How to Wash and Care for Silk Sheets

How to Wash Silk Sheets

Take time to read the care label stitched along the hem of the sheets by the manufacturer. It will include instructions on water temperature, drying, and ironing.

1. Pretreat Stains

   For any difficult-to-remove stains like blood, mascara, or makeup, work a tiny dab of detergent (hydrogen peroxide also works) into the stained area with your fingers. Let the detergent work for at least 15 minutes to begin lifting the stain before washing.

2. Set the Washer Cycles

   Silk sheets should be washed on the gentle cycle with the slowest final spin cycle, if that is set separately. Set the water temperature to cold.

3. Add Detergent

   To keep the silky feel you desire, silk should be cleaned with a mild, gentle detergent. Choose one recommended for silk or wool (wool wash or Castile soap).

   Follow the label directions for dosage but for a full load of silk bedding, about 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup should be enough.

4. Add Distilled White Vinegar

   Skip a commercial fabric softener and add distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar helps remove any soapy residue left in the fibers and leave them silky.

   Tip

   If hand-washing, use about one teaspoon of gentle detergent per sink basin and one-fourth cup of distilled white vinegar to the sink of rinse water.

5. Wash the Sheets

   You'll have the best results if you wash silk sheets alone or with other silk fabrics. This will prevent snags and abrasion from stiffer fabrics. Don't overload the washer, the sheets should be able to "swim" in the water.

6. Dry the Sheets

   Hot temperatures in an automatic dryer are not compatible. Tumble dry silk sheets on the lowest heat setting of your dryer. Remove the sheets while still slightly damp and allow them to finish drying on a drying rack.

   Some manufacturers of the finest silk sheets discourage the use of a mechanical dryer altogether and recommend indoor air-drying only.

7. Iron the Sheets (Optional)

   If you leave the sheets in the dryer too long and feel they are overly wrinkled, use the coolest temperature setting on your iron to press hems and pillowcases. You should always use a pressing cloth or a clean, white cotton cloth between the iron and the silk to prevent scorching. Burned fibers cannot be restored.

   But ironing is not mandatory, as silk sheets generally flatten out smoothly once put onto a bed.

What Are Silk Sheets?

Bedding sheets labeled "100 percent silk" or "100 percent Mulberry silk" are the real thing—fabrics woven entirely from threads spun from the excretions of the silk caterpillar. But be aware that bedding manufacturers often add the word "silky" to sheets made from finely woven polyester or other fibers. And the term "silk satin" is sometimes applied to fabrics that are actually a blend of bamboo and other fibers—with no genuine silk at all.

While these substitutes can be fairly luxurious on their own, they are much less expensive and less prestigious than real silk. A full set of silk sheets can easily cost $300 or considerably more, while comparable "silk satin" sheets made from a bamboo blend might cost $30 to $75.

Treating Stains on Silk Sheets

Most stains on satin will come out fairly easily if you simply pretreat them by rubbing in a little gentle laundry detergent or hydrogen peroxide and letting it work for a few minutes before washing. Deep-set sweat stains can be removed with a solution of white vinegar and water. An enzyme-based detergent can be used to get out blood stains.

Never use commercial stain or spot removers on silk, as it is likely to damage the color and finish of the fabric. Extremely stubborn stains can usually be successfully treated by a dry cleaner.

Silk Sheets Care and Repairs

Silk fabrics can fray or rip at the seams. Unless the damage is along a hem, most repairs to silk are noticeable due to the delicate nature of the fabric. If you choose to repair holes, hand-stitch the rip, and apply an anti-fraying product found at fabric stores. There are also no-sew fabric adhesive products that can repair a rip.

Storing Silk Sheets

Silk sheets should be folded or rolled without sharp creases that can weaken the fibers. Do not store in a plastic bag or box that can trap moisture, and choose a cool, dry closet. Silk fibers can attract moths, so use a small amount of a natural moth repellent, such as lavender or cedar balls, if you have trouble with insect infestations.

How Often to Wash Silk Sheets

Like most bedding, silk sheets are best washed once a week, but should be washed immediately if a visible stain occurs.

Tips for Washing Silk Sheets

• Wash newly purchased sheets before you use them for the first time. This makes for the softest sleeping experience.
• If washing in a machine with an agitator, place your sheets in a large fine-mesh bag for washing. This will protect the fibers from possible tearing from the agitator.
• Don't air-dry silk sheets in direct sunlight. Dark colors can be especially prone to fading in bright sunlight.
• Try to use pH-neutral detergent when washing silk sheets. Most detergents made for wool will work well on silk sheets.
• Silk pillowcases should be turned inside out before washing.
• Do not use enzyme detergent for general washing—only for spot-treating stains. Enzyme detergents can break down the silk proteins over time.