Silk is a luxurious fabric that requires special care to maintain its quality and texture. One of the most common questions asked by silk owners is, “Can you wash silk in a washing machine?” As someone who owns many silks, it requires a delicate touch and careful attention to detail.
In this article, we will explore the topic of washing silk in a washing machine and provide step-by-step instructions on how to do it properly. We will also discuss things to remember regarding silk care, how to hand wash silk, and how to remove stains from silk.
By the end of this article, you will better understand how to care for your silk garments and keep them.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- You can wash silk in a washing machine, but it requires a delicate touch and careful attention to detail.
- Always check the care label before washing silk, and use a gentle detergent.
- To prevent damage to your silk garments, it’s best to wash them in a mesh bag and avoid using the spin cycle.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash Silk in a Washing Machine?
Silk is a luxurious and delicate fabric that requires special care and attention to maintain its beauty and quality. One of the most common questions people ask about silk is whether it can be washed in a washing machine. The answer is more than a simple yes or no but depends on several factors.
Factors to Consider
The type and quality of the silk fabric, the color and dye of the silk garment, the manufacturer’s instructions, the care label, and the settings and features of the washing machine are all important factors to consider when deciding whether to wash silk in a washing machine.
General Guidelines
Here are some general guidelines on when it is safe and when it is risky to wash silk in a washing machine:
| Safe to Wash in a Washing Machine | Riskier to Wash in a Washing Machine |
|---|---|
| Fabric is sturdy, durable, and pre-shrunk (e.g., raw silk or dupioni silk) | Fabric is delicate, fragile, or prone to shrinking (e.g., charmeuse silk or chiffon silk) |
| Color is light, solid, or fast (e.g., white, beige, or black) | Color is dark, bright, or bleeding (e.g., red, purple, or blue) |
| Manufacturer’s instructions allow it or do not specify otherwise | Manufacturer’s instructions prohibit it or recommend dry cleaning only |
| Settings are gentle, cold, and short (e.g., delicate cycle, 30°C or lower, 15 minutes or less) | Settings are harsh, hot, and long (e.g., regular cycle, 40°C or higher, 30 minutes or more) |
Caution
It is important to note that washing silk in a washing machine involves some risk and caution. Therefore, testing a small, inconspicuous area of the garment is always recommended before proceeding with the whole wash.
Related: Can You Wash Cashmere In A Washing Machine?
Things to Keep in Mind When It Comes to Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber with unique properties and characteristics that make it different from other fabrics. It is strong but sensitive, absorbent but stainable, and breathable but insulating. To keep your silk items in good condition, you must handle and treat them with care and respect.
Here are some general tips on how to care for silk:
Tip 1: Always check the care label before washing or cleaning your silk garment. Some silk items may be labeled as dry clean only, while others can be hand-washed or machine-washed.
Tip 2: Do not expose silk to direct sunlight or high temperatures for long periods. This can cause the fibers to weaken and the colors to fade.
Tip 3: Do not use bleach, chlorine, or harsh detergents on silk. These chemicals can damage the fibers and cause discoloration.
Tip 4: Do not wring, twisting, or rubbing silk vigorously. This can cause the fabric to stretch or lose its shape.
Tip 5: Do not iron silk on high heat or without a protective cloth. The heat can damage the fibers and leave marks on the fabric.
When it comes to washing silk, there are a few things to keep in mind. Silk is a delicate fabric that requires gentle handling. Here are some tips for washing silk in a washing machine:
Tip 1: Use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach.
Tip 2: Place the silk item in a mesh bag to protect it from snags or getting damaged by the drum.
Tip 3: Use cold water for washing and rinsing. Hot water can shrink or damage silk fibers.
Tip 4: Do not overload the washing machine. Silk items need room to move around in the drum to prevent creasing and wrinkling.
Tip 5: Do not tumble dry silk. Hang or lay the item flat to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Related: Can you wash satin pillowcases?
How to Wash Silk in a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step Instructions
Washing silk in a washing machine may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done safely and effectively if you follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Check your silk garment’s care label and fabric type and ensure it is suitable for machine washing. If not, opt for hand washing or dry cleaning instead.
Step 2: Sort your laundry by color and fabric weight and separate your silk items from other clothes. Do not mix silk with cotton, wool, denim, or synthetic fabrics that can cause friction or bleeding.
Step 3: Turn your silk garments inside out to protect the outer surface from damage and fading.
Step 4: Place your silk items in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to prevent them from getting tangled or snagged in the washing machine.
Step 5: Select the gentlest cycle, the lowest temperature, and the shortest duration on your washing machine. Choose the delicate, hand wash, or silk setting if available.
Step 5: Use a mild detergent specially formulated for silk or delicate fabrics. Avoid detergents that contain enzymes, bleach, or brighteners. You can also add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove any soap residue and restore the pH balance of the silk.
Step 6: Start the wash and monitor the progress. Do not leave your silk items in the washing machine for too long after the cycle is finished, as this can cause wrinkles and odors.
Step 7: Remove your silk items from the washing machine and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist them, as this can damage the fibers and shape of the garment.
Step 8: Lay your silk items on a clean towel and roll them up to absorb any remaining water. Do not hang them to dry, as this can stretch or distort the fabric.
Can You Hand Wash Silk? And How?
Hand-washing silk is safer and gentler than machine-washing silk, especially for delicate or expensive items. Here’s a guide on hand-washing silk:
Step 1: Fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a few drops of delicate detergent or baby shampoo. You can also use a product specifically designed for washing silk, such as Persil Silk & Wool.
Step 2: Submerge your silk garment in the water and gently swirl it for a few minutes. Do not rub, scrub, or soak it too long, as this can weaken the fibers and cause fading.
Step 3: Rinse your silk garment under cool running water until the water runs clear and no soap bubbles remain. You can also add a splash of white vinegar to the final rinse to help remove any traces of detergent and restore the shine of the silk.
Step 4: Press your silk garment against the side of the basin or sink to remove any excess water. Do not wring or twist it, as this can damage the fibers and shape of the garment.
Step 5: Lay your silk garment flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove any remaining water. Do not hang it to dry, as this can cause stretching or misshaping. Instead, lay it flat on a drying rack or towel and let it air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
>> Check out silk wash detergent on Amazon.
How to Remove Stains from Silk
Stains are one of the most common problems that affect silk garments. If left untreated, they can set in and become permanent. Therefore, it’s important to treat stains on silk as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening.
Here are some general tips on removing stains from silk:
- Do not use bleach, chlorine, or stain removers on silk; they can damage the fabric and cause discoloration.
- Do not rub or scrub stains on silk, as they can spread and worsen.
- Do not apply heat or iron stains on silk, as they can make them permanent.
To remove stains from silk garments, spot-treat them with some gentle stain remover or white vinegar. Here are some specific tips on removing different types of stains from silk:
- Blot the stain with a paper towel or a clean cloth to absorb as much oil as possible for oil-based stains, such as grease, makeup, or food. Then sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Brush off the powder and repeat if necessary. Then wash your silk garment as usual.
- For water-based stains, such as wine, coffee, or juice, blot the stain with a paper towel or a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then dab some cold water or club soda over the stain and blot again. Repeat until the stain is gone or faded. Then wash your silk garment as usual.
- For protein-based stains, such as blood, sweat, or milk, soak your silk garment in cold water with salt or hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. Then rinse it well and wash it as usual.
Remember to always check the care label of your silk garment before attempting to remove stains or wash it. If the label says “dry clean only,” take the garment to a professional cleaner. Also, test any stain removal method on a small, inconspicuous area of the garment first to check for colorfastness.
When storing silk garments, fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid hanging silk garments for long periods, as this can cause wrinkles and damage to the fabric.
How to Care for Silk After Washing
Washing silk after washing is crucial to maintaining its quality and appearance. Here are some general tips on how to care for silk after washing:
- Do not tumble dry silk. Tumble-drying silk can cause shrinkage, wrinkles, and damage to the fabric. Instead, air-dry silk by laying it flat on a clean towel or hanging it on a padded hanger away from direct sunlight and heat. This will help preserve the shape and texture of the fabric.
- Iron silk on low heat while it is still slightly damp. Ironing silk while it is slightly damp can help remove wrinkles and creases. Use a low heat setting and iron on the reverse side of the garment to prevent damage to the fibers. A damp cloth between the iron and the fabric is also recommended to prevent scorching. Avoid using steam, as it can cause water spots on the fabric.
- Store silk in a cool, dry, and dark place. It is important to keep silk away from moths and insects when storing it. Use acid-free tissue paper or cotton bags to wrap your silk garments and prevent creases. Avoid using plastic bags as they can trap moisture and cause mildew.
- Avoid using fabric softener or conditioner. Fabric softeners and conditioners can damage the delicate fibers of silk and cause discoloration. Instead, use a mild detergent specifically designed for silk, such as Studio by Tide Delicates Liquid Laundry Detergent.
- Consider professional dry cleaning for dyed silk. If you have dyed silk garments, it is recommended to take them to a professional dry cleaner for cleaning. This will help prevent color fading and bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hand wash silk when it says dry clean only?
Don’t hand wash silk labeled as dry clean only. Please take it to a professional cleaner to avoid damage and voiding the warranty.
How long can you wash silk in a washing machine?
Choose the shortest and gentlest cycle possible when washing silk in a machine. Ideally, use the delicate hand wash or silk setting if available, which usually lasts 15 minutes or less. Avoid using the spin or extra rinse cycle, which can cause wrinkles and damage.
Is a silk wash a delicate wash?
Silk wash is a type of wash designed for delicate fabrics. It uses lower temperature, speed, and duration than regular wash and reduces the risk of shrinkage, fading, or distortion. It uses less water and detergent. However, not all washing machines have a silk wash option, so manual settings adjustment, hand washing, or dry cleaning may be necessary.
Is silk ruined if you wash it?
Silk is a delicate fabric that requires special care for washing. Washing silk improperly or excessively can cause damage, such as shrinkage, fading, distortion, or weakening of the fibers. Always check the care label and fabric type, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain your silk garment’s softness, shine, and drape.
Does silk shrink after washing?
Silk can shrink if exposed to high temperatures or excessive agitation. It’s a natural protein fiber that can contract when heated or stretched when wet. Always use cold or lukewarm water and air dry it flat or on a padded hanger to prevent shrinking. Avoid bleach, chlorine, or harsh detergents, as they can damage fibers and cause shrinkage.
