How to properly wash satin bed linen: Care tips from the expert

Satin bedding is distinguished by its glossy appearance. For an ideal washing result, the material used is crucial. Cotton satin can usually be washed at 60 degrees Celsius. For satin bedding made from synthetic fibers, 40 degrees Celsius is the upper limit.

On the following page, we will explain more and provide you with additional information.

Washing cotton satin bed linen

Satin bedding is often made of cotton and is therefore also referred to as cotton satin. Many manufacturers of satin bedding also use the term Mako satin bedding. The fabric is a special type of cotton from Egypt.

Ultimately, finer distinctions are insignificant for care. However, make sure to first check the washing symbols. To properly wash cotton satin bedding, it is best to proceed as follows:

1. Remove the bed linen and turn it inside out to protect the top side during the washing cycle. Ensure all zippers or buttons are fastened.
2. Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle with low or medium spin speed to avoid damaging the delicate structure. Ideally, due to the unique properties of the material, the spin speed should not exceed 1,200 revolutions. The washing time should also not be too long. As an alternative to machine washing, hand washing the textiles is an option.
3. For the care of the fibers, use either a universal detergent or a delicate detergent. This detergent will provide the best care for the satin fibers and help prevent pilling.
4. Set the temperature to a maximum of 60 degrees. However, pay attention to the specifications, as many manufacturers recommend a washing temperature of only 40 degrees. Accordingly, you should select a suitable washing program.

Attention: As a general rule, you should wash bedding from time to time at 60 degrees in washing machines to effectively kill bacteria and germs. It is therefore advisable to ensure when purchasing that you can wash the bedding not only at temperatures of 40 degrees but also at 60 degrees Celsius and that it is colorfast. Simply check the washing instructions of the products for this purpose.

After the wash cycle, you should promptly remove the bedding from the washing machine and hang it on a drying rack before use. Cotton satin is suitable for tumble drying and ideally does not require ironing. You can also put the laundry directly into the dryer while it is still damp after washing.

However, make sure to select a program that gently dries the laundry at low temperatures. 

Washing synthetic satin bed linen

If your satin bedding is made from synthetic fibers such as polyester, polyamide, and nylon, you should generally take the manufacturer's care instructions seriously when washing. This is the only way to keep the fabric and colors in good condition. It also helps maintain the unique shine.

While cotton, thanks to its robust properties, can be washed at 60 degrees Celsius despite the sometimes cautious advice of some manufacturers, synthetic fibers suffer at higher temperatures. Ideally, you should therefore set a washing temperature of only 30 or 40 degrees Celsius.

A wash cycle at too high temperatures can cause the bedding to shrink or warp slightly. The spin speed should be lower. Since synthetic fibers do not absorb water, it is not a problem to spin the bedding at a low speed.

You can hang the bedding on a rack or a clothesline after washing. The drying time is significantly shorter compared to Mako satin.

Under no circumstances should you put satin bedding made from synthetic fibers in the dryer, as the fibers may be damaged. Due to the low absorbency of synthetic fibers, machine drying is unnecessary.

These duvet materials dry in a very short time - especially when the sun is shining.

Tip: To ensure proper hygiene in the box spring bed, you can add a disinfectant from time to time.

Can you wash the bedding with fabric softener?

Fabric softener ensures that laundry is particularly cuddly after the delicate cycle. No hard spots form, which particularly occur when laundry dries in the fresh air. However, satin bed linen is inherently very soft, so the additional effect is minimal.

Therefore, you should not use fabric softener at all, as it coats the fibers like a film. This impairs the breathability of the summer bed linen. Moreover, many people sweat more in the summer, and you lose the cooling properties.

From an environmental perspective, you should also avoid using fabric softener. The substances used are difficult to degrade and enter the environment through wastewater.

Ironing Mako Satin: Necessary or Waste of Time

Satin bedding feels very pleasant on the skin due to its special weave. It is usually not necessary to iron the bedding additionally.

If distinct creases have formed, you can iron bed linen made of Mako satin. For bed linen made of synthetic fibers, this step is not recommended due to the low temperature resistance. Synthetic satin is sensitive to heat.

Essentially, ironing genuine cotton satin bed linen ensures that the fibers are pressed smooth. This results in a shiny appearance and does not damage the fibers. 

This is how the smooth weave is created

Satin is not a specific material, but a defined weave. The atlas weave results in satin having a glossy surface. The term atlas originates from Arabic and means smooth.

The underside of the woven fabric appears matte, making it easy for you to distinguish between the two sides. You can also order sheets and the satin pillowcase cover in addition to the duvet cover.

What is the difference between silk satin?

Many manufacturers describe bedding as silk satin. In fact, it is usually Mako satin, which is ultimately fine cotton. The appearance is reminiscent of silk, hence the comparison is often made. In reality, however, silk satin is not genuine silk.

If you value pure silk, you should look for silk bedding rather than silk satin. However, the care of genuine silk bedding is more demanding. Do you have any issues with an order or questions about these products?

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