Silk can be an intimidating fabric to care for, which is why we have curated the ultimate guide on how to wash silk. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your mulberry silk feeling and looking its best.
Before we delve into the silk care instructions, please understand that you should not machine wash any silk-filled products. It is recommended to spot clean these items by hand. You can safely machine wash any removable covers following the provided instructions; however, make sure to air out any silk filling and avoid machine washing it. Opt for a pH-neutral detergent and steer clear of bleach-based options to safeguard your silk's delicate fibers. Now that that's covered, let's learn how to wash silk!
Frequency of Wash
In regard to how often you should be washing your mulberry silk, it depends on how often you are using it.
Although silk sheets absorb less oil than other fabrics, overtime any dirt or oil from your skin can damage the silk. In order to keep them in top condition, aim to wash your sheets every week or every other week.
Pillowcases should be washed once per week, because your face tends to produce more oils than other areas of the body. This is especially important if you wear facial creams or serums to bed.
How to Wash Silk
Despite contrary belief, you can machine wash silk bedding! However, there are a few practical tips:
- Wash your silk bedding alone. Do not wash with other types of fabric such as cotton.
- Place silk bedding in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snags, tears, and pilling during the wash. We recommend a large bag for sheets and smaller laundry bags for pillowcases.
- Turn pillowcases inside out before adding them to the laundry bag.
- Use a pH neutral laundry detergent and use slightly less than the recommended amount. Options like Tide Free and Gentle, Seventh Generation, Ecover Zero, or Method are suitable choices. Avoid the use of bleach-based detergents as they can discolour your silk or leave a residue.
- Wash on a delicate cycle using cool or cold water. Avoid the use of hot water as it damages the silk fibers.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat for no longer than 10 minutes. Avoid wringing or twisting the silk. If you decide to tumble dry, after 10 minutes, take the product out of the dryer and lay over a drying rack or sofa to complete drying. This should not take long as silk dries quickly. If you decide to iron, avoid ironing sharp creases into the silk as this damages the fibers’ integrity and can lead to breakage.
How to Wash Silk - The Quick Notes
Best Practices
- Wash silk bedding alone, separate from other fabrics like cotton.
- Use a mesh laundry bag to prevent snags; larger for sheets, smaller for pillowcases.
- Turn pillowcases inside out before washing.
- Opt for pH neutral detergents like Tide Free and Gentle.
- Wash on delicate cycle with cool/cold water to preserve silk fibers.
- Air dry or tumble dry on low heat, for no longer than 10 minutes. If decide to iron, avoid creating sharp creases to prevent fiber damage.
Things to Avoid
- Bleach-based detergents
- Twisting or wringing the fabric.
- Use of hot water.
- Exposure to direct sunlight to dry.
Care like a Pro
Do a vinegar soak every 4-5 washes
If your silk starts to feel sticky or less smooth, this is likely due to a buildup of detergent on the silk. Soak your bedding in a basin with cold water and one tablespoon of white vinegar to break down the excess residue. Then, wash and dry as usual to restore your silk’s natural feel.
Don’t wring when wet
Silk has long, natural fibers. Avoid wringing or twisting your silk (especially when wet), as it weakens the strength of the filaments.
Rotate your bedding sets
While regular washing is necessary to keep your silk clean, excessive laundering can wear down your silk bedding over time. The best way to avoid this is to have at least one extra set of silk bedding on hand to rotate with each washing.
Now you know how to wash silk! By following the care instructions and tips above, your mulberry silk will maintain its durability and look and feel its best.
