How to Wash Silk at Home

Laundry symbols for silk: symbols you’ll see on silk labels

Silk care labels often show hand wash, do not tumble dry, dry flat, do not wring, and sometimes dry clean (e.g. circle P). These laundry symbols for silk help you avoid damage and preserve the fabric.

When to hand wash vs dry clean

The care label is your guide. Silk can be hand washed at home if the label shows a hand wash symbol. If it shows a dry clean symbol without a wash symbol, dry cleaning is recommended.

When in doubt: Test a hidden area first. Wet a cotton bud and dab an inconspicuous seam. If colour transfers or the fabric puckers, dry clean instead.

Best detergent for silk

Silk is a protein fibre (like hair) and is sensitive to pH. Regular laundry detergent is too alkaline and will damage the fibres, causing dullness, roughness, and weakening.

• Use a silk-specific or delicates wash: Look for pH-neutral or slightly acidic formulas labelled for silk or delicates.
• Baby shampoo works in a pinch: It's mild and pH-balanced. Use a small amount.
• Never use: Bleach, enzyme-based detergents, fabric softener, or stain removers on silk. These can permanently damage the fibres.
• Less is more: Use about a teaspoon per basin of water. Too much detergent is hard to rinse and leaves residue.

Water temperature

Cool water only: Silk is sensitive to heat. Use cold or lukewarm water—never above 30°C (86°F). Hot water can cause silk to shrink, lose its sheen, and become rough.

• Fill a clean basin: Use cool water and add detergent before adding the garment.
• Avoid temperature shocks: Rinse in water at the same temperature as the wash. Sudden changes can damage silk.
• Wash quickly: Don't soak silk for long periods—2 to 5 minutes is enough. Prolonged soaking can weaken fibres and cause colour bleeding.

Drying method

Never tumble dry silk. The heat and tumbling action will damage the fibres and destroy the sheen. If the label shows a do not tumble dry symbol, air drying is essential.

• Remove water gently: Lay the garment on a clean, dry towel and roll up to absorb water. Never wring or twist—this distorts the fabric. When the label shows a do not wring symbol, follow it carefully.
• Dry flat or hang: Lightweight silk (scarves, blouses) can be hung on a padded hanger. Heavier pieces should be dried flat to prevent stretching.
• Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays can fade and weaken silk. Dry in shade or indoors.
• Iron while slightly damp: If needed, iron on the silk or low setting while the fabric is still slightly damp, using a pressing cloth between the iron and silk.

Symbol warnings for silk

Silk care labels often include warnings. Pay attention to these symbols—ignoring them can ruin the garment:

Additional warnings: Avoid bleach (look for "do not bleach" triangle with X), and check iron settings—silk usually requires low heat. If you see only a dry clean symbol with no wash symbol, don't risk washing at home.