How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase | Silkora

Why Silk Needs Special Washing

A silk pillowcase is not just any fabric. It’s a luxurious, natural material that cares for your skin and hair while you sleep. Thanks to its smooth fiber structure and skin-like pH level, silk helps reduce wrinkles, irritation, dryness, and hair breakage.

But to maintain those benefits, silk must be wash the right way. Regular detergents or high temperatures can damage its protein structure, causing dullness, wear, or even tearing.

What Makes Silk So Delicate?

• Silk is a protein fiber, just like your skin and hair.
• It has a natural pH of around 5 — just like your skin.
• It’s breathable, antibacterial, and super soft… if treated well.

In short: treat your silk pillowcase like a luxury beauty product — not like regular bedding.

How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase

✔ Hand Wash (Recommended)

1. Fill a bowl or basin with lukewarm water (max. 30°C)
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent for silk or wool
   Tip: Baby shampoo (like Zwitsal) is a good alternative
3. Let the pillowcase soak for 3–5 minutes
4. Gently move it through the water, don’t rub or wring
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
6. Press out excess water with a towel, without twisting

✔ Machine Wash (Possible with Caution)

1. Place the pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag
2. Turn the pillowcase inside out
3. Use the delicate or silk cycle
4. Max. 30°C and max. 400 RPM spin speed
5. Wash separately — especially dark or red colors
6. Rinse the drum beforehand (leftover detergent can damage the silk)

Pro tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the final rinse to help set the color.

What to Absolutely Avoid

• ❌ Bleach
• ❌ Fabric softener
• ❌ Regular detergents with enzymes, perfume, or brighteners
• ❌ Water hotter than 30°C
• ❌ Tumble dryer
• ❌ Direct sunlight
• ❌ Rubbing, wringing, or high-speed spin cycles
• ❌ Laundry bags made from rough material

How to Dry a Silk Pillowcase

1. Do not wring — press out excess water with a towel
2. Lay flat or hang to dry, away from direct sunlight
3. No heaters, no tumble dryers
4. Silk dries quickly — usually within a few hours

Tip: Hang the pillowcase over a door or rack with a towel underneath to prevent creasing.

And Ironing? Yes, but Gently

• Only iron on the lowest heat (silk setting)
• Iron on the inside or place a cloth between the iron and fabric
• Iron when slightly damp for best results
• Don’t use steam unless your iron is silk-safe

Frequently Asked Questions

🟢 Does silk shrink?

Yes, slightly — but if you follow the care instructions, the shape will stay intact. Quality brands account for first-wash shrinkage.

🟢 Can silk discolor?

Yes, especially light colors after long contact with sweat. This happens with all fabrics. Alternate sides regularly.

🟢 How often should I wash it?

For acne-prone skin: every 2–3 days. For normal use: once a week. Wash promptly — stains become harder to remove if left too long.

🟢 How do I remove stains?

Rinse bloodstains immediately with cold water. For older stains: apply silk detergent or baby shampoo, let sit for 10 minutes, then wash.

Summary: How to Keep Silk at Its Best

Step	Key Tip
Washing	Hand wash or delicate cycle, max. 30°C
Detergent	pH-neutral, no enzymes or fragrance
Drying	Air dry, don’t wring, avoid sunlight
Ironing	Lowest setting, inside out, slightly damp
Avoid	Bleach, fabric softener, dryer, high heat

Extend the Life of Your Silk Pillowcase

With the right care, your Silkora silk pillowcase will stay beautiful, soft, and effective for skin and hair for years to come.

✨ See our care instructions on the product page

Sleep clean. Sleep silky soft.