Silk is a favorite fabric of ours, and always feels so luxurious to wear! But taking care of it can feel daunting. No matter how long you’ve owned your silk item, refreshing yourself on the best practices for how to care for silk is always a good idea!
How to Care for Silk
Whether you’ve just acquired your first silk item or you sleep on silk sheets every night, our guide to how to care for silk will give you all the tips and tricks you need. Always check the care label before washing any silk items. Ready to get washing? Read on!
Step 1: Hand Wash for (at least) the First Wash
When it comes to how to wash silk, you should start by hand washing. You can do this by using our Ultra Concentrated Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent, or by dissolving a Sensitive Skin Laundry Pod in a basin of cold water. Our Sensitive Skin pods are formulated free of harsh enzymes so they are gentle enough to be used on silk and will not harden the fibers. Hang to dry.
Step 2: Machine Wash with a Mesh Bag
After the first wash, you may be able to wash your silk items in the washing machine. Always consult the manufacturer instructions or care label for specific silk care instructions.If the instructions do not say dry clean or hand wash only, you should be able to wash the garment in a washing machine. Place the silk item in a mesh laundry bag to prevent it from getting caught or torn in the machine. This is particularly useful for smaller items. Avoid washing silk with other fabrics, which could cause friction and irritate the fibers.
Step 3: Use a Delicate Setting
Select your delicate setting and wash on cold. Use a mild, enzyme-free detergent, like Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods, which will clean without damaging the delicate fibers. Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or products that contain enzymes or optical brighteners, which can damage and break down the fabric.
Step 4: Hang to Dry
To dry your silk items, you can hang them to dry inside or outside, but make sure you avoid direct sunlight. Air drying your silk items is the best way to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan as long as possible. If you must put silk in the dryer, make sure you select the air setting with no heat and don't use dryer balls or sheets. Silk repels moisture, so your garments will dry very quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about how to care for silk clothing and sheets? We’ve got you covered.
Can you wash 100% silk?
You can absolutely wash 100% silk, as long as you know how to care for silk properly. Be sure to follow the instructions on the care label, avoid heat in washing or drying, and use products designed for delicate fabrics.
How do you maintain the quality of silk?
Taking care of silk properly is the best way to maintain the quality of the fabric for years to come. Always check the care label or manufacturer instructions before washing. When in doubt, hand wash with cold water and a gentle detergent that does not contain enzymes, like Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent. Avoid exposing the fabric to heat or harsh chemicals like bleach.
Is it OK to put silk in the dryer?
We do not recommend putting silk in the dryer, as heat can damage the delicate fibers. If you must put silk in the dryer, be sure to choose an air setting with no heat and to dry the item alone or with other silk items only. Silk repels moisture, so your garments should dry within 15 minutes.
Can you hand wash silk when it says dry clean only?
Many “Dry Clean Only” items can be hand washed carefully at home. Be sure to test the fabric first. Drip a small amount of water (and perhaps the detergent you plan to use) onto a small, unseen portion of your garment, then rub a cotton swab across the area. If the fabric's dye stains the cotton swab, it does indeed need to be dry-cleaned. If it does not, you should be able to hand wash it in cold water with a detergent that does not contain enzymes, like Dropps Sensitive Skin Laundry Detergent.