Can Silk Sheets Go in the Washer? Safe Cleaning Methods

I absolutely adore the luxurious feel and delicate beauty of silk sheets. But keeping them looking their best with regular washing can seem intimidating.

As someone who has ruined a fair share of delicates in the laundry, I totally get it!

The good news is you can safely wash your silk sheets at home. You just need to take a few special precautions first.

In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned over the years about washing silk sheets properly.

Should You Machine Wash Silk Sheets?

The short answer is yes, you can wash silk sheets in your washing machine. But there are right and wrong ways to go about it.

• Silk is an extremely delicate fabric that requires gentle care. The fibers can easily snag, tear, shrink, and lose their color if handled roughly.
• Machine washing incorrectly can damage silk sheets or reduce their quality – leading to pilling, holes, fading, and a dull appearance over time.
• With the proper precautions, however, you can safely wash silk sheets at home without ruining them.

I’ll walk you through all my top tips for preparing, washing, and drying silk sheets using your washing machine.

Follow these simple guidelines, and you can keep your silk bedding looking beautiful wash after wash.

3 Key Steps to Prep Silk Sheets for Washing

Before you toss your silk sheets in the wash, there are three key pre-treatment steps:

Check the Care Label

• Always consult the manufacturer’s care label first. While most high-quality silk can be gently machine washed, instructions vary.
• Look for symbols that indicate whether machine washing is recommended or if dry cleaning is preferred. This will influence your approach.

Pre-Treat Any Stains

• Spot clean stains on silk sheets before washing to avoid setting them permanently into the delicate fibers.
• For fresh stains, dab the area gently with a soft cloth, distilled white vinegar, or an extremely mild laundry detergent diluted in cool water.
• For tougher set-in stains, try an oxygen-based bleach alternative specifically designed for delicates.
• Avoid harsh stain removers or products containing chlorine bleach.

Place Silk Sheets in a Mesh Bag

• Washing silk sheets inside a mesh laundry bag provides an extra layer of protection from snags and tears during the wash cycle’s tumbling and spinning.
• Zippered mesh bags designed specifically for delicates work best. Make sure there is ample room for the sheets to move freely.
• If you don’t have a mesh bag, a pillowcase loosely tied at the opening can also work.

Choosing the Right Machine Settings

The key to safely washing silk sheets in the machine is choosing a very gentle cycle paired with a mild detergent and cool water temperature.

Select the Most Delicate Cycle

• Always use the gentlest wash cycle, typically labeled “delicates” or “hand wash.”
• This low-agitation setting will clean silk sheets without being too harsh.
• If your machine lacks this cycle, choose another light or reduced agitation option. Or wash silk sheets by hand instead.

Wash with Cool Water

• Washing silk in hot or even warm water can cause shrinking, dye run, and fiber damage.
• Use the coolest temperature setting – 60°F or less is best.
• In cold water, silk sheets will still get clean with specially formulated detergent.

Use a Silicone-Free Delicates Detergent

• Harsh detergents can dry out and damage delicate silk fibers.
• Look for a high-quality liquid detergent specifically designed for delicates and silks:
  • Heritage Park Laundry Detergent (link to Amazon) or Soak Wash makes great options
  • The Laundress – Silk Wash is another favorite of mine
• Avoid regular laundry detergents, especially powder forms containing bleach or optical brighteners.
• Also skip additives like fabric softener, as they can leave residue on silk over time.

I discovered that using the right detergent for silk sheets keeps them in top condition.

Wash Silk Sheets Separately

• Friction from other laundry can snag silk sheets if washed together.
• Only wash silk bedding with other delicate fabrics of similar colors, like lingerie or lightweight clothing.
• Or you can wash silk sheets solo to be extra safe. Just avoid overloading your machine.

Drying Silk Sheets After Washing

While silk sheets can go in the washer, they should never be put in the dryer! Follow these air drying methods instead to prevent heat damage, shrinkage, and loss of sheen.

Do Not Tumble Dry!

• The heat and friction of electric or gas dryers can destroy silk sheets.
• Tumble drying will make them shrink, pill, and look dull and lifeless.
• Always line dry or flat dry silk bedding instead.

Air Dry Thoroughly

• After washing, roll sheets in a clean towel to soak up excess moisture. Avoid wringing or twisting silk when wet.
• Hang sheets or lay flat on a drying rack away from direct light. Provide ample airflow so both sides can dry.
• This may take several hours or overnight depending on humidity. Silk should be completely dry to the touch.

Iron on Low If Needed

• Silk sheets typically do not require ironing if dried flat. But you can also iron on the most delicate setting if wrinkles persist.
• Place a cotton cloth or sheet over the silk as a buffer before ironing. This prevents shine loss.
• Set the iron to low and avoid pressing down too hard.

Now that you know the basics for machine washing silk sheets at home, let’s look at some alternative cleaning methods.

Other Ways to Wash Silk Sheets

While the washing machine works well for routine cleaning, you have options when your sheets need a deeper refresh.

Hand Wash for a More Thorough Clean

• Delicately hand washing in a sink or tub allows you to give silk sheets extra attention up close. This is my preferred method.
• Use lukewarm water and a tiny amount of mild silk detergent, swishing gently to dissolve.
• Allow sheets to soak for a few minutes before draining the dirty water.
• Rinse twice with cool clean water. Roll sheets in a towel and dry flat.

Trust the Dry Cleaner for Problem Stains

• For tough stains or when you don’t have time for air drying, take silk sheets to a professional dry cleaner.
• Ask upfront if they have experience with delicates like silk. Always check reviews first.
• This will cost $15-25 per sheet set but handle even set-in stains safely.

Below I’ll share the most common washing mistakes to avoid with silk sheets so you can care for them like a pro!

7 Silk Sheet Washing Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to damage delicate silk bedding if you aren’t careful in the laundry room! Steer clear of these all-too-common cleaning pitfalls:

1. Using Hot Water

Hot water can shrink silk sheets and cause dye to bleed. Always wash in the coolest temperature possible – 60°F or less.

2. Harsh Laundry Detergents

Standard powder or liquid detergents contain additives that can fade dyes and dry out silk over time. Stick to specialty silk washes.

3. Overloading the Washer

Washing too many items together, even delicates, allows less room for silk to move freely. This can lead to excess friction and snagging.

4. High Heat Drying

Putting silk sheets in an electric or gas dryer will damage the fibers no matter what temperature setting you use. Always air dry instead.

5. Direct Sunlight

The ultraviolet rays of direct sunlight can fade and weaken silk. Dry sheets in shade or indirect light whenever possible.

6. Aggressive Spin Cycles

High-speed spin cycles generate friction that can tear delicate silk. Use the shortest, gentlest spin with lowest RPMs.

7. Storing While Damp

Putting silk sheets away slightly moist allows mildew and bacteria to develop. Make sure they are completely dry before folding or making the bed.

How Often Should You Wash Silk Sheets?

Most silk bedding experts recommend washing silk sheets every 2 weeks or so with average use. But several factors can adjust this timeframe:

• Climate & Seasons – Wash more often in hot, humid weather when you tend to sweat more at night. Less often during cool, dry months.
• Health & Skin Issues – Those prone to allergies or skin conditions like eczema may need to wash silk weekly or more.
• Makeup & Self-Tanners – Change and wash sheets more frequently if you sleep in makeup or self-tanning products that can rub off on bedding.
• General Use & Wear – Wash as needed if sheets appear visibly dirty or you notice body oil residue on the surface.

No matter what though, you should aim to wash 100% silk sheets at least every 3-4 weeks. 

Even with proper storage, body oils, dead skin cells, and microscopic dust mites inevitably accumulate. More frequent cleaning keeps sheets fresh and well maintained.

Knowing how frequently to wash silk sheets kept them fresh without causing wear.

Storing Silk Sheets Properly Between Washes

To maximize the time between washes, it’s key to store silk sheets correctly after use:

• Allow freshly washed sheets to fully air dry before making the bed or folding away. Any moisture invites mold, mildew, and bacteria over time.
• Carefully fold sheets or roll into loose bundles to prevent creases from setting in. Avoid overly tight folds.
• Place sheets in breathable cotton pillowcases or mesh bags. This protects silk from dust and debris when not in use.
• Store silk bedding in a cool, dry place like a linen closet or dresser drawer away from heat and light sources.

Caring for Silk Sheets: My Top Tips

Washing silk sheets properly lets you enjoy their unparalleled softness and luxury night after night.

By following these guidelines, you can keep silk bedding looking fabulous wash after wash:

• Always check care labels and follow washing recommendations
• Pre-treat stains gently before washing
• Use a mesh bag for extra protection
• Wash in the machine on a delicate cycle with cool water
• Skip the dryer and air dry thoroughly out of direct light
• Store sheets in a clean, dry place between washes

With a little extra care in the laundry room, your silk sheets will maintain their delicate beauty and last for many years! Trust me, it’s worth taking things slow and treating them gently.