To remove a stain from silk pajamas, act quickly: blot (never rub) the spot, rinse it from the back with cold water, then gently work in a little mild detergent and rinse again. Skip bleach of any kind and heat, test anything you use on a hidden seam first, and take the piece to a professional cleaner if the stain is large or will not lift.
These steps follow general silk stain-care guidance and match the care label on Eberjey Washable Silk, which says to wash cold and not to bleach.
Before you start: the rules that protect silk
- Speed matters: fresh stains come out more easily, and time and heat make them harder to remove.
- Blot, do not rub: rubbing can spread a stain and damage the fabric, and wet silk fibers are especially delicate.
- No bleach: chlorine bleach can damage silk, and the Eberjey Washable Silk care label goes further: do not bleach. That rules out non-chlorine and oxygen bleach and bleach-based stain removers too.
- No heat until the stain is gone: do not put a stained garment in the dryer or iron it, because heat can set stains.
- Test first: try any product on an inside seam or hem to check for color change before treating the stain.
Step-by-step: how to get a stain out of silk pajamas
- Blot right away. Lift any excess with a clean, absorbent cloth or paper towel. Press; do not scrub.
- Rinse from the back in cold water. Turn the fabric over and run cold water through the back of the stain, so it is pushed out of the fabric rather than further in. Cold water matters most for protein stains such as blood, because hot water can set them.
- Test your detergent. Dab a little diluted mild detergent on an inside seam, wait, and blot with a white cloth. If color transfers, stop and see a professional.
- Treat gently. Apply a small amount of mild detergent to the stain and work it in with your fingertips. A mild, bleach-free detergent is gentler on silk than a heavy-duty one.
- Rinse cold and check. Rinse thoroughly and look at the spot while damp. Repeat once if needed.
- Wash as the label says. For Eberjey Washable Silk: "Hand wash or machine wash cold on delicate cycle, separately. Remove promptly and lay flat to dry. Do not bleach. Mesh washbag recommended."
- Inspect before it dries completely. If any mark remains, do not apply heat; treat again or take it to a cleaner.
For a full washing routine, see how to care for silk pajamas.
Common stains on silk pajamas
| Stain | What to do first | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Blood | Blot, then soak or rinse in cold water before washing | Hot water, which can set protein stains |
| Perspiration and deodorant | Wash promptly after wearing; treat gently with mild detergent and cold water | Leaving it; prolonged contact with perspiration or deodorant can weaken silk and leave permanent yellow stains |
| Coffee, tea, wine and other drinks | Blot immediately, rinse cold from the back | Rubbing, which can spread the stain |
| Oil, lotion or makeup | Blot, test, then a small amount of mild detergent and a cold rinse | Harsh solvents at home; take stubborn oil stains to a professional |
| Any stain of unknown origin | Cold water and blotting | Hot water, the dryer and the iron |
Treat perspiration and drink stains as soon as possible: drinks such as coffee, tea and juice can turn into permanent yellow marks, and perspiration contains salts that can weaken silk if left in the fabric.
When to stop and call a professional cleaner
Home treatment has limits, and some stains cannot be removed at all. Take your silk to a professional cleaner when:
- The stain covers a large area.
- Color transfers to a white cloth during your hidden-seam test.
- The stain has not lifted after one or two gentle attempts.
- It is an old, set-in or unidentified stain.
Go as soon as you can, tell the cleaner what the stain is, point out where it is, and say that the garment is washable silk that must not be bleached.
Eberjey Washable Silk: what the label says
Eberjey describes its washable silk as 100% mulberry silk produced using bluesign®-certified processes and verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Every piece below carries the same care label: hand wash or machine wash cold on a delicate cycle, separately; remove promptly and lay flat to dry; do not bleach; mesh washbag recommended.
- Inez Washable Silk Long PJ Set ($298, sizes XS–XL): a long-sleeve button-up top with notch collar and high-rise straight-leg pants.
- Inez Washable Silk Short PJ Set ($278, sizes XS–XL)
- Washable Silk Lace Cami & Short Set ($228, sizes XS–XL): lace trim at the neckline, adjustable straps and mid-rise shorts.
- Charles Washable Silk Long PJ Set ($298, sizes S–XL): a button-down top with chest pocket and straight-leg pants with an elastic waistband and drawstring.
Shop all washable silk pajamas, or learn how washable silk differs from traditional silk.
Frequently asked questions
How do you remove stains from silk pajamas?
Act quickly. Blot the stain without rubbing, rinse from the back with cold water, test a mild detergent on a hidden seam, work a little in gently and rinse cold. Avoid bleach and heat, and see a professional cleaner if the stain is large or will not lift.
Can I use bleach on silk pajamas?
No. Chlorine bleach can damage silk, and the Eberjey Washable Silk care label says do not bleach, so skip bleach of any kind, including non-chlorine and oxygen bleach.
Should I use hot or cold water on a silk stain?
Use cold water. Heat can set stains, especially protein stains such as blood, and the Eberjey Washable Silk care label calls for cold water.
Can I put stained silk pajamas in the dryer?
No. Drying or ironing a stained garment can set the stain. Eberjey Washable Silk should be laid flat to dry in any case.
Why do silk pajamas get yellow underarm stains?
Perspiration contains salts that can weaken silk, and leaving perspiration or deodorant in the fabric can cause lasting stains. Wash silk promptly after wearing.
When should I take silk pajamas to a cleaner?
Go to a professional cleaner if the stain covers a large area, if color transfers during a hidden-seam test, if gentle treatment has not worked, or if the stain is old or unidentified. Tell the cleaner what the stain is and that the fabric is silk.
Sources
- University of Idaho Cooperative Extension, “All About Silk: Caring for Silk”
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, “Stain Removal for Washable Fabrics” (H.E. 2-840)
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, “Quick Stain Removal Guide”
- University of Illinois Extension, “General Suggestions for Washable Fabrics”
