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Want to smooth out your silk sheets or garments without causing damage? Silk can absolutely be ironed—if you follow the right steps.
This delicate fabric requires low heat, gentle steam, and protective measures to avoid scorching or creasing.
Whether you're caring for a silk blouse, pillowcase, or dress, here’s exactly how to iron silk safely and effectively at home.
What Makes Silk Special, and Can You Iron Silk Clothing or Fabrics?
Silk is a beautiful, soft fabric, and with that high-quality, luxe feel comes some special care requirements. Silk is one of the most delicate fabrics you can purchase, and it can (and will) shrink or get damaged if it's exposed to too much heat.
Washing silk or drying silk in a dryer incorrectly can lead to shrinkage that could make a silk product misshapen and unusable. But, what can you do about wrinkles, then?
Hanging silk out to dry after washing it in a gentle detergent is an easy way to prevent wrinkles. However, most people turn to steamers to get wrinkles out of silk safely, or you can use an iron to do the same thing.
Ironing Silk: Safety Precautions
"Silk doesn’t need much heat at all to iron out creases and won’t tolerate high heats,” says Georgia McCorkill, a fashion lecturer at RMIT University
Silk's texture or integrity can be damaged by heat. You need to use a press cloth (an additional piece of fabric). It protects the silk shirt, silk dress, silk scarf, silk pillowcase, or silk garments you want to iron.
As a delicate fabric, it's best not to allow the iron to touch the silk directly. Ironing can be done over the press cloth or, in a pinch, on the lowest silk setting on the iron with plenty of moisture to keep the silk slightly damp.
How to Iron Silk Fabric: Step-by-Step
Want to know how to iron silk products? Follow these simple steps.
- Step 1: Place the silk garment on your ironing board inside out.
- Step 2: Turn the iron on to its lowest heat setting.
- Step 3: Place a press cloth over the area you want to iron for a layer of protection.
- Step 4: Spritz the press cloth, silk clothes, or combined materials with water while you iron them. This builds up steam and reduces the likelihood of the hot iron touching dry silk fibers.
- Step 5: Always press the iron down rather than dragging it back and forth to create a wrinkle-free finish.
Common Mistakes When Ironing Silk
Ironing silk requires precision. Many people unknowingly damage delicate fabrics by skipping a few key steps. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:
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Using the wrong temperature setting
Always choose the “Silk” or lowest heat setting. High heat can scorch silk, leaving shiny marks or permanent creases. -
Applying heat for too long
Hold the iron over silk for just 1–2 seconds. Press gently—never linger. Even delicate fabrics like silk need only brief contact to release wrinkles. -
Not using cool water for steam
If your iron has a steam function, use distilled, cool water to prevent water spots and mineral stains on the fabric. -
Skipping the close form step
After ironing, lay the silk flat and let it cool fully before folding or hanging. Warm silk wrinkles easily if moved too soon. -
Treating silk like other fabrics
Don’t iron silk like cotton or linen. It needs a different touch—less pressure, more care, and no spray starch.
By following these tips, you protect the texture and shine of silk while avoiding the most common heat-related mistakes.
Further Reading:
Proper Silk Care Protects Your Investment
At Blissy, we sell 100% mulberry silk products. These are washable and are best air dried, but if you want to iron them, make sure you follow our top tips to keep your silk products looking like new.
