Updated October 31, 2026 · By Momiel
Short answer: the gentlest way to remove wrinkles from silk is a handheld steamer on low, held a few inches from the fabric. If you iron, use the lowest (silk) setting, iron the fabric inside out while it is very slightly damp, and put a thin cotton pressing cloth between the iron and the silk. For light creases, hanging the silk in a steamy bathroom for 15 to 20 minutes is often enough. Always follow the care label first.
Method 1: steam (best for most silk)
- Hang the item or lay it flat on a clean towel.
- Fill the steamer with clean water. Distilled water reduces the chance of mineral spots.
- Hold the steamer head a few inches away and move it steadily. Don't press it onto the silk or let it drip.
- Smooth the fabric gently with your hand and let it dry before use.
Method 2: iron on the silk setting
- Set the iron to its lowest or "silk" setting and turn off steam bursts.
- Turn the silk inside out.
- Iron while the silk is just slightly damp, or lay a slightly damp cotton cloth over it.
- Move the iron constantly; don't let it rest in one spot.
- For a zippered pillowcase, close the zipper and iron around it, not over it.
Method 3: hang it in a steamy bathroom
Hang the silk on a padded hanger away from the shower spray while you run hot water. The steam relaxes light creases. Let it dry fully afterwards.
What should you avoid?
- High heat: it can scorch or yellow silk and leave a shiny mark.
- Spraying water directly onto dry silk: some silks show water spots.
- Ironing over seams, zippers or embroidery directly.
- Tumble drying, which causes deep creases and can damage the fibre.
How do you stop silk wrinkling in the first place?
Dry it flat or on a padded hanger in the shade after washing instead of leaving it crumpled, and smooth it with your hands while it is still damp. Store folded loosely, not tightly packed. See how to wash a silk pillowcase for washing and drying steps.
Care for Momiel silk
Our 22 momme silk pillowcase ($55 to $59) can be hand washed or machine washed cold in a mesh bag; iron on the lowest silk setting while slightly damp, inside out. Our silk sleep mask ($34.99) is hand wash only and should dry flat; steam it lightly rather than ironing its padding.
FAQ
Can you put silk in the dryer to remove wrinkles?
No. Heat and tumbling are hard on silk. Steam or a cool iron is safer.
Why does my silk look shiny after ironing?
The iron was too hot or pressed directly on the face of the fabric. Use the silk setting, iron inside out and use a pressing cloth.
Does heavier silk wrinkle less?
Heavier silk, such as 22 momme, has more fibre per square metre and usually drapes with softer creases than very light silk, but every silk can crease. See what is momme.