What to get a silk duvet but need some advice? They are usually more expensive than cotton or other bedding material, so it’s vital to learn the pros and cons. Like:
- Is a silk duvet warm in the colder months?
- Can you machine wash silk duvets?
- Are silk duvets really better?
And much more!
Silk and silk-filled duvets provide the user with a breathable, thermally superior duvet than a synthetic duvet. Silk duvets are known to be warm during the winter months and cooler in the summer months.
What are the benefits of a silk duvet?
Apart from the feeling of luxury and exclusivity, the silk duvet has many benefits.
Did you know that silk is naturally cleaning? It can shed dust and other residues from skin particles in the bedroom.
If you have allergies, silk could be the perfect option. Here is a list of just some of the benefits silk duvets have:
- It’s soft to the touch, so soft you will feel like you are a princess or prince enjoying your luxurious bedroom.
- It’s good for your skin and hair. Silk reduces friction on your skin, so you are not sloughing off your skin too early; the same goes for your hair.
- Silk duvets are enormously efficient at regulating body temperature. It keeps you hot when it’s not and cools when it’s hot.
- You will never overheat when sleeping under a silk duvet. That’s not to say you will be cold either.
- Silk and silk-filled duvets last for a long time. If you amortise the cost of your silk duvet over its lifespan, you will see it’s an investment worth making.
- If you think silk is hard to maintain, think again. Silk repels dirt and crime naturally, and when it needs washing, it can be done in a domestic washing machine.
- Not many people know that silk is hypoallergenic.
- Silk is a sustainable product that is good for the environment.
Are silk duvets better?
Yes, they prevent your body from overheating. When you sleep under a silk duvet, you are less likely to sweat due to the constant coolness of the material next to your skin.
Being cool while sleeping has many benefits, such as better REM sleep, allowing you to complete a full sleep cycle.
In addition, sleeping cool is better for your skin. Fungal infections are less likely to set in in this hygienic sleeping environment.
Below is an outline of some of the benefits of sleeping under silk compared to other popular duvets.
You can see silk has many outstanding advantages:
| Wool Duvets | Silk Duvets |
| ● Wool duvets are made with sheep or Alpaca wool. This natural, hypoallergenic material is similar to silk but not as comfortable ● They provide great insulation due to the fill performance. The natural air pockets in wool trap heat to keep you warm when it’s cold outside. ● They are soft to the touch but on the weighty side | ● Silk duvets are ideal for both warm and cold weather. They are breathable. ● Silk is thinner and lighter. This means it has a smoother, more soothing touch than wool which is solid. You feel like royalty ● Silk reduces friction and the difficulty of turning during sleep. ● They are easier to clean and maintain. |
| Down Duvets | Silk Duvets |
| ● Down is a natural, breathable fill option for duvets. But it traps body heat, which will keep you warm but can lead to overheating. Duck down can smell of the oils in the feathers ● Down duvets are bulkier. They can be rigid enough to make it more difficult for the sleeper to move. ● They encourage mould and dust mite growth when moist and need frequent washing | ● Silk regulates your temperature by letting some of your body heat pass through the duvet. Keeping you cool in the warmer months and warm in the cooler months ● Silk duvets achieve a close fit to your body. ● They are naturally anti-fungal and prevent dust mites |
Can you machine wash a silk-filled duvet?
Yes, but it’s not advised. Silk as a stand-alone product repels dirt and detritus effectively, so when made into a duvet, the silk is not really in a harsh environment.
You should wipe it down with a soft dry cloth once a week to keep the silk in good shape. If you have stains from dribbling, then you can initially spot clean the area with a minimal mixture of water and mild detergent, spray the area and dab with a clean, dry cloth to remove the stain.
If you want to freshen up your silk duvet, then simply hang it over a line to air in the fresh air. In most cases, this is sufficient given the inherent cleaning properties of silk.
If you need to wash your silk duvet, use a machine with a large drum, wash on a 30℃ and never higher.
Use a delicate program if available if not, select wool. Use a delicate detergent. If you are unsure, you can use a wool detergent.
Dry the silk duvet naturally where there is good airflow.
Before you rush to wash your silk duvet, remember that silk repels dust, dirt, dust mites, moths, mildews and odours.
Can you put the silk duvet in the dryer?
No, never. Just because you have successfully washed your silk duvet, do not be tempted to speed the drying process and decide to tumble dry the silk duvet.
If the silk is exposed to heat, the material could harden, destroying your silk duvet.
To dry your silk duvet hang it outside on a line and let it dry naturally; rotate the duvet frequently, so water does not pool on one side.
Alternatively, you can do the same process indoors.
Do you put a duvet cover on a silk duvet?
Yes. Treat your silk duvet as an investment that needs to be taken care of, so use a quality duvet cover, preferably silk, so you feel the benefits of the silk next to your skin.
Using a cover will also prevent stains on the silk duvet, which will keep your silk duvet in good shape for many years to come.