Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mix in a few drops of silk detergent. Submerge the pillowcase in the water and let it soak for 3 minutes. Use your hands to gently agitate and wash the pillowcase in the water until all the dirt and stains have been removed. Rinse the pillowcase under cold water and roll it in an absorbent towel to remove excess water. Hang or lay flat on a drying rack to air dry.
This is How to Wash Silk Pillowcases: Step-by-Step Guide.
Our article How to Wash Silk Pillowcases: Step-by-Step Guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to wash silk pillowcases by hand as well as how to wash silk pillowcases in the washing machine.
Contents:
How to Wash Silk Pillowcases
Before washing silk pillowcases it is absolutely critical to first check the care instructions and care label. If the pillowcases are dry clean only, then take them to the dry cleaners and do not attempt to wash at home.
If the care label allows for hand or machine washing, then proceed to carefully follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Use our care guides (below) to properly wash your silk and satin garments, bedding, or fabrics.
How to Wash Silk Pillowcases by Hand
Hand washing is the best and most gentle way to wash silk pillowcases. The hand washing process is easy to complete, and can be done in 10 to 20 minutes, plus the time needed to air dry.
To wash silk pillowcases by hand you'll need:
- a basin, container, sink, or tub
- silk detergent or detergent for delicates
- an absorbent towel
- silk pillowcases
Follow the instructions below to learn how to wash silk pillowcases by hand.
1. Fill a Basin With Lukewarm Water
Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water. The water should be no hotter than 25°C/77°F. At this temperature if your put your hand in the water, it should feel slightly warmer than room temperature, since room temperature is typically 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73.5°F)
2. Add Silk Detergent
3. Soak the Pillowcases
Completely submerge the pillowcases in the water and allow them to soak for 3 minutes.
4. Agitate the Pillowcase
Use your hands to gently agitate the pillowcase up, down, and around in the water to remove any dirt, stains, hair, or sweat.
5. Rinse Under Cold Water
Remove the pillowcase from the basin, and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear and the detergent has been completely washed out.
6. Towel Roll
Lay the pillowcases evenly on a soft, absorbent towel. Gently roll the towel up (sushi roll style) and apply pressure to the top of the roll to remove excess water from the silk fabric. Do not twist, pull, wring, squeeze or rub the pillowcase.
7. Air Dry
To dry your silk pillowcases hang or lay flat to air dry in a cool place out of contact with direct sunlight. Never line dry your silk in the sun and never tumble dry your silk pillowcases in the dryer.
How to Wash Silk Pillowcases in the Washing Machine
Review the instructions below carefully before you attempt to machine wash your silk pillowcases. It is important that you follow the proper guidelines when machine washing silk.
To wash silk pillowcases in the washing machine you'll need:
- a washing machine
- a mesh laundry bag
- silk detergent or detergent for delicates
- silk pillowcases
Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to wash silk pillowcases in the washing machine.
1. Check the Care Instructions
2. Check for Colorfastness
3. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Turn the pillowcases inside out and put them into a mesh laundry bag. Make sure you wash your silk pillowcases together with other silk or delicate items with similar colors.
4. Add Silk Detergent
Add a silk detergent or detergent for delicates. Do not use detergent made for regular/general textiles. Also do not use bleach.
5. Delicate Wash Cycle
Adjust the settings on the washing machine to delicate/gentle wash cycle. Also adjust the settings to the shortest rinse duration possible.
6. Wash in Cold Water
Adjust the washing machine and wash the pillowcases on the cold water setting.
6. Air Dry
Once the spin cycle has been completed, hang or lay flat to air dry on a drying rack. Dry the pillowcases in a cool, dim place, out of contact with direct sunlight.
How to Wash Silk Pillowcases Tips
- DO NOT wash your silk pillowcase with chlorine bleach or any products that contain chlorine bleach, as it can damage the silk fibers.
- DO NOT over load the washing machine when washing silk pillowcases. Allow plenty of free room to move around the agitator.
- DO NOT dry your silk pillowcase in direct sunlight. This can damage the silk fibers as well as cause color fading.
- DO NOT tumble dry your silk pillowcase in the dryer. Doing this will severely damage your pillowcase. Always air dry your silk and stay away from the dryer.
How to Iron Silk Pillowcases
Start by turning the pillowcase inside out and laying it flat on the ironing board. Use a spray bottle filled with water to add moisture to the pillowcase, and cover the area you wish to iron with a cotton pressing cloth.
Turn the iron on to the lowest heat setting possible, and hand press the iron onto the wrinkled areas, with the pressing cloth always between the hot iron and the surface of the silk.
Use our How to Iron Silk article to learn more about ironing your silk pillowcases.
Related: How to Get Wrinkles Out of Silk
How to Wash Silk Pillowcases FAQ
How often should you wash your silk pillowcase?
All pillowcases should be washed quite frequently to avoid buildups of hair, dirt, and sweat. It is recommended to wash your silk pillowcase at least every two weeks, and more preferably, once a week. If you have sensitive skin, a skin condition, or problems with acne, you may want to consider washing your silk pillowcase more than once a week.
How do you clean a silk pillowcase at home?
The best way to clean a silk pillowcaseat home is by hand washing it. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add silk detergent. Soak the pillowcase for 3 minutes and then use your hands to agitate. Rinse the soap out and air dry the pillowcase in a cool place.
What happens if you put silk in the washing machine?
Use the delicate/gentle and cold water settings to wash silk in the washing machine. Also turn the silk inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag before you begin the wash cycle.
Can you wash 100% silk?
Yes, 100% silk can be washed. Before washing your silk item, check the care instructions to see if it is required to be dry cleaned or hand washed. Hand washing silk is easy to do and can be done in approximately 15 minutes.