What cycle to use on washing machine for silk?

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Silk garments damaged after being washed on cottons cycle

The problem

Silk blouses were washed on a 30°C cotton cycle at 400 spin and came out with snagged threads and holes. The user wanted to know which machine cycle to use for silk, as the machine only has Delicates and Wool cycles and no Handwash or Silk programme.

Likely cause

The strongest supported explanation is that the correct method depends on the care label on each silk item. The discussion notes that some silk items are hand wash only, some should not be spun, and some require flat drying. No machine fault was evidenced.

What fixed it

Check and follow the wash label on each silk garment before washing. The discussion did not confirm a single universal machine cycle for silk, and did not confirm that hand washing is always required. Exact repair or prevention beyond following the garment care instructions was not confirmed.

Checks to try

• Checked which cycles were available on the washing machine: Delicates and Wool
• Noted previous damaging wash was cottons 30°C with 400 spin
• Advised to check the silk item's wash label