Nylon stockings are machine washable, but they must be protected from the washer’s agitator. Place them in a mesh bag made for this purpose before washing. In a pinch, you may also place them inside pillow covers as long as the covers aren’t badly soiled and you loosely tie the open end closed. Otherwise, wash nylons separately by hand in mild detergent and rinse.

 

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Nylons will dry well in the air if you add fabric softener to the wash. Keep nylon out of direct sunlight, which can yellow the fabric. If you use a dryer, tumble for a few minutes on a no-heat setting, using a dryer sheet to reduce static buildup. Don’t use fabric softener if you dry stockings in this way. Nylons usually don't need ironing. If it becomes necessary, set the iron on the lowest heat possible – no hotter than warm to the touch. Excess heat will melt the synthetic fabric quickly.

Silk stockings are best washed by hand in warm water with very a mild soap added. Rinse well. To dry, block out silk stockings on top of a terry-cloth bath towel, roll the towel tightly to press excess water out of the silk, and then hang the stockings out to complete drying. Never iron silk stockings.

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Consumer Reports editors, How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything.

Jeff Bredenberg, editor, Clean It Fast, Clean It Right: The Ultimate Guide to Making Everything You Own Sparkle & Shine.