Washing silk without losing its shine or leaving watermarks starts with the right approach. Preferably choose hand washing, always check the label and use lukewarm water up to 30°C with a mild detergent for silk. Never wring the fabric and don't let it dry in direct sunlight. Whether you're washing a silk blouse, a silk dress or a silk scarf, the basics are always the same: as little friction, heat and soaking time as possible.
How to keep silk looking good without damage
- Only wash silk when it's really necessary; airing is often enough.
- Preferably choose to wash silk by hand.
- Use cold to lukewarm water, up to 30°C.
- Only use a mild detergent for wool or silk.
- Don't wring, don't tumble dry and don't iron at a high temperature.
Washing at lower temperatures is kinder to both the fibres and the environment; read more about energy-efficient washing.
Always check the care instructions for silk
When washing silk clothing, the label is leading. If it says “dry clean only”, washing it at home isn't a good idea. Especially with lined garments, hand-painted silk, dark colours or a structured silk dress, washing carries extra risk. Even if the label says machine washing is allowed, hand washing usually remains the safest choice. Also check whether it's 100% silk or a blend with, for example, viscose or cotton, as that can change the care instructions for silk.
Washing silk by hand
To wash silk by hand, use a clean sink or bowl with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of silk detergent and move the garment gently through the water. Only let it soak briefly; 2 to 5 minutes is usually enough. Soaking for a long time makes the fibre more vulnerable and can dull colours.
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water of no more than 30°C.
- Add a little detergent for silk.
- Place the garment in the water and move it gently back and forth.
- Don't rub the fabric hard and don't twist it.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water.
- Gently press the water out without wringing.
This way you can safely wash a silk blouse, but also a silk scarf or a light silk dress, without unnecessary wear.
Washing silk in the washing machine: only if the label allows it
Anyone looking up how to wash silk in the washing machine is often looking for the quickest option. That's sometimes possible, but only if the label allows it. Turn the garment inside out, close hooks and zips, use a laundry bag, sort your laundry carefully using the tips on sorting laundry and choose a silk, wool or delicates programme at no more than 30°C. Set the spin as low as possible, preferably 600 to 800 rpm, and never wash silk together with rough fabrics such as denim or clothes with metal details. You'll find more machine washing tips in wool in the washing machine.
Use the washing machine mainly for simple, sturdy silk without delicate finishes. If you're torn between hand washing and machine washing, hand washing is almost always the better choice. Just like with washing wool, the same goes for silk: the gentler the treatment, the longer the fabric stays beautiful.
Which detergent is suitable for silk?
The best detergent for silk is mild, ideally pH-neutral and specially made for silk or wool. Regular detergent is often too aggressive, especially if it contains bleaching agents, strong perfumes or other alkaline ingredients. This can make silk lose its shine or feel stiff.
Wondering about washing silk with vinegar? A small splash of white vinegar in the rinse water is sometimes used for colours that bleed slightly, but only sparingly and not as a replacement for detergent. Always test on an inconspicuous spot first. Washing silk with soda isn't recommended, because soda is too strong for this delicate fibre.
After washing: drying, creases and stains
Drying silk
First lay wet silk on a clean towel and roll it up carefully to absorb moisture. Then gently pull the garment back into shape and let it dry flat or on a wide hanger. When drying laundry outside, also avoid direct sunlight, and avoid the dryer and heat sources such as a radiator. That way you prevent yellowing, shrinking and hard creases.
Ironing silk
Ideally iron silk while the fabric is still very slightly damp. Turn the garment inside out and use the lowest silk or delicate setting. If you like, place a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric. Many creases also disappear simply by hanging silk in a steamy bathroom.
Removing stains from silk
Always dab a stain dry carefully and don't rub hard. Then treat the spot with a little water and a drop of mild silk detergent. Test on an inconspicuous part of the fabric first. For general, safe methods on delicate fabrics, see removing stains from clothes. Stubborn grease stains or old stains are better treated professionally. Washing silk in white spirit isn't a good method for the whole garment and, if used incorrectly, can actually cause damage or rings.
Frequently asked questions about washing silk
Can you wash 100% silk?
Yes, 100% silk can usually be washed at home, as long as the label doesn't require dry cleaning. Hand washing is the safest method.
Can I wash silk myself?
Yes, if you work carefully. Use lukewarm water, little friction and a special detergent for silk or wool.
Why shouldn't you wash silk like regular clothes?
Silk is a fine natural fibre that reacts badly to heat, aggressive detergent, lots of movement and hard spinning. This can make the fabric dull, stiff or misshapen.
Which detergent is suitable for silk?
Choose a mild, ideally pH-neutral detergent for silk or wool. Avoid standard detergent, bleach and strong stain removers.
Can you wash silk with vinegar, soda or white spirit?
Vinegar can sometimes be used very sparingly in the rinse water if colours bleed, but only with care. Soda is too aggressive for silk and white spirit isn't suitable as a general method for washing silk.
