How to Wash Silk — The Complete Care Guide for Mulberry Silk
Silk Care Guide — Silkberry UAE
Silk is one of nature's most luxurious fabrics — but many people are afraid to wash it at home. The good news? With the right technique, it's simple, safe and takes less than 5 minutes.
At Silkberry, we use premium 22 momme, 6A grade mulberry silk — which is more durable than standard silk and can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Here's everything you need to know.
Quick Answer
Yes — you can machine wash 22 momme mulberry silk on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. For silk duvets, spot clean only and air regularly. Always air dry in shade — never tumble dry.
Step 01
Can You Machine Wash Silk?
Yes — but only if it's high quality silk. Cheaper, lower momme silk (under 19mm) can be damaged by machine washing. However Silkberry's 22 momme mulberry silk is strong enough to handle a gentle machine cycle without damage.
The golden rule
Always check the care label first. If in doubt, hand wash — it's always the safest option for any silk product.
Step 02
How to Machine Wash Silk
For Silkberry pillowcases, sleep masks and hair ties — follow these steps exactly:
- 1Turn the item inside out before washing
- 2Place inside a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging
- 3Set machine to gentle or delicate cycle
- 4Use cold water only — never warm or hot
- 5Use a mild silk-specific detergent — never regular detergent or fabric softener
- 6Set spin speed to the lowest setting available
⚠ Never use:
Bleach, biological detergents, or high spin speeds. These damage silk fibres permanently regardless of quality.
Step 03
How to Hand Wash Silk
Hand washing is always the safest option for any silk product. Follow these steps:
- 1Fill a clean basin with cold water
- 2Add a small amount of mild silk detergent — about one teaspoon
- 3Submerge the silk and gently swish for 2–3 minutes
- 4Never scrub, wring or twist the fabric
- 5Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed
- 6Gently press excess water out — never wring
Step 04
How to Dry Silk
This is where most people make mistakes. Follow these rules carefully:
- ✓Always air dry — never tumble dry under any circumstances
- ✓Lay flat or hang in a shaded area indoors or outdoors
- ✗Never expose to direct sunlight — UV rays degrade silk fibres and cause fading
- ✗Never use a radiator or hairdryer
- ✓Allow to dry completely before storing or using
Step 05
How to Iron or Steam Silk
Silk can be ironed or steamed safely if you follow these guidelines:
- ✓Iron on the lowest heat setting while slightly damp
- ✓Place a thin cloth between the iron and silk for extra protection
- ✓A low heat steamer is the easiest and safest method — especially for 22 momme silk
- ✗Never iron silk when completely dry
Step 06
How to Wash a Silk Duvet
Silk duvets require different care to pillowcases and accessories — do not machine wash a silk duvet.
- ✓Air the duvet regularly in indirect sunlight to maintain freshness
- ✓Spot clean small stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent
- ✓For deeper cleaning, use a professional dry cleaner experienced with silk
- ✓Always use a duvet cover to protect your silk duvet between cleans
Quick Reference
How Often Should You Wash Silk?
| Product | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Silk pillowcases | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Silk sleep masks | Every 1–2 weeks |
| Silk hair ties | Every 2–3 weeks |
| Silk duvets | Air regularly, spot clean as needed, professional clean once a year |
Avoid These
Common Silk Washing Mistakes
✗
Regular Detergent
Strips silk's natural proteins and destroys the lustre permanently
✗
Warm or Hot Water
Causes shrinkage and irreversible damage to silk fibres
✗
Tumble Drying
Destroys silk fibres completely — never use a tumble dryer
✗
Wringing or Twisting
Permanently damages the weave structure of the fabric
✗
Direct Sunlight
UV rays cause fading and degrade silk fibres over time
✗
Bleach
Destroys silk permanently — never use bleach of any kind
Ready to Experience Silkberry
Now You Know How Easy Silk Care Really Is
Shop our full collection of 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcases, duvets, sleep masks and hair ties — delivered free across Dubai and the UAE.