Can You Machine Wash Silk?

The Short Answer

Sometimes — but with significant caution. Machine washing silk is possible for some items, but it carries real risks and is not recommended for most silk garments. Hand washing is always the safer choice. That said, if you do machine wash silk, using the right settings dramatically reduces the risk of damage.

When Can You Machine Wash Silk?

Machine washing may be acceptable for silk items with a care label that explicitly says "machine washable," casual silk-blend tops, or items you've successfully machine washed before without damage.

When Should You NOT Machine Wash Silk?

Avoid machine washing for "dry clean only" labeled items, structured silk garments, embellished silk, heavily dyed silk, antique or heirloom silk, and silk charmeuse or very lightweight silk.

How to Machine Wash Silk Safely

Step 1: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag

Always place silk items in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the machine. This protects the fabric from snagging on the drum, zippers, or other items, and reduces mechanical agitation. A set with multiple sizes lets you match the bag to the garment.

Step 2: Wash Alone or with Similar Items

Wash silk separately or only with other delicate silk items. Never wash silk with rough fabrics, items with zippers or hooks, or dark items that might bleed.

Step 3: Select the Delicate or Hand Wash Cycle

Use the most gentle cycle available — typically labeled "delicate," "hand wash," or "silk."

Step 4: Use Cold Water and the Right Detergent

Set the water temperature to cold — the coldest setting available. Use a small amount of The Laundress Delicate Wash, which is specifically formulated for silk and lingerie. Its double-concentrated, pH-neutral formula is safe for silk's protein fibers. Use just a few drops — less is better for silk.

Step 5: Skip or Minimize the Spin Cycle

High-speed spinning is very hard on silk. If possible, skip the spin cycle entirely and remove the silk item while still wet. If you must spin, use the lowest speed available.

Step 6: Remove Immediately and Dry Properly

Remove silk from the machine immediately after the cycle ends. Lay flat on a clean towel, roll to remove excess water, then lay flat or hang on a padded hanger to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat.

Machine Washing Silk: Risks to Be Aware Of

• Shrinkage: Even on cold settings, machine agitation can cause some shrinkage
• Loss of luster: Machine washing can dull silk's natural sheen over time
• Snagging: The drum and other items can snag delicate silk weaves
• Color bleeding: Dyes may bleed, especially in the first few washes

The Bottom Line

Hand washing is always the safest option for silk. If you choose to machine wash, use a mesh laundry bag, cold water, the delicate cycle, a silk-specific detergent, and the lowest spin speed. For valuable or delicate silk pieces, the extra few minutes of hand washing is worth the protection it provides.