Silk pillowcases are especially popular for their luxurious feel and benefits, including improved skin health and reduced hair frizz. However, to maintain their silky texture and sense of style, it's important to wash silk pillowcases properly. Slipintosoft has put together a full silk pillowcase washing guide for you! We're going to get into the best tips for washing silk pillowcases, making sure that they remain in the best condition for years to come. Key Takeaways Always use a gentle detergent specifically designed for silk when washing silk pillowcases, otherwise you risk damaging the material. Washing by hand is the best method, but you can also machine wash silk pillowcases on a delicate cycle. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric to prevent damage. Rather gently squeeze out excess water. Leave your pillowcase to air-dry silk away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and maintain color. Regular washing every week helps remove stains from silk and keeps your bedding fresh. Preparing to Wash a Silk Pillowcase Before you wash your silk pillowcase, it's important to prepare properly. Start by checking the care label for specific instructions regarding washing. Most high-quality silk products, like those made from mulberry silk, will note that you should be using cool water and a mild detergent. Next, gather your supplies! You'll need a clean sink or basin, gentle laundry detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics, and possibly a mesh wash bag if you plan to use the washing machine. Finally, make sure that any visible stains are treated before washing. You can apply a few drops of detergent directly onto the stain and gently work it in with your fingertips. This pre-treatment helps lift stains effectively while preserving the natural properties of the silk fabric. By preparing to care for silk pillowcases properly, you'll set yourself up for successful cleaning of your silk bedding. How to Hand-Wash Silk Pillowcases and Sheets Hand-washing is generally the best way to wash silk pillowcases, because it allows for more control over the cleaning process, even in the highest quality silk. Here's how to hand-wash the pillowcase with ease: Start by filling a clean sink or basin with cool water and adding a few drops of mild detergent to the water. Even better, use a special detergent made for silk or silk-friendly detergent when washing! You should wash your silk pillowcase in water that is as cool as possible. Turn the pillowcase inside out to protect its surface, then submerge it in the water. Gently move the water with your hands to create suds without scrubbing or rubbing the fabric. Do this carefully and often to wash and clean silk properly. Let the pillowcase soak for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow the detergent to penetrate the silk fibers properly. After soaking, carefully rinse the pillowcase under cool running water until all soap residue is removed. Remember not to twist or wring the fabric, even if there are wrinkles. Instead, gently press it against the side of the sink to remove excess water. This method ensures that your silk items remain soft and silky after washing. How to Machine Wash Silk Pillowcases If you're short on time, you can also machine wash silk pillowcases, but you need to be extremely careful. We always recommend hand-washing if possible. Here's our guide to washing and cleaning silk pillowcases in the machine: Start by turning the pillowcase inside out and placing it in a mesh wash bag to protect it during the wash cycle. Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle using cool water and add a small amount of gentle laundry detergent specifically designed for silk or delicate fabrics. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners during silk care, as they can damage silk fibers. If you're worried about detergent residue, think about adding half a cup of distilled white vinegar during the rinse cycle. Even a tablespoon of white vinegar can help break down any remaining soap without harming the fabric. After washing, quickly remove the pillowcase from the machine to minimize wrinkles and hang it up to air-dry away from direct sunlight. How to Dry Silk Pillowcases Now you're ready to dry your nighttime silk accessories! Drying silk pillowcases means you have to pay very careful attention to avoid damaging this delicate fabric. Never use a tumble dry machine, as high heat can ruin silk fibers, even on low settings. Instead, after washing your linen, gently blot the excess moisture with a clean dry towel — do not twist or wring the fabric when you dry your pillowcase, as this can lead to permanent damage. Lay your silk pillowcase flat to dry on a clean dry towel. You can also place the silk pillowcase on a washing line away from direct sunlight. Air drying is important, as it prevents fading and maintains the luxurious feel of your silk bedding. If wrinkles come up after you dry the pillowcase, you can gently steam them out or iron on the lowest heat setting while placing a press cloth between the warm iron and your pillowcase. For storing silk pillowcases you use regularly, place them in a cool, dry place after your silk wash. Slipintosoft: Elegant Silk Pillowcases Looking after your silk pillowcases properly is important for maintaining their beauty and functionality. Silk pillowcases will help you if you have acne or other skin conditions, along with the many other benefits of sleeping on silk. By following these guidelines for washing and drying, you can make sure that your silk items remain in the best possible condition for many years. If you're looking to expand your silk pillowcase collection, check out Slipintosoft's wide variety of elegant silk pillowcases! How to Wash Silk Pillowcase FAQs How often should I wash my silk pillowcase? You should hand-wash your silk pillowcase every one to two weeks, depending on your personal hygiene and skin care routines. Frequent washing helps maintain its softness and prevents the buildup of oils and dirt. How to wash Kitsch silk pillowcases? If you're wondering how to wash Kitsch pillowcases, it's similar to washing regular silk and delicate pillowcases! Hand-wash your Kitsch silky-smooth pillowcase in cold water using a gentle detergent designed for silk. If machine washing, use a delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric. How to get stains out of a silk pillowcase? To remove stains from silk pillowcases, gently blot the area with a clean cloth and a solution of cold water and mild detergent. For tougher stains, consider using a silk-safe stain remover, but always test in an unnoticeable area first. Back to Top: How to Wash Silk Pillowcases
