Have you made the switch to silk bedding recently? Other than adding a feeling of luxury to your sleep routine, silk sheets are loved by many for their various health benefits. Silk reduces allergies, keeps you cool and dry all night long, improves your complexion and hair, and soothes sore skin. It's no wonder why this ultra-smooth fabric is so popular for hitting the hay.
But how do you care for your delicate sheets so that they last for many slumbers to come? We have a handy step-by-step guide for how to wash silk sheets the easy yet gentle way.
How often should you wash silk sheets?
When it comes to bedding, rule of thumb is to throw sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and frequently used blankets through the washer machine every two weeks to remove bacteria build-up, dead skin cells, and dust mites. The same rule applies to silk sheets.
How to Hand Wash Silk Sheets
It is recommended to hand-wash silk sheets before your first use. Here is our step-by-step guide to how to clean silk sheets by hand.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with lukewarm water.
- Add a mild, enzyme-free detergent, like Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent. Our Sensitive Skin pods are formulated free of harsh enzymes so they are gentle enough to be used on silk and will not harden or degrade the fibers.
- Place the sheets in the soapy water and gently agitate them for a few minutes.
- Rinse the silk sheets in cold water.
- Gently press out water from the silk sheets, being careful not to tug or twist the fabric.
- Hang the sheets to dry away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can cause damage and color fading.
How to Wash Silk Sheets in Washing Machine
Can you wash silk sheets in the washing machine? While we always recommend that you consult your specific product’s care label, you may be able to wash your silk sheets in the washing machine provided it is done correctly. Luckily, we have the step by step instructions you need.
- Consult the sheet’s care label or manufacturer instructions to be sure they are machine washable.
- Place the silk sheets in a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from getting caught or torn in the machine. This is particularly useful for smaller items such as pillowcases. Avoid washing silk with other fabrics, which could cause friction and irritate the fibers.
- Use a mild, enzyme-free detergent, like Dropps Sensitive Skin & Baby Detergent Pods, which will clean them without damaging the delicate fibers.
- Hang the sheets to dry away from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can cause damage and color fading.
How to Dry Silk Sheets
To dry your silk sheets, you can hang them to dry inside or outside, but make sure you avoid direct sunlight. Air drying your sheets is the best way to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan as long as possible. If you must put your silk sheets in the dryer, make sure you don't add any heat and don't use dryer balls or sheets. Silk repels moisture, so your sheets will dry very quickly on the air setting for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more burning questions about how to wash silk sheets? We’ve got all the answers to make washing silk sheets a breeze.
Can you machine wash 100% silk? Can you machine wash and dry silk sheets?
Always consult the manufacturer instructions or care label when unsure how to clean silk sheets. If the instructions do not say dry clean or hand wash only, you should be able to wash them on a delicate cycle. When in doubt, we recommend hand washing silk sheets to keep them in top condition. We do not recommend putting sheets in the dryer.
Is silk ruined in the washing machine?
If the care label does not feature the dry clean only or hand wash only symbol, you should be able to wash your silk item in the washing machine! Be sure to select a delicate cycle, choose an enzyme-free detergent, and place your item in a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage.