How to Clean Silk Sheets

Silk sheets are a great choice for bedding.

Silk sheets are a great choice for bedding because silk fabric is soft, fire-retardant, allows air to pass through easily and draws moisture away from the skin. Silk fabric also resists mold, mildew and dust mites, which is beneficial for people with allergies. Silk sheets can be very expensive depending on the quality and type of silk. Proper cleaning is vital in prolonging the life of your sheets and getting your money's worth.

Things You'll Need

• Woolite or other mild detergent
• Sponge
• Ammonia

Instructions

1. Hand wash your sheets in cold or lukewarm water the first few times they need washing. Use a mild detergent such as Woolite to wash the sheets. Harsh chemicals will damage the silk fibers.

2. Machine wash your sheets in the delicate or hand wash cycle. Avoid spin cycles, which can damage silk fibers by wringing the sheets. Don't wash your silk sheets with any other laundry.

3. Remove stains from your sheets by dipping a sponge in mild detergent and dabbing, not scrubbing, the stain. Rinse with lukewarm water. If mild detergent does not remove the stain, try dabbing diluted ammonia (one part ammonia and one to three parts water) on the stain with a sponge. Start with a weaker solution of ammonia at first. Test your detergent or diluted ammonia on a small, hidden part of your sheets to make sure the color is not affected.

4. Air dry your sheets by hanging them in a well-ventilated area away from high heat and direct sunlight.

5. Dry your sheets by using the delicate or air-dry setting on your dryer, if hanging your sheets is not practical. Use the least amount of heat possible when drying your sheets.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use hot water to wash silk sheets.

• Never use any type of bleach or oxygen cleaners to wash silk sheets.

References

• Silk Sheets Guide: Caring For Your Silk Sheets
• Silk Sheets Guide: Benefits of Silk Bedding