When washing silk pillowcases, there are a few things to remember, as silk is a delicate fabric to deal with, especially if you need to use it regularly. We have gathered some details by doing extensive research, so you don’t have to go anywhere else in search of the correct information and find everything in a single place.

People who are into room decor know very well how essential it is to give a whole new look to the rooms and their accessories. The material, fabric, thread, and color scheme are essential. Nobody can deny the delicacy of silk and the fact that it needs extra care if you want it to look as new as you bought it for the first time.

Obviously, with time the quality might decrease, but to make the silk look good for a long time, it’s significant to keep in mind a few things that can help you make things in order. If you are wondering how to wash silk pillowcase, you have landed in the right place. The details below will help you find out what you need to do to take care of silk pillowcases and how to wash and dry them.

Things to Remember before Washing Silk Pillowcases

Before moving to how often to wash silk pillowcases, it is essential to know what things you need to do and what practices should be avoided.

1. You should avoid using bleach or fabric softener when washing silk.
2. Wash your silk pillowcase at least once a week and add it to an all-silk delicate load if you’re machine-washing.
3. It is best to wash your silk pillowcase before using it for the first time.
4. No need to dry a silk pillowcase in direct sunlight or a heated dryer cycle. In case you need to use the dryer, use it on the air/no-heat cycle.
5. You should steam silk bedding if you’d like to remove creases.

How To Remove Stains From Silk Pillowcases

Before washing silk pillowcases, it is recommended to look for any stains and clean them beforehand. How all of this works, check-in the below steps:

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• To remove the stain, apply a few drops of mild detergent to the stain; while using your finger, massage the detergent into the fabric. No need to use bleach on a silk pillowcase, as the harsh chemicals will ruin the fibers.

• Now, leave the detergent on the stain for at least 15 minutes. Then hand washes and dry your pillowcase as you do. If there’s a concern about detergent buildup, include a tablespoon of white vinegar in a basin of cool water and leave the pillowcase in it for five minutes. Then continue with hand washing and drying your pillowcase.

• If you are dealing with extra tough stains, take your pillowcase to a professional dry cleaner. Make sure to point out the stains and explain what you have tried at home so they know what other options are left.

• If you see that your silk pillowcases are stained, or the color has changed with time. It might be because of a buildup of detergent or bodily fluids on the fabric. You can clean a silk pillowcase, remove yellowish discoloration, and restore the original color by dipping it for at least five minutes in a basin of cool water and one tablespoon of white vinegar. Later, hand wash the pillowcase and dry it.

How To Wash Silk Pillowcases

Below are the steps to keep in mind when washing silk pillowcases. Go for these step by step:

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1) Pretreat At There Are Any Stains

The first thing when you need to know how to clean silk pillowcase, it is best to use a stain remover that works well for silk and to treat liquid stains to absorb oil-based stains such as makeup; and leave it for 30 minutes. This should be done as quickly as possible for the best results.

2) Wash By Hand

Fill a basin with cool water and include a capful of laundry soap. Slowly mixes the solution into the water and dip the pillowcase in it. Leave it dipped for 30 minutes, then wash it under cool water. Run the pillowcase gently between hands but do not wring as this will warp the fabric’s quality.

3) Wash In the Machine

Now turn the pillowcase inside and put it in a mesh bag to save it from snagging. Then add a capful of laundry soap and wash at the slow, low spin cycle.

4) Air Dry The Pillowcase

Leave the pillowcase on a drying rack or towel for the air dry; there is no need to put it directly in front of heat sources and direct sunlight.

5) Give it Optional Steam

After you are done with washing and drying, go for a steamer to remove unwanted folds and wrinkles.

How to Dry Silk Pillowcases

Following are some steps that can help you dry a silk pillowcase properly. Have a look and find out what you need to do after you are done with washing.

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For this purpose, you need a dryer. Keep in mind that the high heat of a dryer, even if it’s on a low setting, will ruin the silk’s fiber. After washing now, you are wondering how to dry silk pillowcase? Have a look at the following steps to find out how this works.

• If excess water is still in the fabric, put the pillowcase on a clean, dry towel and blot out the excess moisture. You don’t have to wring out the pillowcase, as this will destroy the fiber.

• Leave a silk pillowcase flat to air dry, and you should do it on a drying rack away from direct heat sources and sunlight. Laying it flat to dry will help the pillowcase become natural, and keeping it out from the sunlight helps prevent discoloration and fading.

• If the pillowcase’s fabric creases after it gets dried, slowly steam the piece to remove wrinkles. You can iron a silk pillowcase by turning the pillowcase inside out. Put the iron on the lowest temperature setting and place a pressing cloth between the iron and the silk.

How to Care for Silk Pillowcases

So far, you know how to wash satin pillowcase, but what about caring silk pillowcases? Have a look at the below points to find out.

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• It is recommended to use less detergent as more detergent can build up on your pillowcase and coat the fabric’s fiber, making it feel stiff and smell like mold.

• If you notice a detergent buildup on the fabric, dip your silk pillowcase in a basin of cold water with one tablespoon of white vinegar, as it will help cleanse the fibers. Then wash it by hand and dry the pillowcase.

• Don’t forget that silk gets its smooth, soft surface from the fiber’s long strands. Try to control the chances of weakening those fibers by avoiding wringing or stretching the cloth. Especially when the fabric is wet, because that’s the time when the threads are prone to damage.
• If you’re ironing a silk pillowcase, there is no need to create sharp edges or creases in the fabric, as it will cause the fiber’s long strands to bend or break.

How to Store Silk Pillowcases

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• A best-quality pillowcase is the most thing when it comes to protecting your skin and hair if it’s free of creases and wrinkles in the fabric. So when you’re thinking about storing silk pillowcases, it is best to utilize a wide-bar hanger and prevent using clips to hang them, as the clips will leave a mark on the fabric.

• For long-term storage of silk pillowcases, first, make sure that the pillowcase is newly cleaned and completely dry to avoid attracting moths.

• No need to fold silk pillowcases into a tight square with sharp creases. This can weaken fibers. You can create a soft fold or roll the pillowcase before storing it on a shelf where it will not get damaged.

• You can save it from bugs and make sure the fabric’s longevity by storing it in a breathable garment bag would be a good idea.

Final Words

We hope the above-stated information will be enough for you to learn about washing, drying, and storing silk pillowcases. You can follow the above procedures whenever you need to wash silk pillowcases. We hope this article will be of great help in whatsoever you need to know about the whole process of washing and storing silk fabric.

FAQs

Can Silk Pillowcases be Machine Washed?

Although it is best to hand wash the silk pillowcase, if you need to wash it in a machine, you can also do it as the silk fiber is strong enough to go through the process.

What Laundry Detergent Is Safe for Silk?

It is best to use a delicate detergent to wash silk. It is best to look for instructions like colorfastness.

What Happens If You Put Silk In The Dryer?

You can put silk in the dryer, but it is recommended to do it at an average temperature as heat dulls the silk fabric.

How Do You Wash A Mulberry Silk Pillowcase By Hand?

Mulberry silk pillowcases can be washed by hand under tap water, or you can fill a sink basin with lukewarm water and soak the pillowcase. Then slowly rub the detergent into the pillowcase; remove the excess water before hanging.

Can You Use Shampoo To Wash The Silk Pillowcases?

Yes, you can wash the silk pillowcases with shampoo. A good alternative is a non-alkaline soap, or even a baby shampoo will work fine.