There are many types of duvet cover materials, and silk duvet covers are among the more popular types of duvet cover. Though many people refer to duvet covers as 'duvets', the term 'duvet' is actually the down filled comforter that a duvet cover fits over. Since down filled duvets should not be washed in water, but dry cleaned, they are usually covered with some type of material to protect them. The duvet cover is then removed for washing.
Silk duvet covers certainly add a touch of elegance to a bedroom ensemble. There's nothing quite like the sheer luxury of real silk brushing up against one's skin, or seeing the light reflect off the fine threads.
Duvets have become much more popular worldwide in the last century, but they have been used in Europe for centuries. Traditionally, duvets replace the top sheet and comforter found in most North American bed sheet ensembles.
Many North Americans still stick to the use of a fitted sheet as well as a top sheet when incorporating a silk duvet or any other type for that matter. But this really isn't entirely necessary.
One of the best things about down comforters is that they make the most perfect insulators. This means that they keep us warm in cold weather, but do not overheat us during warmer months. This property of down is related to the way in which the tiny feathers trap air.
Because down is such a great insulator, it makes the addition of a flat sheet quite unnecessary. And since the duvet cover is washable, the addition of a top sheet is just another thing to wash as well as an additional layer that may add too much heat.
Honestly, I would not use a silk duvet cover, as I prefer the breathable nature of pure cotton. Cotton is preferred by many because it allows air to move freely and as such is less likely to cause overheating. That being said, I've found cotton and silk duvets that offer the best of both worlds.
"What's the point of buying a silk duvet cover if I have to dry clean the cover?", you may ask. This is another reason that I prefer to stick to cotton duvet covers, yet silk does not have to be dry cleaned. If your silk duvet cover or duvet set is a lighter shade of silk, you should have no problems washing it with water and a mild detergent.
Before water washing silk, perform a color fastness test by dipping a portion of the silk into tepid water. Take a piece of white cotton fabric and firmly press it on top of the wetted silk. If there is only the slightest trace of color transfer, or none at all, then it is safe to wash the silk duvet with water.
If you decide to wash your silk duvet set with water, be sure to use cool or tepid water only. Water that is too hot will most likely cause the silk to blotch as it dries. The temperature of the water should not exceed 40° C.
Once the silk duvet is finished washing, try to remove it from the washer as soon as possible. Roll the piece in a towel to remove excess water. Hang the silk duvet in an airy place out of direct heat or sunlight to finish drying. Don't try to spot treat silk, as this will cause blotching, but wash the entire piece instead.
Charlena has over 10 years of experience in the silk apparel department for a large retailer of clothing. She enjoys helping customers with their gift selections and giving them insights on the latest trends and styles. Charlena shares views and comments on http://www.silkfacts.com which includes silk draperies as well as a buying guide.
Source: www.articlecity.com