If you haven’t been sleeping on a silk pillowcase then it’s time to wake up (from your synthetic fibres) and make the switch. Not only do they feel luxurious to rest your head on every night and provide breathable comfort from season to season, but a good silk pillowcase will also protect the health of your skin and hair.
And while the fabric of our pillowcase is important, there is another factor to consider: how often they’re being washed. As with all delicate items, if you chuck them in with your regular clothes, you can run the risk of causing damage. It’s for this reason that we can put off washing our pillowcases or even avoid purchasing them altogether.
Fortunately, we’re here to tell you exactly how to wash and care for your silk, ensuring they remain smooth, silky and shiny.
The good news? If you despise handwashing, you can still pop them into the machine. Check the label for the “momme” rating and if the momme is 20 or over, your silk is regarded as safe to machine wash.
How to machine wash your silk pillowcase
Silk is a delicate fabric, meaning it can be worn out or easily damaged. For this reason, never wash your silk pillowcase on a temperature above 30 degrees. Turn your pillowcase inside out or place it inside a mesh washing bag alongside other silk or delicate items.
It’s also essential to use a silk-specific detergent or any mild washing powder (harsh detergents, fabric softeners or chemicals like bleach will actually harden your silk). Place your cycle onto the shortest spin setting available, and then lay or hang your pillowcase flat and air-dry. It’s important not to place your silk in the dryer or wring it out as it will damage the fabric.
We love the Ecoya’s Wild Sage and Citrus Laundry Liquid ($29.95, Ecoya).
What about for harsher stains or odours?
Unfortunately for the handwash-resistors, you’re going to have to make an exception. Eliminating stubborn marks or odours doesn’t call for a more intense setting on your machine, it actually requires a thorough soak in a bucket.
To begin, rinse your silk pillowcase in a bucket with a gentle soap and cold water. Follow this step by mixing cold water and roughly half a cup of white or apple cider vinegar. Allow to soak for up to half an hour, thoroughly rinse out and allow to air dry. If this doesn’t work to remove your stain, we recommend taking your pillowcase to the dry cleaner.
See? It’s not that bad. Though your silk pillowcase might require the star treatment, we believe it’s well worth it considering the magic it’s doing for your skin and hair.
Main image credit: @likesaturdays
How do you wash your silk pillowcase? Have you ever damaged one?
I am contemplating buying one.
I dont have a silk pillow case and therefore dont need to know what to use to wash it or indeed wash a silk pillow case. They do look lovely. Would make a nice gift.
I purchased silk pillowcases a couple of years ago but am yet to them. I will to keep note of these recommendations.
I have 2 and rotate them every few days, I use a lot of heavy skincare products so I handwash mine in warm water, I always hang them in the sun to dry as well.
I have had silk pillowcases for a long time now and can’t stand to sleep on anything else. I wash mine in the washing machine but them into a lingerie bag. They still feel great.
I always use a washing bag just to be safe.
And pop that on a delicate or hand wash cycle in the washing machine.
Yes i use a washing bad but pooped into my shhets wash so possibly too harsh
sorry popped into my sheets wash with standard detergent
After discovering bamboo thick satin silky fabric, will never go back to plain cotton or silk (silk so inferior).
Good o know Yohanna
I wash mine in the washing machine and then dry in the shade.
I never found my silk pillow case to be great but possibly I have been washing it wrong .
Handy to know. I used to have a silk pillowcase and it was so nice. I think its time to get some more.
I don’t have one and I probably won’t buy one
I’ve never damaged one but didn’t know about the silk specific detergents thanks for the tip.
I’ve opted for silver grey coloured silk pillowcases this time and I’m finding they don’t show stains as badly as the paler beige cream that i had before (I don’t know how on earth I lost those but they’ve disappeared – and I had three of them!!)
Perfect! I needed this article! Thank you, Ruby!
I have several & I wash mine on a cold delicate cycle with some Softlys Delicate Wash detergent. Works well, even though I do have some stains on mine (not that noticeable though due to the bright colour of my pillowcases). Not completely bothered about the stains; I’m the only one who has to look at them.
Gentle cycle with Softly works well for me.
Not for me, would look for alternatives
I must try a silk pillowcase. I tried the silk hairwrap but didn’t find it made much difference. Plus it kept slipping over my face all night which was annoying.
I use polyester satin pillowcases & I love them. I’ve never noticed a momme rating on anything I own.
I’ll give the vinegar trick a go!
Thanks so much BH for your Article will definitely have to buy a Silk Pillowcase.
I chuck mine in the washing machine and never had a problem.
I love my silk pillowcases! I always put mine in a washing bag and run it on the silk/hand wash setting on my machine. They always come out looking great.
Ecoya have some lovely products
I have two and I find them very comfortable to sleep on. They are softer than regular cotton.
I put them in a laundry bag and then into the washing machine – no problems.
A silk pillowcase would feel so luxurious!
I don’t own one.Hope wash bag will helpful.
My silk pillowcase goes through the wash with the other linens – but on a cold wash, at least.
I have been meaning to try one of these! Great to hear of some washing tips. I might use these tips for some of my delicate items too.
I hand wash mine to be on the safe side and always turn it inside out.
I love, love, LOVE my silk pillowcases! Cold washing them hasn’t been an issue so far.
Oh wow, I don’t have a silk pillowcase.
Mines still in the wash so am going to try and wash this weekend
I’m slugging of an evening, I think I would ruin a silk pillowcase or have to use a different one every night.
Are silk pillowcases worth it? They seem like a lot of work? X
Definitely want to purchase this and a hair bonnet!
Good to know. I find them too cold in the winter but great on warmer nights
good to know
I have never owned a silk pillowcase, but im on the hunt for some affordable ones
Silk laundry detergent
I want to get one of these soon.
I’d love a silk pillowcase.
I’ve never tried a silk pillowcase.
A thorough washing s enough tbh