Silk has long been hailed as the epitome of elegance in the world of delicate fabrics. When it comes to washing silk, many people tend to believe that dry cleaning is the only way to care for it. Well, that’s not the whole truth. There are several methods of washing silk at home which will work to maintain the quality and luxury of your silk products. Before you get started caring for silk at home, it is important to remember that silk is a protein that’s a lot like our hair, meaning it needs to be treated gently and with careful consideration.
Keep reading for silk care instructions that will allow you to enjoy your beautiful silk products for years to come. Whether you’re cleaning silk by hand or in a machine, wanting to air dry, iron, or store your silk goods, we have all the guidance you'll need.
Washing
1. Hand Wash
Hand washing is undoubtedly the safest and most delicate method of washing silk at home. Follow the below instructions for cleaning silk and you’ll be sure to enjoy your products for years.
| DOs | DON'Ts |
| ✔ Wash silk items in cold water (below 30ºC) | ✘ Do NOT rub or scrub, it could weaken the fabric and cause colour fading |
| ✔ Use neutral pH detergent specifically designed for silk or wool | ✘ Do NOT wring or twist, it could distort the shape of the item |
| ✔ Agitate gently to remove dirt | ✘ Do NOT use bleach, it could damage silk’s natural fibres |
| ✔ Rinse thoroughly with cold water |
✘ No need to use fabric softener, it could leave a residue on the silk fabric |
2. Machine Wash
While hand washing is the preferred method of cleaning silk, if your silk products are especially soiled, then machine washing could be the right option. Follow our machine wash silk care instructions closely to achieve your desired result.
| DOs | DON'Ts |
|
✔ Place silk items in a mesh laundry bag (recommended to avoid damage caused by the drum)
|
✘ Do NOT wash silk with other fabrics, it could cause abrasive damage to the silk
|
|
✔ Select a delicate wash cycle
|
✘ Do NOT use bleach, it could damage silk’s natural fibres
|
|
✔ Choose the shortest spin cycle
|
✘ No need to use fabric softener, it could leave a residue on the silk fabric
|
| ✔ Set water temperature no higher than 30ºC | |
| ✔ Use neutral pH detergent specifically designed for silk or wool |
Drying
With so much importance placed on washing silk properly, it can be easy to forget that how you dry your silk is just as important in protecting its quality as washing it correctly.
| DOs | DON'Ts |
| ✔ Roll silk in cotton towels to remove excess water | ✘ Do NOT wring or twist, it could distort the shape of the item |
|
✔ Lay flat or hang to air dry in shade
|
✘ Do NOT dry in direct sunlight, it could cause colour fading
|
|
✘ Do NOT tumble dry, heat could shrink or damage silk fibres
|
Ironing
Ironing or steaming silk is not always necessary. Although silk items wrinkle after washing, your body heat will relax creases after a few days’ use. If you prefer to iron instead, use our silk care instructions below.
| DOs | DON'Ts |
| ✔ Iron inside out (e.g., silk pillowcase) | ✘ Do NOT spray or wet silk when ironing, it could leave water stains on silk |
|
✔ Set iron to low heat or silk setting
|
|
|
✔  Place a protective cloth between the silk and the iron
|
Storing
If you are going to store silk for a long period of time, make sure the storage space is clean. It is also crucial to know that clothes moths love natural fibres, so storing your products with a moth repellent is an essential aspect of caring for silk.
| DOs |
| ✔ Place silk items in a breathable bag |
|
✔ Store silk away from the sun
|
|
✔ Use moth repellent sachets/cedar mothballs
|
For Unmatched Elegance, Trust Adora Silk
If you’re ready to dive into the world of elegant silk products, Adora Silk is the perfect place to start. Our luxurious silk bedding and accessories not only exude elegance and comfort, but provide a host of benefits to your hair and skin. We are confident you will fall in love with our ever expanding silk collections, and invite you to browse our silk products online today. For dreamlike silk products, trust Adora Silk.