The perks of silk pillowcases are many: They can assist cut back wrinkles, break up ends and frizzy hair, to call a number of. They usually include a excessive price ticket although, so you will wish to maintain them correctly to make sure they are going to final. Sweat, germs, physique oils, hair merchandise and make-up (although you might be taking off your makeup earlier than mattress, proper?) can accumulate shortly in bedding, particularly your pillowcase. We consulted with specialists on the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Residence Care and Cleansing Lab for the right way to wash your silk pillowcase.
First, at all times verify the care label or producer’s web site for detailed care directions. If there’s one, make sure you comply with it. Our favorite pillowcase brands like Fisher’s Finery, whose silk pillowcases impressed us sufficient to earn the Good Housekeeping Seal, normally have detailed care directions for his or her pillowcases on their web site. Although it isn’t widespread, some silk pillowcases are dry clear solely, so make sure you verify earlier than you begin laundering. There are two methods to clean your silk pillowcase: on a mild cycle within the washer or by hand. Most silk pillowcases may be washed within the washer so long as steps are taken to make sure a mild wash. Washing by hand is essentially the most light method and lets you take excessive care when washing — necessary when washing a fragile silk pillowcase. The identical fundamental step-by-step course of as washing clothing by hand applies right here too; simply make certain to make use of a mild contact and by no means wring or twist your pillowcase.
What You may Want
- Mesh laundry bag
- Mild laundry detergent
- Clear white tub towel
wash a silk pillowcase within the washer
Most silk pillowcases have care directions for laundry within the washer, so make certain to comply with the care label if the directions differ.
Extra From Good Housekeeping

- Place pillowcases in a mesh laundry bag or flip inside out.
- Choose a delicates cycle with chilly water and wash with a mild laundry detergent. If in case you have a middle agitator in your machine, watch out as it will probably injury the material if not on the right setting.
- Some manufacturers permit for tumble drying on an air-only or low-heat cycle, however different manufacturers suggest retaining out of the dryer, so make certain to comply with the producer’s directions. When unsure: keep away from the dryer. You’ll be able to both gently squeeze (do not wring!) the surplus water from the pillowcase, or blot dry with a clear towel, and lay flat to dry.
hand wash a silk pillowcase
Hand washing your silk pillowcase is kind of easy, and hand washing helps maintain the fibers mushy and glossy.
- Fill a clear sink or tub with cool water, and blend a couple of teaspoon of light laundry detergent. If there are any seen stains in your pillowcase, apply a number of drops of detergent on to the stain and gently work in together with your fingertips.
- Agitate the water together with your palms to create suds, then immerse the pillowcase and swish it round gently to assist the water penetrate the fibers.
- Take care to not twist, wring or rub the material in opposition to itself as it will probably injury the material. As an alternative, simply gently agitate the material (i.e., transfer it round within the water) together with your hand to scrub.
- Dump the water and refill the basin with chilly water. Submerge the pillowcase once more and agitate gently to eliminate any soapy residue. Repeat as wanted, gently rinsing till the residue is gone.
- Gently squeeze out any extra water, taking care to not twist or wring the material in any method. Lay the pillowcase on a clear, white towel and roll up, gently squeezing to additional dry the pillowcase. Lay flat to dry, ideally away from daylight to guard from fading and discoloration.
- If there are wrinkles within the material after drying, you possibly can both gently steam the pillowcase or iron on the bottom warmth setting. Make certain to flip the pillowcase inside out and place a urgent fabric or clear piece of material between the iron and pillowcase.
How usually do you have to wash your silk pillowcase?
“Silk pillowcases needs to be washed as often as common cotton ones, which is as soon as per week,” says Carolyn Forte, Director of the Residence Care and Cleansing Lab on the Good Housekeeping Institute. If in case you have cotton sheets however silk pillowcases, make certain to position them in a mesh laundry bag to stop the fibers from tearing and attempt to keep away from letting them undergo the spin cycle. If all of your bedding is silk (fortunate you!) then you possibly can comply with this similar information for sheets too.
deal with stains on silk pillowcases
Accidents occur to everybody, so in the event you discover a stain in your silk pillowcase it is best to behave quick as the longer the stain sits, the more durable it may be to get out. To deal with stains, work a small quantity of delicate detergent straight onto the stain gently together with your fingers and permit to take a seat for 10 to fifteen minutes. Then, wash the pillowcase following both of the above directions.
Professional Tip: Keep away from utilizing any stain remedy or detergent with bleach as it can break and discolor the fibers.
take away wrinkles from silk pillowcases
Be very cautious with warmth round silk, because the excessive temperatures can harm the fibers. In case your pillowcases or sheets are wrinkly, both iron on the bottom setting with a urgent fabric, or bust out a steamer for a extra light choice.
Assistant to the Common Supervisor
Along with her job because the assistant to the final supervisor of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Abigail can also be at present working towards her grasp of science in publishing in digital and print media at NYU. Previous to becoming a member of GH in 2022, she labored at LSU Press and The Southern Assessment. In her free time yow will discover her quilting, knitting, cross-stitching or engaged on any method of craft.