerlily silk bedding isn’t susceptible to mites and works to prevent sweating, it isn’t necessary to thoroughly clean these items on a frequent basis. To freshen up your silk bedding, simply hang on the line to air out in natural sunlight.

This will also allow your silk bedding to maintain its shape and plumpness.

Should your silk bedding become stained, then spot clean the stain and hang the bedding out to dry. In instances where your silk filled duvet requires a more thorough cleaning, we would recommend having it professionally laundered. This should always be done at a low temperature of 30°C or lower and on a delicate cycle, as this will help to protect the silk's natural properties.

Shop our range of 100% Mulberry silk bedding at Gingerlily.

Silk Bedspreads and Blankets

Our silk bedspreads, throws and blankets are crafted from 100% Mulberry silk. The bedspreads have a silk / cotton mix reverse.

How to wash silk bedspreads and blankets

Due to the blend of fabrics in the bedspread and the thickness of the product, these products are dry clean only. You may not machine wash your silk bedspread as this can cause significant damage to the look and feel of your product. Should any spillages occur to your silk bedspread, you may gently spot clean in the affected area only.

Shop our range of silk bedspreads and blankets at Gingerlily.

Silk Dressing Gowns and Silk Pyjamas

How to wash silk dressing gowns and silk pyjamas

Much like our silk bed linen, Gingerlily silk dressing gowns and pyjamas can be laundered on a low-temperature wash. Be sure to use a delicate, silk-specialist detergent to preserve the luxurious look and feel of your silk nightwear.

Be sure to wash your silk nightwear garments individually to avoid colour transfer and any damage occurring from other fabrics. To dry, hang out on the line in natural, indirect sunlight. To restore original sheen and delicate feel, iron your silk nightwear on a medium setting with plenty of steam.

Shop our range of women's silk nightwear at Gingerlily.

Silk Eye Masks

How to wash silk eye masks

Due to the naturally hypoallergenic and sweat-wicking properties of our 100% Mulberry silk eye masks, frequent washing is not necessary. However, when the time comes to freshen up your silk eye mask, you must be sure to hand wash this product only. Using a delicate, silk-specific detergent, gently wash your silk eye mask in tepid water. Be sure not to soak the product and wash alone. Gently squeeze any remaining water out of your eye mask and lie or hang out in natural sunlight to preserve the fabric’s sheen and plumpness of the Mulberry silk floss padding.

Shop our range of silk eye masks at Gingerlily.

The most important thing to remember when it comes to caring for your silk products is to always wash them individually, without mixing with any other materials. This prevents snagging, colour transfer, loss of sheen, loss of luxurious feel and other damage to both the look and feel of your silk products.

Any of our products that are not machine-washable can be delicately spot cleaned when necessary, if any spills or marks are made. Only spot clean the affected area and hang out to dry in natural sunlight to ensure sheen and shape are maintained.

If you’re not sure on how best to clean a particular silk product, always check the care label. All products at Gingerlily are supplied with a guide to washing, cleaning and maintaining, so if in doubt, be sure to check here.

Of course if you’re still unsure following this, then our friendly team is happy to help, please feel free to get in touch with any queries you may have.