How to Wash Satin Clothes: Step-by-Step Guide


To hand wash satin clothes fill a basin with lukewarm water, add detergent for delicates, and soak for 3 minutes. Use your hands to agitate the garment, and then rinse under cold water until the soap is removed. To machine wash satin clothes, first place them into a mesh laundry bag before placing them into the washing machine. Add detergent for delicates and adjust the settings to delicate/gentle and wash with cold water. Air dry satin clothes in a cool place out of contact with direct sunlight. 


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

how to wash satin clothes banner image with a picture of a man wearing a satin shirt

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


Learn how to wash your satin blouse, satin shirt, satin dress, satin scarf, satin pajamas and more!


Contents:


How to Wash Satin Clothes

Satin is a glossy, smooth, and lightweight fabric that needs to be cared for properly in order to maintain is shiny look and silky feel. 


The most popular types of satin used to make clothing are silk satin and polyester satin. The instructions in this article apply to satin made from both silk as well as polyester fibers.  


Related - Silk vs. Polyester: What is the Difference?


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



How to Wash Satin Clothes by Hand

Hand washing is the most delicate way to wash satin garments, and helps to maintain the look, feel, and quality of your garment for a longer period of time. If you have the option to choose between hand washing and machine washing your satin garment, you should always choose to hand wash. 


Follow the steps below to wash satin clothes by hand. 


Things You'll Need:


  • Laundry detergent for delicates 
  • A water basin, container, sink, or tub
  • Lukewarm water
  • An absorbent towel 
  • Satin clothes


1. Fill a Basin With Water

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

photo of a basin being filled with water under a tap

2. Add Laundry Detergent

Add detergent for delicates in to the water. If your garment is silk satin, you may also use silk detergent instead. 

photo of a man pouring laundry detergent into a bucket of water

3. Submerge the Garment

Submerge garment in the water. Let the soak for 4 to 6 minutes

photo of a man submerging a satin garment in water with both hands

4. Agitate the Garment

Use your hands to agitate the garment while in the water. Do this for another 2 to 4 minutes, or until you feel satisfied that your garment has been adequately cleansed. 

photo of a man agitating satin clothes in a basin of soapy water

5. Rinse Under Cold Water

Remove the garment from the water, and rinse under cool water until the water runs clear and all the soap has been removed. 

photo of a man rinsing satin clothing under cold water

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) with the garment in it to remove excess water.

photo of a wet satin garment being rolled in a soft towel

7. Air Dry

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

photo of a satin shirt air drying outside in the shade


How to Machine Wash Satin Clothes

Follow the steps below to wash satin clothes in the washing machine.


Things You'll Need:


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


1. Separate the Laundry

Sort your laundry and wash satin clothing together only with other delicate fabrics. Sort your laundry by texture, color, weight, and fabric, and wash in groups accordingly. Do not over load the washing machine when washing satin. 

photo of two laundry baskets sitting side by side

2. Turn the Garment Inside Out

Turn the satin garment inside out.

photo of a man turning a satin garment inside out

3. Put Inside a Mesh Laundry Bag

Place the garment into a mesh laundry bag.

photo of a man holding a mesh laundry bag with a satin garment inside

4. Place in Washing Machine

Place the laundry bag into the washing machine

photo of a man placing satin clothing in the washing machine

5. Add Laundry Detergent

Add liquid laundry detergent. For polyester satin, use 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 the washing machine

6. Use Delicate and Cold Water Settings

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

photo of a dial on a washing machine being adjusted to the cold water setting

7. Push Start

Push start.

photo of 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 air dry in a cool dark place out of contact with direct sunlight.  

photo of satin clothes air drying in a closet


How to Wash Satin Clothes FAQ

How do you wash satin clothing?

To wash satin, fill a basin with lukewarm water and add detergent for delicates. Submerge the garment in the water and let soak for 5 minutes. Agitate the garment in the water with your hands and rinse in cool water once finished. Roll in a towel to remove excess water and air dry in a cool place.

Does satin shrink when washed?

Can satin go in the dryer?

It is best to air dry satin by hanging or laying flat to dry. Some types of synthetic satins may be placed into the dryer as long as the tumble dry low setting is activated, however generally speaking, satin should not go in the dryer.

What detergent is best for satin?

Use detergent for delicates or gentle detergent for washing synthetic satins, or silk detergent if you are washing silk satin.