How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase
By Zulfees
Silk pillowcases aren't just pretty, they are a treat for your skin, hair and overall sleep comfort. But silk is delicate, and if it's not cared for properly, it can lose that silky softness we all love.
Why Silk Pillowcases Can Lose Their Softness
A few everyday habits can leave silk feeling rough or stiff:
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Regular detergent: Harsh chemicals strip silk of its natural oils.
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Warm or hot water: High temperature can damage delicate silk fibers.
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Fabric softeners or too much detergent: They leave residue that affects the texture.
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Machine friction: Even in a mesh bag, washing can roughen the surface.
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Improper drying: Wringing, tumble drying, or direct sunlight can harden silk.
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Natural variations: Sometimes silk softens differently depending on how it was finished.
Good news? With a little care, you can restore your pillowcase to its soft, dreamy state.
How to Keep Your Silk Pillowcase Soft
1. Hand Wash (Recommended)
Hand washing is the gentlest way to protect silk.
What You’ll Need:
- A clean sink or basin
- Cool or lukewarm water
- Gentle silk-safe detergent (like Ecostore Woolwash), enzyme-free and pH-balanced
- Two clean towels or a drying rack
Important:
Never use fabric softener, bleach, dryer sheets, or dryer balls, as they can damage delicate silk fibers.
Step-by-Step:
- Fill your basin with lukewarm water, never hot.
- Add a small amount of silk-friendly detergent and swirl gently.
- Submerge your pillowcase and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Gently swish the fabric, don't scrub or wring.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water.
- Lay the pillowcase on a clean towel, roll it up, and press gently to remove moisture.
- Air dry flat or on a rack, away from direct sunlight.
Optional: Ironing Silk
We do not recommend ironing silk, as it’s delicate.
- If you still prefer to iron, use the lowest heat setting.
- Place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric to keep it safe.
- Or, for a safer alternative, lay the slightly damp pillowcase on your pillow and smooth out wrinkles by hand.
2. Gentle Machine Wash (If Needed)
Sometimes, life gets busy and a hand wash isn’t practical. If you need to machine wash:
- Use cold water and a mild silk-safe detergent like Ecostore Woolwash.
- Turn the pillowcase inside out before washing to protect the silky surface.
- Place the pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag.
- Choose the delicate cycle and wash with similar colours.
- Skip spinning entirely to protect the silk, or use a very gentle spin.
- Important: Never use fabric softener, bleach, dryer sheets, or dryer balls.
- Air dry only. Never use a dryer or expose to direct heat or sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Silk pillowcases are a little luxury, worth looking after. With the right care, your silk pillowcase can stay soft, smooth, and dreamy for years, just like the day you bought it.
Looking for the best silk pillowcase or ready to upgrade your sleep? Check out our silk pillowcases collection and discover how the right pillowcase can make all the difference. Our Zulfees silk pillowcases are designed to be luxuriously soft, gentle on your skin and hair, and durable enough for everyday use, giving you a truly restful and indulgent sleep experience every night.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only, based on publicly available best practices for silk care. Product mentions and video links are for convenience and do not imply endorsement. All trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners.