How to Wash Silk Lingerie at Home Without Ruining It

Silk has a reputation for being difficult to care for, and some of that reputation is earned. But most silk lingerie is ruined not by washing but by the wrong kind of washing: hot water, harsh detergent, a spin cycle, or a tumble dryer. Avoid those four things and silk is more durable than most people expect.

What you need ¶

A clean basin or sink, cold water, and a detergent designed for delicates. In Japan, Haiter Silk and Wool or the Ecover Delicate wash both work well. Avoid anything with enzymes, bleach, or optical brighteners. These break down the silk protein over time. You do not need a special silk shampoo, though they exist and some are good.

The washing process ¶

Fill the basin with cold water and add a small amount of detergent. Submerge the piece and move it gently through the water for two to three minutes. Do not scrub, wring, or twist. Drain the basin and refill with clean cold water. Rinse until the water runs clear. This usually takes two rinses. The whole process takes about ten minutes.

Drying without distorting the fabric ¶

Do not wring. Lay the piece flat on a clean dry towel and roll the towel up to absorb the excess water. Unroll, remove the piece, and lay it flat on a second dry towel or a drying rack. Reshape it gently while it is still damp. Do not hang silk to dry. The weight of the water will stretch the fabric. Do not put it in a tumble dryer. Do not dry it in direct sunlight, which fades the color.

How often to wash ¶

After every wear in seawater or a pool, rinse immediately in cold water and wash as above. For lingerie worn against the skin, wash after every two or three wears. For a cover-up or robe worn over a swimsuit, wash when it looks or smells like it needs it. Over-washing silk shortens its life. Under-washing allows body oils to build up, which also shortens its life. The right frequency is somewhere in between.

All of our pieces come with a care card that covers these steps. If you have a specific question about a piece you have bought from us, email us and we will answer it directly.