Can you wash silk?

Silk is a protein fibre, and that is the whole story. Biological detergents contain protease enzymes designed to digest protein stains — on silk they digest the fabric itself, leaving it thin and dull after a few washes. Alkaline detergents and bleach damage it the same way. Hot water shrinks and dulls the fibre, and wringing breaks the filaments, which is what causes permanent creases. Wash cold by hand with a detergent made for wool or silk, do not wring, and dry flat away from sunlight, which fades and weakens it.

How to do it properly

1. Cold water, pH-neutral or silk-specific detergent, no bio powder and no bleach.
2. Swirl gently for a few minutes; do not rub or twist.
3. Rinse cold. A capful of white vinegar in the rinse restores the sheen.
4. Press the water out inside a towel — never wring.
5. Dry flat, out of direct sun. Iron on the lowest setting while slightly damp, inside out.

What goes wrong

• Biological detergent breaks down the protein fibre permanently.
• Wringing creates creases that will not press out.
• Sunlight yellows and weakens silk as it dries.

Other "can you wash" questions

• Can you wash pillows? It depends — Down and polyester pillows wash fine. Memory foam and latex must never go in the machine.
• Can you wash sneakers in the washing machine? It depends — Canvas and synthetic trainers survive a cold gentle cycle. Leather and suede do not.
• Can you wash memory foam? No — No. Memory foam disintegrates in a washing machine and cannot be dried through.
• Can you wash a weighted blanket? It depends — Usually yes, but check the weight — most domestic machines top out around 7 kg dry.
• Can you wash wool? It depends — Yes, cold and without agitation. Heat plus movement is what felts it, not water alone.
• Can you wash stuffed animals? It depends — Most wash fine in a pillowcase on cold gentle. Anything with electronics or glued parts does not.
• Can you wash a down jacket? Yes — Yes, and you should — but it must be tumble dried with dryer balls or the down stays clumped.