How to Wash Silk Pillowcases So They Last a Lifetime

By Layla Vu

07/08/2020

Silk Pillowcases and Silk Duvet add the luxury touch to your bedroom. Sleeping in silk pajamas or silk dress also promotes heath benefits. Natural silk bedding sets and silk sleepwear are very good for your skin and your sleep

But to get the many benefits of silk pillowcases, you need to know how to care for them properly. As a natural material, mulberry silk pillowcases need special care to preserve their beauty, natural breathability, and moisture wicking properties. The good news is that when you wash and dry your silk pillowcases with care, they will last for years.

Read on to learn the best way to wash silk pillowcases to maintain their softness and durability.

TIPS FOR HAND WASHING

Use a mild detergent, designed for delicate garments or silk where possible. Never use bleach!
Separate colors to avoid any discoloration
To help keep the luxurious feel, add a gentle fabric conditioner into the final rinse
Do not wring the garments as this harms the fibers
Do not tumble dry

Silk Pillowcases: An Investment in Luxury and Health

Silk pillowcases offer a touch of luxury and elegance unmatched by any other material. When properly cared for, silk pillowcases will outlast any cotton or synthetic fabric pillowcases. Plus, they’ll maintain their exquisite beauty and beneficial properties for a lifetime.

Follow the tips above to give your silk pillowcases the gentle care they deserve. If you have any questions about how to wash silk pillowcases or other silk bedding products, contact Luala Silk

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HOW TO WASH SILK DUVET COVER AND SILK PILLOWCASES?

Turn Luala Silk Duvet Cover or silk pillowcases inside out where possible
Place your silk bedding in a basin of warm water and a small amount of mild detergent
Soak for around five minutes
Gently handle the garment in the water to ensure it has been washed
Rinse well in warm water
With the softest squeeze, gently remove some of the water before laying the garment on a towel. Roll the towel around the garment to remove excess water
Lay your silk duvet cover or silk pillowcases flat in the shade until completely dry

It is better that you hand wash your silk products, how ever, if you don't want to hand wash or the items are too big to handle by hand wash, good news, our silk pillowcases, silk duvet cover, silk sheet sets, silk pajamas and even our silk filled comforter are machine washable

Reminders for Cleaning and Caring for Your Washable Silk

When it comes to machine washing, use the "Delicate" or "Hand Wash" setting on your washing machine.
Use cool or cold water to wash silk. A temperature of 30° Celsius/85° Fahrenheit, or lower is recommended.
Detergents used should be mild. You also can make natural detergent from all ingredients in your pantry.
Wash silk pillowcases and bedding separately from your other laundry items or use a mesh laundry bag when you machine wash your silk.
You can machine dry your silk pillowcases using the "Air" setting only. Remove them from the dryer after about 20 minutes and let them dry fully on their own. Remember to use Luala Eco Reusable Balls to avoid static and be energy efficient
You can iron silk pillowcases, but make sure you use the silk setting on your iron. You can also steam pillowcases to remove wrinkles.
Clean any spill or stain immediately. Do not allow dirt or liquid to set on your pillowcase as this could lead to permanent damage. Soak the pillowcase in cold water as soon as possible.

When it comes to sustainable lifestyle, it’s more than simply shopping sustainably. Caring for your silk pillowcases or silk face masks properly and storing them correctly extends the life of your investment. You are not having to constantly replace or repair your pieces.

At Luala Silk, we use high quality silk which means our silk is stronger and make caring as easy as possible. If washing guidelines are followed, your silk duvet cover or silk pillowcases will last for years as the silk fibre is extremely strong while also remaining incredibly soft.

MACHINE WASH OR HAND WASH SILK PILLOWCASES?

You can skip the trip to the dry cleaners - your silk pillowcases are happier when washed at home with natural products. Caring for your silk pillowcases requires a gentle touch, whether you choose to machine wash or hand wash your silk.

Hand washing your silk pillowcases can take a little more effort, but it is the preferred way to wash silk. Fill a large tub with cold water and a gentle soap made for silk. Submerge the silk pillowcases and gently agitate them with your hands. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the silk - let the water, soap, and gentle agitation do the cleaning. Rinse with cold water.

How to wash silk pillowcases in washing machine?

Never use hot water because high temperatures may cause shrinkage of up to 10% and weaken the linen fiber.
Make sure items in the washer have enough space so they can rinse properly.
You can wash silk items with other delicates, but do not mix them with heavy items like towels, denim.
To avoid crease or wrinkles, wash silk with plenty of space and hang it to dry immediately after the wash.

Instructions for Washable Silk Pillowcases

1. Wash separately from other fabrics. Put them in special laundry bag ( if you have one)

2. Wash in lukewarm water (<40°C/104°F)

3. Use the gentle machine cycle and don’t overload your washing machine

4. Use mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Don't bleach

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SILK PILLOWCASES-FAQs

Can silk pillowcases prevent wrinkles?

Believe it or not, they can! A smooth surface with very little friction means less tugging on skin than with a traditional cotton pillowcase. We get 'crush wrinkles' from sleeping on our side/face, so we may get less of those when sleeping on silk. Studies show that friction from tossing and turning causes creases in the skin, but a silky smooth surface can reduce that effect in the long run.

Do silk pillowcases prevent frizzy hair?

Yes! Thanks to silk's super smooth texture, hair glides over it without any friction which means you'll be less likely to wake up with frizzy hair, tangles, or bedhead, whereas cotton can snag hair and muss it up into a nest of tangles overnight. Sleeping on silk is a secret that women with textured and curly hair have been using for years to keep styles like braids and blowouts preserved for longer without adding frizz.

Do silk pillowcases keep skin hydrated?

Thanks to that super-smooth texture, this is actually true. Silk's smoothness “means it’s less apt to absorb moisture from skin,” says Schultz, keeping skin nice and hydrated without zapping it of valuable moisture. That makes silk pillowcases great for anyone with dry skin (or for use in dry winter months).

Do silk pillowcases keep hair healthy?

In some ways, yes: They help keep hair hydrated and silk can help with brittle hair. Cotton is more porous than silk, so traditional pillowcases absorb moisture from your hair, while silk leaves that hydration right where it belongs: in your hair. That means if you suffer from dry strands or a flaky scalp, a silk pillowcase will be a godsend.

Can silk pillowcases regulate temperature?

Silk may not be the most cooling bedding option, but it certainly does regulate temperature. According to many researchers, silk fibers are inherently temperature-regulating. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture, silk wicks moisture away to keep you dry and cool all night long.

Do silk pillowcases prevent acne?

Not necessarily. It’s true that silk doesn’t absorb as much moisture as cotton, but you shouldn’t expect it to clear up acne or prevent breakouts. Instead, if you suffer from breakouts or adult acne, you’re better off adopting an acne-clearing skincare regimen (and stop touching your face!).

Are silk pillowcases naturally hypoallergenic?

Unless your allergies are directly related to your bedding, don’t bet on it. The claims that silk is naturally hypoallergenic are “not relevant to most people" If you do suffer from allergies, try adding a mattress protector to your bed to block allergens and environmental irritants, and be sure to regularly wash your bedding.

Can silk pillowcases prevent split ends?

The slippery smooth texture of silk will prevent tangles and frizz, but it can’t prevent hair breakage and damage altogether. Instead, try using a deep conditioner and getting regular trims to prevent split ends.

Do the amino acids in silk pillowcases improve your skin?

Nope. While silk contains amino acids and natural protein (and that amino acids are great for skincare), they can’t be transferred to the skin for any measurable benefit.

Do silk pillowcases really make a difference?

Silk pillowcases can improve skin and hair hydration, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and result in smoother, frizz-free hair every morning. Just don't expect magical results.

How to wash my silk pillowcases?

Many of them can be machine washed, so costly trips to the dry cleaners aren't required. Luala Silk Pillowcases are super easy to care for. You can find out more in our Bedding FAQ's here. We recommend to always gently wash your bedding before use! Wash: Cool machine wash Gentle cycle Mild detergent Dry: Air dry preferred (or low heat tumble) Iron: Warm iron or hover steam

What is the best silk pillowcases?

There isn't one "best" silk pillowcase... But there are certain attributes you should look out for which might be indicators of quality. Silk uses something called 'momme'. Essentially this is an indication of fabric weight and typically ranges between 15-30. If you are looking for luxury silk pillowcases, the range for momme you should shop in is 22 and above. If you are shopping for alternatives to silk pillowcases that use thread count, look for around 300 thread count

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