How to Wash and Care for the Léa Blanche Nightdress

Quick answer

Hand wash your Léa Blanche nightdress in cool water with a pH-neutral silk detergent, rinse gently, and dry it flat away from direct sun. Store it folded in a breathable cotton bag to protect the white silk and black trim.

Step-by-step care for your Léa Blanche nightdress

1. Pretreat stains and check the trim: Dab a tiny drop of silk-safe detergent onto any visible stain and let it sit for 5 minutes. Turn the nightdress inside out and fasten any adjustable straps so they don’t tangle. Common mistake: scrubbing the stain—always blot gently. Test any stain remover on an inside seam first.
2. Hand wash in cool water: Fill a basin with cool water (below 30°C/86°F) and add a capful of pH-neutral silk detergent. Submerge the nightdress and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric for 2–3 minutes. Do not rub, wring, or twist. Common mistake: using hot water, which can shrink silk and set stains. Never pour detergent directly onto the silk; dilute it first.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Empty the basin and refill with cool water. Rinse the nightdress by gently pressing it under the water until no suds remain. Common mistake: skipping the rinse—leftover detergent can yellow white silk over time. If the water still feels slippery, rinse once more.
4. Remove excess water without wringing: Lift the nightdress from the water and gently squeeze it against the side of the basin. Lay it on a clean, dry white towel, roll the towel up, and press to absorb moisture. Common mistake: wringing or twisting, which can break silk fibers and leave creases. Never hang a wet silk nightdress—it will stretch.
5. Dry flat away from heat and sun: Unroll the towel and transfer the nightdress to a dry towel or mesh drying rack. Reshape it gently while damp. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, which can fade the white silk and damage the trim. Common mistake: drying in direct sun, which can cause yellowing. Turn the nightdress once halfway through drying for even results.
6. Iron on low heat if needed: Iron the nightdress inside out while it’s still slightly damp, using the silk setting (low heat) and no steam. Place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric, especially over the black trim. Common mistake: ironing directly on the trim—it can shine or melt. Test the iron on an inside hem first.
7. Store folded in a breathable bag: Once completely dry, fold the nightdress loosely and place it in a cotton or linen storage bag. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture and can cause mildew. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Common mistake: hanging silk for long periods, which can distort the straps. Add a small lavender sachet to deter pests without direct contact.

Product details that affect care

• Léa Blanche nightdress: Classic white strappy silk dress with contrasting black trim. The light silk and dark trim require gentle washing to avoid color transfer and water marks.