Washing Silk: How to Clean & Protect the Refined Fabric

Can You Wash Silk? The Care Label Has the Answer

How do you wash silk? The answer depends on the individual garment — some are more durable, while others are extremely delicate.

Whether it’s delicate lace-trimmed lingerie, an elegant silk blouse, or sexy underwear, the first step should always be to check the care label. This tells you if, how, and at what temperature your piece may be washed.

Common washing symbols for silk:

Wash tub symbol: Silk can be machine washed (often max. 30°C / 86°F).

Hand in wash tub: Silk should only be hand washed.

Crossed-out tub: Do not wash at home — professional cleaning recommended.

No label? Don’t worry — here are some universal tips to wash silk as gently as possible.

Washing Silk in the Machine: What to Watch Out For

Yes, you can wash some silk blouses or lingerie in the machine — but only if the care label allows it. Otherwise, hand washing or professional cleaning is the safer option.

To protect the delicate fibers and maintain the luxurious sheen of silk, keep in mind:

• Use a delicate cycle at max. 30°C (some machines have a special silk program).
• No spin cycle, or max. 400–600 rpm.
• Use a silk detergent, baby shampoo, or a pH-neutral fine detergent free of enzymes and brighteners.
• Avoid softener, bleach, fragrance boosters, or harsh chemicals.
• Always separate silk from rough fabrics like denim or corduroy and place silk items in a mesh laundry bag.

If in doubt, it’s always best to hand wash.

Hand Washing: Gentle Cleaning for Long-Lasting Shine

Hand washing is the safest way to clean silk, preserving both quality and the smooth, glossy texture of the fibers. 

How to hand wash silk: 

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water (max. 30°C). 
2. Add a few drops of silk detergent or baby shampoo. 
3. Submerge the garment and gently swirl for 5–10 minutes. 
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap is removed. 

After Washing: Drying, Ironing & Silk Care

Drying silk is just as important as washing it. 

• Never wring or tumble dry. 
• Lay silk flat between two towels to absorb excess water. 
• Air dry flat in the shade. 

Iron silk while it’s still slightly damp, on the reverse side, at a low temperature. Place a cotton cloth between the iron and the silk for extra protection. 

💡 Tip: Wash silk lingerie right after wearing, and store silk pieces flat in a dark, dry place to preserve their beauty. 

Removing Stains From Silk: Handle With Care

Wine, makeup, or oil stains on silk can be tricky. Aggressive stain removers, bleach, or hot water are forbidden, as they damage the protein fibers. 

Instead: 

• Blot stains gently with a damp cloth and a little fine detergent. 
• Always wash the entire garment afterwards to avoid water marks. 

Can Home Remedies Help? 

• Diluted vinegar may help against deodorant stains or dullness. 
• Glycerin works on oily spots without damaging color. 
• Avoid alkaline products like baking soda — they weaken silk fibers. 

For valuable or delicate pieces, it’s best to rely on professional cleaning. 

Conclusion: How to Keep Silk Beautiful for Years

Whether it’s a silk blouse, body, or lingerie — silk is a symbol of sensuality, femininity, and elegance. It deserves gentle care not only when worn but also during washing and storage. 

With the right detergent, a low wash temperature, and careful drying, silk will remain glossy, smooth, and luxurious — a fabric that continues to bring joy for many years.