How to Wash Silk Sheets: Step-by-Step Guide

Silk sheets can be washed by hand at home as long as you have a big enough basin to totally submerge the sheets into. If you have a clean bathtub you may also choose to use that. I choose to use a large plastic storage container; a cheap and effective option!

Continue reading below to learn how to wash silk sheets by hand.

Things You'll Need:

• a large container, basin, sink, or tub
• silk detergent or detergent for delicates
• a large, absorbent towel
• silk sheets

Steps:

1. Fill a large container with lukewarm water not exceeding 77°F/25°C.
2. Add silk detergent or detergent for delicates. Follow the instructions on the detergent's label to find the right amount to add. Never use bleach or fabric softener to wash silk. 
3. Completely submerge the sheets in the water and let soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Use your hands to agitate the silk sheets in the water. Continue agitating and washing the sheets until they have been adequately cleaned. 
5. Rinse the sheets under cold water to remove the soap from the fabric. Continue to rinse until the soap has been completely removed and the water runs clear.
6. Lay the sheets overtop of a large, absorbent towel and roll the towel up sushi style. Gently apply pressure to the top of the roll to remove excess water from the silk. 
7. Hang or lay flat to air dry in a cool place out of contact with direct sunlight.

Follow these steps to properly wash silk sheets in the washing machine.

Things You'll Need:

• a washing machine
• silk detergent or detergent for delicates
• a large mesh laundry bag
• silk sheets

Steps:

1. Separate your laundry. Only put your silk sheets in the washing machine together with other silk or delicate fabrics, that are also similar in color.
2. Turn your silk sheets inside out and place them in a large mesh laundry bag. Close the laundry bag and place in the washing machine.
3. Add silk detergent or detergent for delicates. Follow the guidelines as described on the detergent's label as to how much liquid to add. 
4. Adjust the settings on the washing machine to delicate/gentle or silk if it is available. Also adjust to the shortest duration rinse cycle possible. 
5. Set the washing machine to the cold water setting. 
6. Press start and run the wash cycle. 
7. Once complete, remove the sheets from the mesh laundry bag and hang or lay flat to air dry. Dry your silk sheets in a cool place out of contact with direct sunlight.

• DO NOT wash silk sheets with chlorine bleach, as it can damage the silk fibers. Use only silk laundry detergent or detergent for delicates.
• DO NOT dry silk sheets outdoors or in direct sunlight. This can cause damage to the silk fibers and can also cause the color to fade. Store and dry your silk sheets in a cool dry place out of contact with direct sunlight.
• DO NOT tumble dry your silk sheets in a dryer. This will damage your sheets. Stay away from the dryer when washing silk.
• DO NOT overload the machine when machine washing silk sheets. Leave ample space around the agitator so the sheets have the ability to move and wash freely.
• DO NOT wash your silk with heavier clothes such as jeans, jackets, sportswear or clothing that contains zippers or ornaments. Only wash your silk sheets with other silk or delicate fabrics. 

To iron silk sheets you will need an iron, ironing board, spray bottle, and a thin cotton press cloth. 

Turn the sheets inside out and lay them flat on an ironing board so that the dull backside is facing skywards and the shiny front side is face down. Use the spray bottle of add moisture to the silk, and then cover the area you wish to iron with a pressing cloth. 

Turn the iron on to the lowest heat setting possible and hand press the sheets until they are wrinkle free. 

To see the full step-by-step instructions please continue reading How to Iron Silk.

Related: How to Get Wrinkles Out of Silk