The Right Way to Wash Silk Sheets for Luxurious Softness Every Night

There’s nothing quite like slipping into bed and feeling the cool, buttery softness of silk sheets against your skin. They’re the epitome of bedtime luxury—equal parts timeless and indulgent. But with that indulgence comes responsibility: silk is a delicate fabric that requires a little extra care. Treat it well, and it will reward you with years of comfort and a bed that is dressed to impress.

The good news? With the right know-how and a gentle touch, you can keep your bedding looking and feeling its best. Here's how to properly wash silk sheets for long-lasting softness every night.

Why Silk Needs Special Treatment

Silk is a natural protein fiber that requires delicate care. While it can withstand some wear and tear, it can be easily damaged by high heat, harsh chemicals, and abrasion. That’s why you’ll want to skip your usual laundry habits and follow a gentler routine for your silk bedding.

"Silk is an investment. It demands gentle handling to maintain its beauty and durability," shares Anisha Rajopadhye, merchandising manager for bedding products at Quince. "Improper care can significantly shorten the lifespan of silk sheets and silk pillowcases, with common issues like fiber breakage, color fading, and a loss of the fabric's smooth texture."

When properly cared for, your silk sheets should remain breathable, temperature-regulating, and as gorgeous as the day you bought them, making them ideal for beauty sleep in every sense of the phrase.

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How to Wash Silk Sheets

Before doing anything, always read the care label on your sheets. Some luxury silk bedding can only be dry cleaned, while others are safe to wash at home. (If your sheets say dry clean only, it's best to trust the professionals.)

Choose Your Detergent Carefully

According to Rajopadhye, what you use to clean silk sheets is nearly as important as the how. "When it comes to washing silk sheets and pillowcases, the most important product is a pH-neutral, enzyme-free detergent specifically formulated for delicates or silk," says Rajopadhye. "Avoid your regular detergents, which often contain harsh chemicals that can damage the silk fibers."

Silk-care expert Tandy Avery of LUXOME recommends selecting a silk-specific, enzyme-free mild detergent—many are commercially available. "Avoid detergents with dyes, perfumes, stain lifters, and optical brighteners as these can also damage the fabric," says Avery.

When in doubt, "baby shampoo can be used as a gentle alternative," suggests Rajopadhye—as can a small amount of white vinegar, according to Avery. "Silk is delicate; keep it simple," says Avery. (Be sure to only use baby shampoo when hand-washing.)

Hand Wash or Use the Delicate Cycle

Hand washing is the gold standard for silk, says Rajopadhye. Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water, add your silk-safe detergent, and gently swish the sheets around. Allow to soak, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. "Never wring out silk, but gently press out excess water," says Rajopadhye. "Then, lay the sheets flat to air dry."

If hand washing isn't an option, use your washing machine’s delicate or silk cycle. "Washing in a separate, silk-only load on a delicate cycle and a cold water setting will ensure the longevity of the silk," says Tandy. "Turn them inside out, or put them in a mesh laundry bag for extra precaution."

Skip the Spin, and Air Dry

This is not the time for shortcuts. As Rajopadhye urges, never wring or twist silk sheets—it can damage the fibers and cause creasing. Instead, press the excess water out gently with a clean, dry towel.

Silk sheets are not meant for the high heat of your dryer. "Never tumble dry since it can cause shrinkage or dull the fabric's natural sheen," says Rajopadhye.

"It's best to let the sheets air dry in an area that isn’t direct sunlight," Avery adds.

Tips for Maintaining Silk Sheets

The joy of freshly washed silk sheets is worth the little bit of maintenance it takes to get there. Be sure to heed these expert care tips to ensure the longevity of your luxurious bedding.

• Avoid Hot Water: Use only the cold water setting when machine-washing silk sheets. "Hot water damages fibers and can cause them to fade, shrink, and lose silk’s sheen or softness," says Avery.
• Wash Separately: "Always wash silk bed sheets separately from any other items," says Avery. This will keep the delicate silk fibers from snagging on other items.
• Never Bleach: "Bleaching harms and yellows the delicate fibers," Avery warns.  
• Pass on the Fabric Softeners: Proper washing will keep your silk sheets buttery soft—fabric softeners can have the opposite effect. "They contain chemicals that leave a residue on the bedding," Avery explains, "which makes the fabric less functional."