How To Wash And Care For Silk Pillowcases
The Spruce / Meg MacDonald
- Working Time: 20 – 30 mins
- Total Time: 3 hrs – 1 day
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Estimated Cost: $0 to $10
Silk pillowcases, like other silk bedding and silk garments, feel so delicate to the touch that dry-cleaning might seem mandatory. But in reality, silk pillowcases, like other silk items, can usually be washed at home. Unless the item’s care label carries a “dry clean only” warning, it can be successfully washed at home if you use cold water, a gentle detergent made for delicate fabrics, and if you avoid using heat to dry the items. But “dry-clean only” pillowcases are rare unless the item contains delicate additional stitching or beading. Even if the care label says “dry cleaning recommended,” you probably can successfully hand-wash it at home without causing problems.
Here’s a foolproof method for washing silk pillowcases effectively and safely, either by machine or by hand washing.
| How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase |
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| Detergent |
| Wash in a mesh bag |
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How To Wash Silk Bedding
‘Silk bedding is a beautiful material but it takes some proper care and attention to ensure it doesnt get spoilt in the washing – or worse shrunk!’ says James Higgins, CEO of Ethical Bedding , the UKs only BCorp accredited sustainable bedding company.
Here he outlines three things you should remember when washing silk bedding:
- Ensure silk is laundered separately from other types of bedding, clothes, or bath towels
- Use mesh bags when machine washing silk
- Never tumble dry your silk bedding reserve your dryer for more robust textile materials
Launder Silk Separately From Other Materials
Not only will washing your silks separately allow you to use the right detergents, but washing silks alongside heavier fabrics can damage silk’s fine material. What’s more, the rich colors of silk can easily bleed, causing colors to run into other fabrics in the wash.
Because of this, it’s important you don’t use rub stain removers or other harsh chemicals onto your silk bedding if you spot a stain. ‘Instead, use your finger to gently blot the affected area with a mild stain solution,’ says James. ‘If you dont have any to hand, you can create a simple solution using a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar and lukewarm water.’ Afterward, wash your silks as you regularly would.
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How To Wash Silk Pillowcases In The Washing Machine
Silk can, in fact, be put in the washing machine. However, this method does not come highly recommendedparticularly not for items that require regular washing as Yokoji tells us that the delicate material can easily catch and tear while tumbling in the machine. That said, if you must wash your silk pillowcases in the washing machine, some methods are better than others.
Step 1: Bag the pillowcases
Those mesh bags exist for the express purpose of keeping certain items safe, and silk pillowcases definitely fit the profile. As an extra precaution, its best to turn the pillowcases inside out before you bag em.
Step 2: Add detergent
Add a gentle detergentthe kind intended for delicatesto the machine.
Step 3: Start the wash
Before you start the wash, be sure that your machine is set to run a delicate cycle with cool water and a low spin. When the cycle is complete, remove the garment…but definitely do not put it in the dryer.
You Can Wash Silk Bedding By Hand Or Machine At Homewith Care
Shivani is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens who covers interior design, decorating, and home improvement. She has worked as a designer for 3+ years and has extensive training in space planning, residential interior design, 3D renderings, and 2D floorplans. Initially pursuing a career in medicine, she completed her degree in Neuroscience from East Carolina University. Shivani also has her M.A. in Digital Communication from Johns Hopkins University. To follow her lifelong passion for interior design, with dedication, she finally transitioned into the industry in 2018. She is passionate about educating communities on interior design and home improvement and is the interior design instructor at Pivot which aims to help others turn their passion into their professions. She’s also been featured in Work it Daily, Domino Home, and Martha Stewart.
Silk is a natural fiber made up of protein , making it a lot easier to wash than you might think. Silk fibers are made from silkworm cocoons boiled in hot water until they unravel. Known to be hypoallergenic and repellent to moths and dust mites, silk makes ideal bedding for allergy and asthma sufferers. Silk is also practical for those with sensitive skin, dry skin, or eczema, and helps wick away moisture from the body, keeping you cool all night.
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What To Avoid When Washing Silk
Silk is delicate, so there are various products and harsh detergents you should avoid at all costs to keep your bedding as comfortable as possible:
- Chlorine bleach bleaching your silk will dissolve the fibres and weaken your fabric. Itll also cause permanent yellowing and colour loss.
- Fabric softener because silk is naturally soft, fabric conditioner isnt necessary when washing your bedding. In fact, it can even be detrimental, and leave behind residue.
- Optical brightener optical brightener can help some fabrics to retain their colour and vibrancy, but, because silk is natural, it wont have any affect and may even break down the fibres.
- Laundry additive anything other than basic silk detergent can start to weaken the fibres in your fabric.
Is It Possible To Remove Odours From Silk Sheets
Yes, in many cases, it is possible to remove odours from silk sheets and other silk products.
There are a couple of different methods you can use to get rid of musty odours caused by mildew or mold. The first possibility is to soak the sheets in a bucket of cold water with castile soap for at least half an hour. Rinse the soapy water thoroughly out of the fabric. Refill the bucket with cold water and add either apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to the water. About 118 ML of vinegar is ideal, but you can use more than this for particularly noxious odours. Allow the sheets to soak in the vinegar-water solution for at least half an hour. Then rinse the vinegar-water mixture out of the sheets. Follow the care instructions on the label for drying the sheets.
An alternative odour-removal method involves soaking the sheets in hydrogen peroxide. In a bucket, add about 300 ML of hydrogen peroxide to about 4 L of water. Soak the sheets in this mixture for at least one hour but no more than about three hours, depending on the severity of the odour. Then rinse the sheets thoroughly and dry according the the care instructions on the label.
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How To Dry Silk Pillowcases
Knowing how to wash silk pillowcases properly will help ensure the fabrics longevity and continued softness.
The first thing you need to know about how to dry silk pillowcases is that you should never put them in the dryer. The high heat of a dryer even on a low setting will destroy the silks fiber.
Instead, follow these steps to dry a silk pillowcase:
If there is excess water still in the fabric, place the pillowcase on a clean, dry towel and blot out the excess moisture. Do not wring out the pillowcase, as this will damage the fiber.
Lay a silk pillowcase flat to air dry, preferably on a drying rack away from direct heat sources and sunlight. Laying it flat to dry will help the pillowcase retain its natural shape, and keeping it out of direct heat or sunlight helps prevent discoloration and fading.
If the pillowcases fabric wrinkles after its finished drying, gently steam the piece to remove wrinkles and bring back the luster of the material. You can also iron a silk pillowcase by turning the pillowcase inside out. Use the lowest temperature setting and place a pressing cloth or a clean piece of fabric between the iron and the silk.
How To Dry And Store Silk
No matter how you choose to wash silk pillowcases, never place any of silk items in the dryer. Also, do not line dry your silk in direct sunlight. Both options will dull and shrink silk.
Handheld steamers work well to unwrinkle silk, as this material is soft and doesn’t need a traditional iron. If ironing, use the lowest iron temperature and place a pressing cloth between your silk item and the iron.
Store your silk items on hangers or in hanging storage bags to protect them from yellowing, dust, and pests. These processes apply to silk clothing as well.
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Does The Silk Pillowcase Work
Theres no doubt that silk pillowcases are becoming popular among sleepers everywhere. Many people use them to sleep better and stay cool all night.
The fabric traps heat, which helps you cool down quickly and get a good nights sleep. However, before using a silk pillowcase, its crucial to test it first.
There are multiple variations of silk pillowcases available today, so find the one that works best for you. Once youve found a silk pillowcase you like, experiment with silk pillowcases to see what gives you the best results.
Wash Gently And Air Dry
For many reasons, your silk needs the most delicate, proper care possible. Even if this means doing an additional load of laundry just for your silk pillowcases or washing them by hand, but you will thank yourself later when you have a fantastic silk pillowcase that continues to give you several health benefits over the years.
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Removing Stains And Odors
Warning: Do not use water warmer than 30 °C , or it could damage your pillowcase.XResearch source
Protect Your Investment With Heritage Park Silk And Wool Laundry Detergent
Choosing the proper detergent can help extend the beauty and integrity of your silk bed sheets. Heritage Park Silk and Wool Laundry Detergent is the best choice for safely washing silk bedding. It is formulated it to gently and effectively clean delicate fabrics like silk sheets without causing damage. The concentrated, pH neutral detergent contains unique cleaning agents blended specifically for wool, silk, and other natural fibers.
CONCENTRATED. Made for high efficiency, front load, and traditional top-loading washing machines. Wash more loads of laundry with every bottle.
EFFECTIVE. Perfectly balanced powerful cleaning ingredients are capable of removing tough odors and set-in stains while remaining gentle on your favorite linens.
SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. Contains no sulfates, phosphates , chlorine bleach or caustic chemicals. It has a neutral pH and is biodegradable. Concentrated formula with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients and no fillers or excess water.
SCENT FREE. Heritage Park liquid detergent is fragrance-free and a perfect detergent for sensitive skin or those prone to an allergic reaction or skin irritation from harsh chemicals in other laundry products.
ENZYME FREE. Detergents that contain enzymes are very effective at breaking down stains but can damage silk .
ETHICALLY PRODUCED. All Heritage Park Laundry Essentials products are Leaping Bunny Approved. They are 100% cruelty-free and never include ingredients tested on animals.
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An Introduction To Washing Silk Bedding
Cleaning silk bedding requires a little extra care to washing cotton or linen, because of its delicate nature and soft fibres. In this guide, weve explained in detail how to maintain its softness, whether machine washing or cleaning by hand, but the basics of looking after silk include:
- Ensure all silk is laundered separately to other types of bedding
- Use mesh bags when machine washing silk
- Never tumble dry your silk bedding
- Regularly change your silk bedding
Read on to find out how to choose the right cleaning product, step-by-step instructions for washing silk, and how to properly dry your bedding.
How Do You Wash Blissy Silk Pillowcases
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to dry clean your Blissy silk pillowcases or sleep masks. They’re completely washer safe, but you do need to exercise precautions. First, be sure to use the âdelicateâ cycle using cool water, preferably no higher than 30 degrees Celsius or 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Why Should I Use A Silk Pillowcase
Here are a few reasons why I recommend silk pillowcases and sheets:
-Silk pillowcases help keep your hair frizz-free. They are great for healthy hair.
-Reduce the number of wrinkles on your face. Silk pillowcases and sheets are great for sensitive skin.
-Silk is a natural temperature regulator, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter
Why You Should Use Enzyme
If you’ve read our Fine Linen and Bath care guides for cotton sheets and towels, you may see that we often recommend Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry detergent for washing this concentrated detergent contains a blend of proprietary enzymes that work to break down common stains. .
When it comes to washing silk sheets, however, you want an enzyme-free detergent. Why? Laundry enzymes work by breaking down protein to remove stains. Silk fiber is actually protein based, which means that consistently washing it with an enzyme detergent can degrade the fabric over time. Along with silk, there are a number of other protein-based fibers that should be washed with enzyme free detergent. These include washable versions of the following:
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Silk Sheets Can Be Washed At Home
Here at Fine Linen and Bath, we think silk sheets are not only an indulgence but also fantastic investment in hair, skin and sleep quality. They are also, of course, a luxury that you want to last. The good news is that you can care for your beautiful silk bedding at home. By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your silk bed linen soft, luxurious, and welcoming over time.
How To Care For Silk After Washing
After you finish washing your silk pillowcase, there are some ways to maintain its health over time. Ensure that you take some time to iron out the creases and the wrinkles, but only using low heat or the silk setting. Only iron your silk pillowcase when it is dry!
Ironing protects the natural sheen of your silk. You should do it every couple of washes.
You can put a cloth between the silk and the iron for best practices to ensure it doesnt get damaged. It would also be wise to invest in some moth repellant when you store the silk to avoid having pests in your linens.
With all these tips in mind, you will have stunning silk pillowcases for a long time so you can get your beauty sleep night after night! If you have any suggestions or tricks, you would like to share in caring for silk pillowcases, comment below! Wed love to hear if you have other practices to help take care of your beloved pillowcases!
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How To Wash A Silk Pillowcase
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Silk pillowcases must be washed very carefully and gently to keep them looking their best. Always read the label before you wash silk items to check the correct way to wash them. To wash a silk pillowcase by hand, treat any stains first before soaking and rinsing out the pillowcase. If you are using a washing machine, place the pillowcase into a laundry bag and use a gentle, cool setting.
Hand Or Machine Washing
You can either hand wash or machine wash them. 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.
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