Pure silk bedding care
Pure silk pillowcases will last for years with gentle care. Proper cleaning and storage will prolong their life and ensure they retain heirloom quality. Like fine silver or pearls, the more you use your silk pillowcase the more softer and precious they will become.
WASHING
Separate bright colours from whites, and remember to include only natural silk fabrics together. Synthetics, if co-mingled, can cause pilling in your natural fabrics.
Place your silk garment in cold water with a mild silk-friendly detergent.
Leave to soak (no more than 5 minutes).
Swish the garment slowly and gently.
Rinse with fresh water.
Oxford pillowcases and covers with delicate embellishment can be washed inside out for further protection.
We recommend that you always use a biodegradable liquid detergent, avoiding those containing whiteners, bleach, optical brighteners or alkalis, all of which can alter colour and weaken your fabric over time.
We also suggest that you dilute detergent in to the water before adding your silk garments.
We do not recommend fabric softeners which tend to artificially coat your textiles. Similar to pores in your skin, the natural fibers of your linens need to breathe, and by frequent use you will achieve a lushness never imagined by a synthetic softener.
Do not wring.
Instead, gently press the water out of your item between your hands or against the sink.
Note: If there is colour in the water, don’t worry! This is normal and it is simply the yarn releasing dye. You will not notice any loss of color in the fabric when you are finished.
DRYINGThe ideal way to dry your fine silk pillowcases is by air. If drying outside take care not place your silks in intense, direct sunlight. This will cause your coloured articles to fade and will turn your whites yellow. If shade is not an option, the best and softest light is in the early morning or you can choose drying inside.
We recommend that you never completely dry your silk garments, because your silks are all natural and it can make them brittle and lifeless over time.
PRESSING
The best time to press your silk pillowcases is when they are still damp. If this is not possible, you can temporarily store laundered silks in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready.
Press your silk pillowcases using a well-padded ironing board and a clean iron. Due to the woven construction of silk-satin, a first wash can appear to reduce the original silkiness of the fabric. You will notice that pressing it will smooth the fibers and restore this luster.
When pressing monograms or other embroidery, place face down on a soft fabric so that the decoration will "pop out" within the softness. However, be sure that the fabric you use is white so that no colour from the fabric bleeds onto your damp silks.
STORING SILK PILLOWCASES
One of the most wonderful aspects of home linens is the beauty of their storage. The feel and look of gently folded fabrics, and the clean, crisp fragrance of laundered linens is intoxicating.
The important thing to remember is that these natural fibers need to breathe. We recommend that you store your silk pillowcases in a cool, dry and well-ventilated space, and that they be shielded from long exposure to direct light. If possible, your silks should be folded flat on wooden shelves covered with paper.
For silk pillowcases that are used infrequently, we suggest wrapping them gently in white cotton, muslin or acid-free paper. Please avoid plastic bag or bin storage, or cedar chests which can cause permanent yellowing.