Washing silk in the washing machine

Yes, silk can sometimes go in the washing machine, but only if the care label allows it. The safest approach is a delicates, wool or silk programme at no more than 30°C, with a laundry bag and a mild detergent for delicate fabrics. Also choose a low spin or skip spinning altogether. That way you reduce the risk of shrinking, loss of shine and damaged fibres. If you're unsure about the garment, hand washing remains the safest choice. For general guidelines, read our article on washing silk.

• Always check the care label first.
• Wash silk at no more than 30°C.
• Use a laundry bag and a mild silk detergent.
• Choose a low spin, preferably no more than 600 to 800 rpm.
• Let silk air-dry, not on a hot dryer setting.

When can silk go in the washing machine?

Not every silk garment is suitable for the washing machine. So look at the label first. If it says hand wash or a delicates programme, you can usually machine wash silk carefully. If it only says dry clean or do not wash, don't take any risks. Also pay attention to details such as lace, lining, sequins, chunky buttons or zips. Parts like these increase the risk of wear in the drum. A simple silk blouse or scarf without delicate finishes is often more suitable than a lined dress or a decorated blouse.

How to wash silk safely in the washing machine

The right settings make all the difference. Don't just use a normal cotton programme, but choose the gentlest wash possible, just as with washing wool in the washing machine.

Setting	Advice	Why
Programme	Delicates, wool or silk programme	Less friction and calmer drum movements
Temperature	Maximum 30°C	Limits shrinking and fibre damage
Detergent	Silk detergent or mild delicates detergent	Avoids aggressive ingredients
Protection	Laundry bag and washing inside out	Protects against pulling and chafing
Spin	Low or off, maximum 600 to 800 rpm	Prevents creasing, deformation and stress on the fabric

Preferably wash silk separately or only with other light, soft fabrics; properly sorting your laundry helps limit extra friction. Don't overfill the drum, as that creates extra friction. Also don't use fabric softener. It doesn't make silk look better, but can actually leave residue that makes the fabric feel dull.

Mistakes that quickly damage silk

• Washing too warm
• Using regular detergent with bleach or strong additives
• Washing silk together with denim, towels or clothes with zips
• Spinning hard
• Wringing out the garment after washing

Drying and ironing silk

Drying silk

Take silk out of the machine straight after washing. Gently squeeze out excess water, without wringing. If you like, briefly lay the garment in a clean towel to absorb moisture and then let it air-dry on a hanger or flat on a drying rack. Avoid direct sunlight; when drying laundry outside, that's extra important. Preferably don't put silk in the dryer, unless both the label and your appliance explicitly provide a safe silk programme for it.

Ironing silk

Ideally iron silk while the fabric is still slightly damp. Set the iron to a low temperature and iron inside out to prevent shiny marks. If the garment is already dry, place a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric. Try not to use too much heat or steam in one spot, as silk can be sensitive to it.

Treat stains first, then wash

With stains on silk, the rule is: dab, don't scrub. Rubbing hard can damage wet silk fibres or make them shiny. First dab the stain carefully with a clean cloth. Always test a mild silk detergent on an inconspicuous spot before using it directly on the stain. If it's grease, make-up or a stubborn coloured stain, first read our guide on removing stains from clothes; professional cleaning is sometimes safer than experimenting yourself. Don't just put a stained garment in the washing machine without pre-treating it, as that can actually set the stain.

Frequently asked questions about washing silk

What's the best way to wash silk?

The safest method is usually hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild silk detergent. If the garment may go in the machine, choose a silk or delicates programme at no more than 30°C.

How do I wash 100% silk?

Wash 100% silk extra carefully. Check the label, use a mild detergent, keep the temperature low and avoid wringing, high spin speeds and direct sunlight while drying.

Why shouldn't you wash silk?

Silk is a delicate natural fibre. Too much heat, friction or aggressive detergent can lead to shrinking, loss of shine, deformation or damage to the fabric.

Which detergent should you use for silk?

Choose a special silk detergent or a gentle delicates detergent without bleach, strong perfumes or aggressive additives. Regular detergent for cotton is often too strong for silk.