How to Care for a Silk Pillowcase: Washing, Drying, Mistakes to Avoid
To care for a silk pillowcase without damaging it: wash it by hand in cold water, or in a machine at a maximum of 30°C on a delicate cycle, in a mesh bag, with a special silk detergent or a mild pH-neutral shampoo. Never use fabric softener, bleach, or a tumble dryer. Dry flat, in the shade. When well cared for, a Grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcase retains its softness for years.
Mulberry silk is a living natural fiber: it loves cold water and gentleness, and hates heat, friction, and harsh products. With the right steps, its care is actually very simple. Here's the complete routine, the mistakes that ruin a pillowcase, and the right washing frequency.
Washing: hand or machine, instructions
By hand (recommended)
- Fill a basin with cold water (never hot).
- Add a special silk detergent or a mild pH-neutral shampoo.
- Submerge the pillowcase for 3 to 5 minutes, gently squeeze without twisting or rubbing.
- Rinse with clear cold water.
By machine
- Place the pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag.
- Delicate / silk program, 30°C maximum, minimal spin (400 rpm or less).
- Silk detergent, no fabric softener.
Drying: the crucial step
Never put a silk pillowcase in the tumble dryer: the heat breaks down the fibers and permanently dulls the shine. Roll the pillowcase in a clean towel to absorb excess water, then dry flat, in the shade, away from any radiator. Direct sun yellows and weakens silk.
Mistakes that ruin a silk pillowcase
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Hot water | Fibers shrink, loss of shine |
| Fabric softener | Residue suffocates silk and makes it dull |
| Tumble dryer | Threads break, pillowcase permanently damaged |
| Direct sunlight | Yellowing, weakening |
If your pillowcase has already yellowed or become greasy, all is not lost: follow our guide yellowed or greasy silk pillowcase: how to clean it.
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How often should you wash your silk pillowcase?
For skin and hair hygiene, wash your pillowcase every 3 to 5 days, like a classic pillowcase. Having two pillowcases in rotation is the best tip: you always have a clean one, and each wears out half as quickly. The quality of the weave also affects longevity: see how long a silk pillowcase lasts depending on the Momme.
Discover our Grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcasesGrade 6A · OEKO-TEX® · Free shipping · 30-day returnsFrequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash a silk pillowcase?
Yes, on a delicate cycle at a maximum of 30°C, in a laundry bag, with a silk detergent and no fabric softener. The spin cycle should be minimal.
At what temperature should silk be washed?
Cold ideally, 30°C maximum. Beyond that, heat shrinks the fibers and dulls the shine.
How to dry a silk pillowcase?
Flat, in the shade, never in the tumble dryer or direct sunlight. First absorb excess water in a towel without twisting.
Can silk be ironed?
If necessary, on the reverse side, with a very gentle iron (silk setting) and the pillowcase slightly damp. Avoid harsh steam.
How often should you change your silk pillowcase?
Wash it every 3 to 5 days. A well-maintained Grade 6A mulberry silk pillowcase lasts several years.