Washing and Caring for Silk

Dear users, dear authors,
This thread offers plenty of space for information and tips on washing and caring for silk and silk yarn. Enjoy! Who’d like to share their thoughts?

Silk is extremely delicate and must be handled very gently. If you do wash it, hand-wash it in lukewarm water using a mild baby shampoo; do not wring it out or spin-dry it, as silk breaks very easily. It’s best to hang it up while it’s still soaking wet and let it drip dry. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy your silk for a long time.

Best regards, Inge

Okay, and what about silk yarn or yarn containing silk? How do you wash that? I assume it’s usually washed as a finished handmade item, not in a skein. Do you also have to hand-wash these kinds of items in cold water?

You should also be careful with wool that contains silk, but you shouldn’t wash wool in water that’s too hot anyway—if possible, wash it gently by hand in lukewarm water. This also works for silk yarns, but be sure to use a very mild shampoo. I do the same with wool—it makes it nice and soft and cozy.
No matter what kind of wool it is, you shouldn’t wring it out—just gently squeeze out the water and let it dry flat. So do the same with silk yarns.

Best regards, Inge

What about silk sheets?

Silk sheets and silk bedding in general should be washed at 30° on a gentle cycle—and never at a higher temperature—on their own, meaning don’t put any other fabrics like cotton, etc., in the drum with them. When drying, don’t expose them to direct sunlight, as silk is very sensitive to it, much like human skin. This way, you can enjoy your silk bedding for a long time.

Best regards, Inge

Good to know.
Thanks for the info.