Can I wash my silk comforter?

Hi, I bought a silk comforter several years ago and have kept it in storage some. It has a musty smell but I want to get it back out and use it. Can I was this by hand?

Thanks,

Renee,

Hi Renee,

Thanks for the question. The first thing you can try is "sun curing." That means laying it out in the sun for 2 or 3 hours. This will freshen the smell, but primarily give the comforter a change to thoroughly dry out. I'm betting that the musty smell is from a build of moisture. Laying out in the sun will give your comforter a chance to completely dry out and may remove the smell.

Machine washing will destroy the comforter. It will come out a clumpy, unsightly, lumpy mess. So don't do that. Likewise hand washing is a desperate measure. I've never done it but if you do be sure to be very gentle, use only mild detergent, and don't do an wringing, squishing or twisting. Mainly all you can do is soak.

The best solution is to take yoru silk comforter to a professional dry cleaner and have them take care of it.

Let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Will