How to Wash Silk Sheets 2023

Published by Hala Zaqqout on March 1, 2022 | Last updated on May 13, 2023

Silk is a wonderful, natural material. It is a robust fabric that will last a long time, despite its delicate look. Sheets must be washed with great care and attention if they are to last.

The good news? You can wash silk sheets but you may be wondering now how to wash silk sheets.

Yes! Your silk sheets are washable and it’s easy to do.

Laundering your silk sheets correctly will help keep this delicate fabric soft for years to come.

This Cleaners Advisor Article will show you a detailed guide on how to wash silk sheets, as well as some recommendations and tips for washing silk pillowcase and sheet.

You’ll find everything you need to know about how to wash silk sheets right at home.


How to Wash Silk Sheets?

There are several different ways in which our silk products can be washed, each with its own set of pros and cons. We recommend hand-washing to everyone since it keeps our silk glossy and “in-shape,” but choose whichever method best matches your needs.

1. Hand Wash

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Hand-washing silk products of any kind is the best way to clean them without causing damage to the material. Hand-cleaning can extend the life of silk and keep it shiny even after long periods of use.

Materials and Tools Needed

  • Sink or washtub/ Basin
  • Drying Rack
  • Silk Detergent of Your Choice
  • Iron or Steamer

Here’re simple steps to follow when washing pillowcase and sheet by hand:

1. Pre-treat odors and mix soap solution

If your silk pillowcases and sheets have an odor, soak them in lukewarm water with 1/4 cup white vinegar before washing them.

Cool water should be added to a clean washtub or sink. Read the label to determine the right amount of detergent to use.

2. Wash Pillowcases and Sheets

Submerge your pillowcases in water with the insides facing out. If you’re washing many pieces of bedding, be sure they all have the same color.

Gently agitate the water and soap with the silk using your hands. When silk fibers are wet, they become weak and should not be rubbed excessively. Allow no more than 30 minutes for silk to soak.

3. Rinse and Dry

Rinse your item with cool water until all soap has been removed. Push the water out of your items gently. Do not wring them.

Lay your silk pieces flat on a surface or air them out on a drying rack. Hangers with metal clips should be avoided since they can damage the fabric. Hangers that are padded or flocked work best. Silk will wrinkle after being laundered. 

2. Washing Machine

washing silk sheets

If you don’t have the time, patience, or physical ability to hand-wash silk, it can also be machine-washed. Of course, there are more risks to consider, and some actions must be taken to minimize them.

Materials and Tools Needed

  • Mesh Laundry Bag
  • Delicate Detergent
  • Drying Rack
  • Hand or Steam Iron
1. Choose Machine Setting and Temperature

Check your washer for a silk cycle choice. If your machine doesn’t have one, utilize the delicate cycle, which is the machine’s equivalent of handwashing. On quick spin cycles, silk is more prone to tearing and wrinkling, so delicate cycles will work best. 

This is the safest way to wash silk by machine because it uses low or no spin and is the shortest cycle. Make sure the water is cold and the spin is set to a low speed.

2. Place in Laundry Bag and Wash

Do not wash silk with cotton items or towels in the same load as you have to wash your silk separately from your regular load of laundry.

Also, only wash with like colors. To avoid tearing, place smaller items in mesh laundry bags while washing silk pillows.

3. Remove from Washer and Dry

Once the cycle is complete, take your silk pieces from the washer. Allow no more than 30 minutes for silk to soak.

Avoid using hangers with metal clips and air out your silk pieces on a drying rack or lay them flat. Silk may wrinkle after drying; we’ll show you how to remove wrinkles below.

Watch this amazing video that shows how to wash silk sheets properly by both methods explained above.


How to Wash Satin Silk Sheets?

Spot-cleaning silk might result in larger stains that ruin the fabric permanently. If you have a stain on your silk pillowcases or sheets, first use a stain solution made for silk fabric to treat the affected areas.

Blot the stain with cool water and the stain remover with your finger or a brush. If you rub or pull at stains on silk, you risk damaging the delicate fabric. The item should next be washed using one of the methods listed above.


How to Dry and Store Silk?

No matter how you choose to wash silk pillowcases, never put them in the dryer. Also, avoid drying your silk in direct sunlight. Silk will be dulled and shrunk by either option.

Because silk is soft and doesn’t require a traditional iron, handheld steamers work well to unwrinkle it. Use the lowest iron temperature and a pressing cloth between your silk item and the iron if ironing.

To avoid yellowing, dust, and pests, hang your silk items on hangers or in hanging storage bags. These procedures are also applicable to silk clothing.


How to Iron Silk Sheets?

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Ironing is not always required. After washing, all silk products wrinkle, but the threads will begin to relax and straighten after a few nights of use. If you prefer to iron, one option is to iron only your silk pillowcases on the lowest possible setting.

Silk sheets and bedding, on the other hand, can be ironed if you want. Always iron on the coolest setting with silk sheets and silk pillowcases inside out.

Light steam will allow the iron to glide smoothly over the fabric. You can also use a cloth to protect your silk item from the iron.

But always remember:

  • It is not always necessary to iron silk.
  • Consider ironing only silk pillowcases (If needed).
  • Iron on the coolest setting, inside out.

Top Tips for Washing Silk Pillowcase and Sheet

you’ll want to take a few preventative measures to keep your silk sheets and pillowcases looking their best.

Follow these simple steps for successfully cleaning and caring for your fine silk bedding.

– Wash silk sheets separately, without any other items. It is not necessary to use a laundry bag.

–  Keep a cool temperature (30° Celsius/85° Fahrenheit or lower) and use a mild detergent.

– Remember that direct sunlight can cause color to fade, especially on darker sheets. If you can’t wait for a cloudy, mild day, hang them to dry inside.

– Your sheets can be machine dried. Simply use the lowest temperature setting on your dryer or, even better, set it to “air.” Remove the sheets before they have completely dried.

– When you put your silk sheets back on the bed after washing them, any wrinkles will smooth out. Alternatively, fold sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers and store them in your linen closet alongside towels.

– If you prefer a crisper look, use the steam setting on your iron to smooth out wrinkles without making contact with the sheets. If you need to iron your sheets, do so on the dull side with the “silk” setting on your iron.

This video below shows you the instructions and recommendations you should follow to preserve your silk sheets.


How to Wash Silk Sheets FAQ


To Wrap Up

Silk sheet is a delicate fabric that should be handled with caution. It is, however, fairly simple to clean.

This detailed guide of Cleaners Advisor answered your common question “how to wash silk sheets”. But keep in mind the instructions and tips mentioned above to keep your sheets and pillowcases looking beautiful and soft.

If you have any questions about how to wash silk sheets, leave them in the comments box below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible!