How to Care for Silk: The Complete Silk Care Guide

Silk is one of the most luxurious natural fabrics, but many people worry about caring for it. Can you wash silk at home? Absolutely -- and it is easier than you think. After years of working with mulberry silk and natural silk, I have learned exactly how to wash silk, dry it, iron it, and store it so it stays beautiful for years. Here are my tried-and-true silk care tips.

How to Wash Silk at Home

The golden rule of silk care: hand wash silk in cold or lukewarm water, never above 30 degrees Celsius. This is the safest silk washing temperature and applies to all silk items -- from silk robes to silk scrunchies.

Step-by-step hand wash silk instructions

1. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (up to 30 degrees Celsius).
2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent. The best detergent for silk is one designed for delicates, silk, or wool. No harsh chemicals! Even a mild hair shampoo works in a pinch.
3. Submerge your silk item and let it soak for 3-5 minutes.
4. Gently swirl and lightly rub any areas that need attention. Never scrub or twist.
5. Rinse thoroughly in cold water until all soap is gone.
6. Press out excess water gently through a clean towel -- never wring silk, as this damages the fibres.

Can you wash silk in a washing machine?

I always recommend hand washing, but if you must use a machine: place your silk item in a mesh laundry bag, select the most delicate or hand wash cycle, use cold water, and choose a silk-safe detergent. Skip the spin cycle entirely. That said, hand washing is always gentler and safer for your silk.

How to wash a silk pillowcase without ruining it

Silk pillowcases follow the same hand wash method above. How often should you wash silk pillowcases? Every 7-10 days is ideal. Use cold water and a gentle detergent, and never bleach. This keeps your pillowcase smooth and hygienic without wearing down the silk fibres.

How to wash silk scrunchies

Our silk scrunchies are easy to care for. Soak them in cold water with a drop of gentle detergent for 2-3 minutes, gently swirl, rinse, and press dry in a towel. They dry quickly and keep their shape beautifully.

Does silk shrink?

Silk can shrink if exposed to hot water or high heat in a dryer. Stick to cold water hand washing and natural air drying to keep your silk items their original size and shape.

How to Dry Silk

Always dry silk naturally. Hang your silk item or lay it flat on a clean, dry surface. Here are the key rules:

• Never put silk in the dryer -- the heat can shrink and damage the fabric.
• Avoid direct sunlight -- UV rays can fade the colour.
• Dry indoors, away from radiators and heaters.
• Silk dries quickly on its own, so you will not have to wait long.

Can You Iron Silk?

Yes, you can iron silk -- but carefully. Here is how:

• Use the lowest temperature setting on your iron (silk/delicate setting).
• Iron on the reverse side while the silk is still slightly damp.
• Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the silk for extra protection.
• Never use steam directly on silk, as water droplets can leave marks.

My personal trick: I often just hang the garment right after washing, and the wrinkles smooth out naturally. Silk has this wonderful self-smoothing quality -- especially our natural silk robes.

How to Store Silk

Proper storage keeps your silk looking new season after season:

• Store in a clean, dry place -- a breathable cotton garment bag is ideal.
• Hang robes and longer garments on padded hangers to keep their shape.
• Avoid plastic bags or containers -- silk needs airflow to stay fresh.
• Fold smaller items like scrunchies and pillowcases neatly in a drawer.
• Add lavender sachets for natural moth protection -- they smell wonderful and keep your silk safe.

What to Avoid with Silk

• Bleach and chlorine -- they break down silk fibres irreversibly.
• Perfume or deodorant sprayed directly on silk -- the alcohol can leave permanent stains.
• Sharp jewellery or rough surfaces -- they can snag the delicate fabric.
• Hot water or machine dryers -- heat is silk's biggest enemy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silk Care

Can you wash silk at home?

Yes! Hand washing silk at home in cold water (up to 30 degrees Celsius) with a gentle detergent is the best way to care for it. No dry cleaning needed for most silk items.

What temperature should you wash silk?

Always use cold or lukewarm water, never above 30 degrees Celsius. Hot water can cause silk to shrink, lose its lustre, and weaken the fibres.

Can you iron silk?

Yes, on the lowest heat setting, on the reverse side, while slightly damp. Place a thin cloth between the iron and silk for extra safety. Or simply hang it after washing -- wrinkles often smooth out on their own.

How often should you wash silk pillowcases?

Every 7-10 days. Use cold water and a gentle detergent. Avoid bleach and skip the dryer -- lay flat or hang to dry.

Does silk shrink in the wash?

Silk can shrink if washed in hot water or dried in a machine dryer. Always use cold water and air dry to maintain size and shape.

What is the best detergent for silk?

Use a detergent specifically formulated for silk or delicates. Wool detergent also works well. In a pinch, a mild, pH-neutral hair shampoo is a safe alternative. Avoid anything with enzymes, bleach, or brighteners.

How to wash 22 momme mulberry silk?

22 momme mulberry silk is a heavier, more durable silk weave. It follows the same care rules: hand wash in cold water with gentle detergent, do not wring, and air dry flat. The heavier weight actually makes it slightly more resilient than lighter silks.

Silk is an investment in yourself. With the right care, it rewards you a hundredfold -- with softness, lustre, and that irreplaceable feeling on your skin. Browse our silk collection to find your next piece, and if you have any questions about silk care, do not hesitate to get in touch.