Silk has a reputation for being difficult. It is not. It just dislikes three things: heat, harsh detergent and rough handling. Avoid those and a good silk pillowcase stays smooth for years.
The short answer: cold water, a pH-neutral silk detergent, a gentle cycle in a mesh bag or a quick hand wash, then dry it flat or on a line, away from direct sun. Never bleach, never tumble dry.
Before you wash
- Check the care label first. It overrides any general advice.
- Turn the pillowcase inside out and close the zipper.
- Wash silk with silk, or with other delicate fabrics in similar colors.
- The first time, wash dark colors on their own.
How to hand wash silk
- Fill a clean basin with cold or cool water.
- Add a small amount of detergent made for silk or delicates and swirl it in.
- Put the pillowcase in and move it gently through the water for a few minutes. Do not scrub or twist.
- Rinse in cold water until it runs clear.
- Press the water out between two towels. Do not wring.
How to machine wash silk
- Put the pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag.
- Choose the delicate or silk cycle, cold water, lowest spin.
- Use a pH-neutral silk detergent. No fabric softener.
- Take it out as soon as the cycle ends.
How to dry it
Lay it flat on a towel or hang it on a line, indoors or in the shade. Direct sunlight fades silk and a tumble dryer damages the fibers. It dries quickly on its own.
Ironing and storing
- Most creases fall out as silk dries. If you want to iron, use the lowest setting, on the inside, while it is still slightly damp.
- Store it clean and dry, away from sunlight.
What to avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Hot water | Weakens the fiber and dulls the sheen |
| Bleach | Damages silk and yellows it |
| Fabric softener | Leaves a film on the surface |
| Regular or enzyme detergent | Too harsh for a protein fiber |
| Tumble dryer | Heat and tumbling break the fibers |
| Wringing or scrubbing | Stretches and roughens the weave |
How often to wash it
Once a week is a good rhythm, the same as any pillowcase. If you use rich night creams or hair oils, a little more often. Having two lets you rotate them, which also makes each one last longer.
Questions people ask
Can you really machine wash silk?
Yes, on a cold delicate cycle, in a mesh bag, with the right detergent. Hand washing is the gentlest option, not the only one.
Why has my silk lost its shine?
Usually detergent residue or hot water. Rinse thoroughly in cold water and switch to a silk detergent.
How do I get a stain out?
Dab, do not rub, with cold water and a little silk detergent, then wash as usual. Avoid stain removers that contain bleach.
Looking for a second one to rotate? See our 100% mulberry silk pillowcases.
