How to Wash Satin: Step-by-Step Guide


To wash satin fill a container with lukewarm water and add detergent for delicates. Submerge the satin in the water and leave it to soak for 3 to 5 minutes. Use your hands to agitate the satin in order to remove any dirt, stains, and scents. When finished washing rinse the satin under cold water and air dry in a cool place out of contact with direct sunlight. 


This is How to Wash Satin: Step-by-Step Guide.

how to wash satin banner image with a picture of a man washing satin clothes in a bucket of water

This article will give you step-by-step instructions on how to wash satin. 


Satin is most commonly made from either silk or polyester fibers. These instructions can be used to wash silk satin as well as polyester satin


Contents: 

Use these guides to ensure you are using the right methods to care for your satin laundry.


How to Wash Satin

Satin is a delicate fabric typically made from either silk or polyester fibers. Although these two fibers are much different from one another, the same washing methods can be applied to both. 


Before you ever attempt to care for your satin clothing, you first must check the item's care label. If the care label reads "dry clean only," then take your garment to thedry cleaners and do not try to wash at home


If your satin garment's care label allows for hand and machine washing, then continue reading below. 


How to Wash Satin by Hand

Hand washing is the best way to clean satin clothing, bedding, and cloth, because it is not only an effective, but also gentle and easy to do. Hand washing satin takes about 10 to 15 minutes and can be done with a few basic and affordable supplies.


Follow the instructions below to learn how to wash satin by hand.


Things You'll Need:


  • Laundry detergent for delicates 
  • A water basin
  • Lukewarm water
  • An absorbent towel 
  • Satin fabric


1. Fill a Basin With Water

Fill a basin with lukewarm water not exceeding 77°F/25°C.

photo of a basin sitting under a tap and getting filled with water

2. Add Laundry Detergent 

Add detergent for delicates in to the water. Do not use bleach or regular laundry detergent with satin. 

photo of a hand pouring laundry detergent for delicates into a basin filled with water

3. Submerge the Garment

Submerge the satin garment in the water. Let the garment soak for 3 to 5 minutes depending on the thickness of the fabric.

photo of a man submerging a satin garment into a basin of water

4. Agitate the Satin

Use your hands to agitate the satin while in the water. Do this for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until you are satisfied that your garment has been adequately cleansed. 

photo of a man using his hands to agitate a satin garment in water

5. Rinse Under Cold Water

Remove the satin from the water, and rinse the satin under cold water until the soap has been completely removed and the water runs clear.

photo of a man rinsing the soap out of a satin garment under a tap in a sink

6. Roll in a Towel

Roll your satin garment in an absorbent towel. Lay your garment evenly on the towel, and gently roll the towel (sushi roll style) inwards. Apply pressure to the top of the roll to gently remove excess water from the fabric. 

photo of a man rolling a wet satin garment in a soft towel

7. Air Dry

Hang or lay flat to air dry in a cool place out of contract with direct sunlight.

photo of a satin garment line drying outside

How to Machine Wash Satin

Carefully follow the steps below to wash satin in the washing machine.


Things You'll Need:


  • A mesh laundry bag 
  • Laundry detergent for delicates 
  • A washing machine
  • Satin fabric


1. Separate the Laundry

Sort your laundry and wash satin together only with other delicate fabrics. Sort your laundry by texture, color, weight, and fabric type, and group together accordingly. Do not overload your washing machine when washing satin. 

a photo of two laundry baskets side by side

2. Turn the Garment Inside Out

Turn the satin garment inside out.

photo of a man turning a satin shirt inside out

3. Place in Mesh Laundry Bag

Put the garment in a mesh laundry bag.

photo of a man with a satin shirt inside of a mesh laundry bag

4. Place in Washing Machine

Place the mesh laundry bag into the washing machine

photo of a man placing a satin shirt in to the washing machine

5. Add Laundry Detergent

Add liquid laundry detergent for delicates. For polyester satin, use detergent for delicates or gentle laundry detergent. For silk satin, use detergent for delicates or silk detergent. Check the detergent's instruction label to find out how much to add. Do not add more than the recommended amount of detergent. 

photo of a man pouring laundry detergent into a washing machine

6. Delicate and Cold Water Setting

Adjust the settings on the washing machine to the delicate/gentle setting and wash with cold water. Also adjust the to the shortest duration rinse cycle possible.

photo of a hand turning the dial on a washing machine to the cold water setting

7. Push Start

Push start.

photo of a hand pushing the start button on a washing machine

8. Air Dry

Once the wash cycle has been completed, remove your satin clothing from the laundry bag, and hang or lay flat to dry in a cool dark place out of contact with direct sunlight.

photo of a satin shirt air drying in a bedroom


How to Wash Silk FAQ

Can satin go in the washing machine?

Satin can go in the washing machine as long as the item's care label allows for it. If the care label reads that the item may be machine washed, then turn it inside out, place it into a mesh laundry bag, add some detergent for delicates, and wash it on the delicate setting with cold water.

Does satin shrink when washed?

Can you machine dry satin?

Satin should not be dried in the dryer. Hang or lay your satin flat to dry in a cool place out of contact with direct sunlight. The tumble action in the dryer can cause damage to your satin clothing, and the heat can lead to shrinkage as well. 

How do you wash satin garments?

Hand wash satin garments by filling a container with lukewarm water and adding a few drops of detergent for delicates. Submerge the satin leave to soak for 3 to 5 minutes before agitating with your hands. Rinse the soap out with cold water and air dry in a cool place.