How to wash a silk pillowcase

How to Wash Silk Pillowcases

  • Turn the silk pillowcases inside out
  • Make sure your washing machine is on a gental cycle (or hand wash them)
  • Only use a detergent made for silk (this is most important!)
  • Once washed dry flat our of direct sunlight
  • The pillowcases can be ironed inside out on a cool setting

Read on to learn all the benefits of investing in a silk pillowcase along with how to wash it so that it can last you years! See what happens to silk when you wash it.

Did you know that according to the Sleep Cycle app, the UK is in 45th place in terms of sleep quality while the US is 49th? Sleep quality isn't just about sleeping longer–it also matters how deeply and comfortably you sleep.

You can start by investing in comfortable sheets, make your room cooler, and invest in blackout curtains.

However, your pillowcase can also determine how well you sleep and even the quality of your skin. Even though we have our face pressed up against a pillow for seven hours or more a night, it's easy for us to take them for granted!

Now that you know all the benefits of a silk pillowcase, you may be wondering, "Can you wash silk pillowcases?"

The good news is that you can have your own without needing to take them in for dry cleaning. When you know the proper method for washing silk pillowcases, they will last you for years.

How Often Do You Wash it?

First, it helps to know how often to wash your silk. You'll want to aim for at least once a week. If you struggle with acne or oily skin, you'll want to switch them out even more frequently. This is because you're resting your face on the same pillow for several hours a night.

The natural oils and bacteria on your face build-up on the pillowcase and can contribute to acne if they go unwashed for long amounts of time.

Hand or Machine Washing

You can either hand wash or machine wash them in a washing machine. If you decide to machine wash them, make sure you use the gentle cycle. Place them in a mesh laundry bag so they aren't twisted and knotted in the wash.

If you decide to hand wash, use a gentle touch, and avoid twisting or gripping them tightly. Cold water is better than hot, as hot water can damage the fibers.

hand washing a silk pillowcase

Detergent and Stains

You'll want to use a gentle detergent that will be able to clean the fibers well while protecting them at the same time. If you're hand washing, aim for one teaspoon per sink basin.

Treating stains is easy. Before you begin washing them, check for any stains and place a dab of your gentle detergent on the stain. Massage the detergent into the fabric for a few minutes.

Rinsing and Drying

When it's time to rinse your pillowcases, add about a half a cup of distilled white vinegar to your water. This will help thoroughly rinse out any remaining detergent so that your pillowcases remain silky and smooth.

Air dry your pillowcases afterward away from heat or light.

How to dry silk the right way

What is a Silk Pillowcase? 

Silk is a particularly smooth fabric that's soft to the touch. Instead of thread count, silk fabric uses the measurement momme which stands for fabric weight. Silk pillowcases are usually within 15 to 30 momme, but you'll find the highest quality is at 22 momme or even higher.

People often use the words "silk" and "satin" interchangeably, but they're actually two very different types of fabric. Silk is a fiber while satin is a weave. With this in mind, it's possible to find a silk pillowcase that is made from silk as well as satin.

The highest quality of silk is made of Mulberry–it's the equivalent of Egyptian cotton. Although pillowcases made from Mulberry are more expensive, you'll find that they're far more durable and feel smoother.

a silk pillowcase

What Are the Benefits of Silk Pillowcases? 

You may be wondering why you should invest the extra money in a silk pillowcase when you're used to sleeping with cheaper alternatives. Here are a few reasons why they're worth the cost.

1. Preventing Wrinkles

Since silk is smooth and slippery against the skin when you sleep the fabric won't be pulling your skin. Compared to cotton pillowcases, your tossing and turning won't result in wrinkles from crushing your face against the pillow.

sleeping on silk can prevent wrinkles

2. Preventing Frizz

Frizzy and tangled hair when you wake up from a long sleep is typically from tossing and turning. As you move around in bed, the fabric of your pillow catches on your hair and causes it to tangle.

Since silk pillowcases are so smooth, you won't experience nearly as much frizz when you wake up. See how to get beautiful hair.

prevent hair frizz by sleeping on a silk pillowcase

3. Keeping Cool

If you have trouble with overheating when you get to bed, a silk pillowcase can help keep you cool. Instead of trapping moisture like cotton, silk naturally wicks away moisture. This is especially helpful if you live in damp and humid climates.

silk keeps you cool at night

4. Hydrated Skin

You'll also find that silk's ability to wick away moisture is great for your skin. Fabric like cotton normally absorbs moisture from your face, which can contribute to dryness when you wake up. Silk is less likely to absorb that moisture.

How to Wash Your Pillowcase the Best Way

Knowing how to wash silk pillowcases as well as how often will in fact help protect both your skin and your silk. It's important to switch out your pillowcases at least once a week so that you're not sleeping on a pillowcase that's full of bacteria.

Washing silk is all about a gentle touch and gentle detergent to protect the fibers. Take your time and you'll be rewarded with an investment that will last you for years.

Ready to improve the quality of your sleep? Take a look at our 100% Mulberry silk pillowcases today!

August 17, 2020 — Michelle Smith