How to Wash Silk? At-Home Silk Washing, Stain Removal, and Care Guide

When washed correctly, silk stays soft and lustrous like new for years. The wrong detergent, high heat, or a harsh spin cycle can damage its fibers in just a few washes. In this guide, we explain step by step how to wash silk, remove stains, soften, dry, and iron it.

Before you start: why does silk need special care?

Silk is a natural protein fiber obtained from the cocoons of silkworms. The enzymes in most standard detergents (especially protease) break down stains, but they also break down the silk's proteins. Optical brighteners and bleach fade its color and dull its luster. That is why three things are important when washing silk: the right detergent, low heat, and gentle handling.

• Check the product's care label.
• Wash dark silk separately on the first wash.
• If you are unsure, perform a color test on an inconspicuous area first: press gently with a damp white cloth; if the cloth picks up color, wash the item separately in cold water.

1. Choose the right detergent

Use an enzyme-free, pH-neutral detergent specially formulated for silk. We recommend Sonett Organic Silk Washing Shampoo:

• It is formulated for silk, wool, and cashmere; it contains no enzymes, synthetic preservatives, dyes, or fragrances.
• Its olive oil soap-based formula cleans without damaging the fibers and preserves the silk's natural softness.
• It is certified vegan, 100% biodegradable, and suitable for sensitive skin.
• One liter provides approximately 17 washes. A 120 ml size is also available for travel or trial.

2. Machine washing silk

1. Turn the item inside out; place small items such as pillowcases, sleep masks, and hair ties in a laundry bag.
2. Select the silk/wool or delicate cycle. Set the temperature to 30°C.
3. Set the spin cycle to the lowest speed or turn it off.
4. Add the silk shampoo to the detergent compartment in the amount specified on the product label. Too much detergent leaves residue and does not clean better.
5. Fill the machine halfway; silk should be able to move freely in the water. Do not wash it with garments that have zippers, snaps, or rough fabrics.

3. Hand washing silk

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water not exceeding 30°C. Add 15–30 ml of silk shampoo to 5 liters of water and stir.
2. Submerge the silk in the water and move it gently for 3–5 minutes. Do not rub or twist it.
3. Rinse with clean water at the same temperature until no suds remain. The washing and rinsing water must be the same temperature; sudden temperature changes can make the fibers stiff.

4. Remove stains correctly

The most important rules for silk stains are to act quickly and not to rub. Rubbing pushes the stain into the fibers and leaves a mark on the silk's surface that ruins its luster. First, blot the stain from the outside in with a clean cloth; do not use hot water, especially for protein stains such as blood and sweat, which become permanent in heat.

If you need a stain remover for silk, we recommend Sonett Organic Stain Remover Spray for Silk Fabrics. It works with plant-based Quillaja extract; it is effective on fruit, chocolate, oil, and permanent marker stains and can be used safely on delicate fabrics such as silk and wool. You can use it in two ways:

• Spot cleaning: Place paper towels under the stain, apply the spray, wait 30 seconds, and gently blot from the top.
• Pre-treatment before washing: Spray the stain, leave it for 10 minutes, and then wash it in the machine or by hand as described above.

As with any new product, test it on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first. Bleach, oxygen bleach, and enzyme stain removers should not be used on silk.

You can find which product is suitable for stains on cotton, linen, and white laundry in our Which Stain, Which Product? guide, according to the type of stain and fabric.

5. Fabric softener: which one and how?

Standard fabric softeners coat the fabric with a thin layer; on silk, this layer dulls the luster and reduces the fabric's breathability. If you use a fabric softener for silk, choose a natural product suitable for silk.

Sonett Organic Fabric Softener for Silk Fabrics helps remove detergent residue by neutralizing the rinsing water instead of coating the fabric. It preserves the silk's natural softness and color and is also suitable for allergy-prone and sensitive skin. For 4.5 kg of laundry in the machine, add approximately 40 ml to the fabric softener compartment; for washing silk, a smaller amount is sufficient because the machine is only half full.

6. Drying

• Do not use a dryer. High heat breaks the silk fibers and causes shrinkage.
• Instead of wringing it, lay the silk on a clean, dry towel and roll it up with the towel to remove excess water.
• Lay it flat or hang it to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Sunlight fades the color of silk.

7. Ironing

Iron the silk while it is slightly damp, on the reverse side, and on the silk setting (low heat). Placing a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the silk prevents shiny marks. If you use a steam iron, steaming the fabric without letting the iron touch it is also sufficient. Do not spray water; it may leave water marks.

Silk care by product

• Silk pillowcase: As it is the product that comes into most contact with skin and hair oils, wash it once a week. For details, you can check the Silk Pillowcase Care Guide.
• Silk duvet cover set: Wash in the silk cycle at 30°C in a half-full machine. Washing the sheet and duvet cover separately yields better results.
• Silk duvet: It can be dry-cleaned organically or washed with silk washing liquid at 30°C on the silk cycle; dry it flat. The zippered silk cover of premium duvets can be removed and washed separately. Airing the duvet in the shade occasionally preserves its freshness.
• Silk hair tie, sleep mask, and bonnet: Hand washing small items is safest. If you wash them in the machine, be sure to place them in a laundry bag.

Storage

After the silk is completely dry, store it in a breathable cotton bag in a closet away from direct light. Plastic bags trap moisture and can cause yellowing.

In short: silk washing checklist

• Enzyme-free detergent specially formulated for silk: Sonett Silk Washing Shampoo
• 30°C, silk/delicate cycle, low spin, laundry bag
• Blot stains without rubbing; if necessary, use Sonett Organic Stain Remover Spray for Silk Fabrics
• Residue-free fabric softener suitable for silk: Sonett Fabric Softener for Silk
• No dryer or direct sunlight; iron on the reverse side at a low temperature

If you have questions about care, you can write to us on WhatsApp.