If you have satin sheets, they need special cleaning to avoid damage. Satin sheets are constructed from various fibers, such as nylon or a polyester blend, or they can be made from natural material such as silk.
The shine comes from a layer of very fine strands sewn across the fabric. Regardless of the material, they get dirty occasionally. Clean your stained satin sheets by following these tips.
Prepare to Clean Satin Sheets
To clean satin sheet stains, gather:
- white rags
- white towels or paper towels
- white vinegar
- delicate enzyme laundry detergent
- mild dish soap
Check the care label for instructions based on the material. Synthetic material can be washed in a machine. If you don't know the type of material, wash the sheets in cool water in the machine, or follow the label.
Pre-Treat Stains
Pre-soak stained sheets before you wash them in the machine. Spread the sheets on absorbent paper towels or bath towels. To remove glucose or tannin stains ( wine, coffee, jam), combine one cup of lukewarm water or cool water with a teaspoon of mild liquid soap, then add two or three drops of vinegar in the solution.
Mix the solution, and test it on a small area. If the sheets fade, pour out the solution, and remake it with vinegar. Dip a rag in the mixture, and blot, but don't rub the stains. Repeat the blotting until the stains disappear, and rinse with a clean, damp rag.
To remove protein stains (blood, vomit, body fluids), combine the enzyme detergent with a cup of warm or cool water. Lay the sheets across the towels or paper towels, blot, then follow direction to rinse.
Launder the Sheets
To wash silk satin sheets or synthetic sheets, fill the machine with cool water, then pour in the gentle laundry detergent. Push the sheets down into the water until it covers them.
Wash on the delicate or cycle, then remove them from the machine. Place them in the dryer, and dry them on air-fluff. Avoid leaving them in the dryer too long to prevent wrinkles.
If you prefer, gently wring the sheets, and hang them on a clothesline or over a clothes horse to dry naturally, but not directly in the sun to dry.
Alternately, lay the sheets over a shower curtain rod. Regardless of the drying method, check the sheets occasionally for twisting.
To hand wash the sheets, fill a tub with cold water, add detergent, and gently squeeze the soapy water from the fabric. Rinse with clean, cold water, and gently press water from the fabric. To remove extra water, roll sheets separately in towels, then hang to dry.