Silk is made of fibroin, a soluble protein produced by insects. The fabric most often used to create bedding and clothing is woven from fibroin sourced from the cocoons of mulberry worms.

Silk is naturally smooth with a subtle sheen. It's also inherently breathable and moisture-wicking, meaning it won't trap heat and draws sweat away from your skin.

All that said, this textile is a bit more delicate than other natural fabrics like cotton and linen. You'll need to be extra careful when caring for silk, including washing, drying and ironing.

Hand wash

Silk fabrics are different from pure cotton and chemical fiber fabrics, and are very delicate. It is not recommended to machine wash any silk fabrics, hand wash is recommended. When cleaning at home, do not rub hard.

Usually use the method of washing or pressing. If there are serious stains, you can use a soft towel dipped in detergent to wipe gently, and do not scrub. Machine washing or scrubbing will damage the gloss of silk and cause whitening.

Neutral detergent cleaning

When cleaning silk clothes, be sure to use neutral detergent or special silk wool detergent. Avoid using soap and alkaline detergents. Alkaline is the number one killer of silk, which will cause the silk to become hard, brittle, yellow, fade and so on.

Wash in cold water

High water temperature is the second killer of silk fabrics, so when washing, never soak in hot water.

Be sure to use cold water at room temperature and not soak for a long time! Otherwise it will cause the silk to turn yellow or fade!

Clever use of white vinegar

As mentioned earlier, alkalinity is the number one killer of silk, while acidity can protect silk well.

In the final cleaning, you can add a small amount of white vinegar to the water, usually a teaspoon is enough.

Not only can it prevent silk from hardening, but it can also cure dyes. Generally, silk is dyed with acid dyes, so white vinegar can make the color of clothes brighter!

Drying and ironing

Real silk has poor light resistance and absorbs ultraviolet rays for a long time, which will cause yellowing and hardening. Therefore, strong light must be avoided when drying, and the reverse side of the clothes should be placed in a cool and ventilated place.

When it is 80% to 90% dry, take it off and iron it with a medium-low temperature iron, which can keep the luster of the clothes unchanged and durable. Avoid ironing the front side when ironing to avoid water stains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you wash 100% silk?

Yes, you can wash 100% silk products. Some items might be machine-washable, while you should wash others by hand. It's always best to follow the brand's care instructions to avoid damage.

Can I put silk in the dryer?

Generally speaking, no. You shouldn't put silk in the dryer because the heat can damage the material. It's best to air-dry silk, whether you hang it up or lay it flat.

Is silk ruined if it gets wet?

No, silk won't be ruined if it gets wet. However, it's important to properly care for the material by following the brand's recommendations for laundering. If it gets wet accidentally or from washing, you can air-dry silk bedding and clothing.