Can You Wash Silk in the Washing Machine? Experts Weigh In

Silk has a reputation for being a bit finicky to clean. While it’s certainly not as easy to wash as cotton or polyester, not all silk needs to be dry-cleaned or carefully hand-washed. Instead, you might be able to simply machine-wash some silk.

We asked a few experts for their silk care expertise, and they gave us their best tips on how wash, dry, and maintain silk—here’s what we found out.

Can You Wash Silk in the Washing Machine?

Yes, you can wash silk in the washing machine. However, silk needs to be machine-washed carefully. You can’t just toss it in alongside a comforter and a few pairs of jeans.

Laundry expert Zachary Pozniak recommends using a hand wash or delicate cycle paired with a non-rinse detergent designed for fibers like cashmere or silk.

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How to Wash Silk in the Washing Machine Safely

You’ll need a mesh bag or pillowcase, gentle detergent, spot treatment, and optionally, a towel, to machine wash silk.

Test the Fabric First

Once you’ve confirmed that your garment isn’t “dry clean only,” Pozniak recommends first testing a small hidden area of your garment with the product you intend to use to ensure it does not damage the fabric.

Wash Silk With Similar Items

Don’t wash silk alongside clothing with lots of clasps, zippers, or strings. These items can snag and damage silk. Likewise, don’t wash silk with clothing that isn’t colorfast—like that brand new red t-shirt, for example.

Instead, wash silk with other delicates, washcloths, and thin towels.

Spot Treat Stains

If your silk has any stubborn stains from oil, dirt, or food, now’s the time to treat them. Use a stain remover that’s safe for delicates, like Grandma’s Secret or Melinora Stain Soap Stick.

Apply it to the stain, then let it sit for up to 15 minutes before continuing.

Use a Mesh Clothing Bag

Next, Briones recommends putting the silk in a net bag rather than simply tossing it into the drum. This will give it extra protection from tears or rips.

Don’t have a mesh bag? A pillowcase will do nicely in a pinch, too.

Get Ready To Wash

Once your washing machine is ready to go, add some delicate or mild detergent—a detergent made specifically for silk or wool is perfect here.

“The reason for this is because silk requires conditioner to help prevent damage caused by abrasion and to ensure the fibers stay soft and hydrated,” Pozniak adds.

Select the delicate cycle, making sure it uses a cool wash temperature and has a short spin cycle.

How to Dry Silk Without Damaging It

Silk should not go in the dryer, as its heat and rough tumbling motion can damage or even destroy silk clothing. Instead, let it air dry on a drying rack away from direct sunlight.

If your silk is still pretty wet coming out of the washing machine, place it inside a towel first. Press the towel on top of the clothing to absorb excess liquid, then hang dry.

For even better drying, Briones suggests steaming the item in your bathroom. Turn your shower on to hot water to create a sauna effect in your bathroom to create a steam room and relax your fabric, then dry normally.