How to wash a silk pillowcase properly – expert tips, plus three of our favorites

Once you've made the upgrade to sleeping on a silk pillowcase, there's no going back to cotton covers. 

Silk is a delicate fabric that can be hard to care for. One wrong step in washing your silky sham could completely ruin it. But while caring for a silk pillowcase isn't as easy as putting it in the washer with the rest of your bed sheets, the process isn't as complicated as it seems. 

To make sure your silk pillowcase stays in good condition and that, therefore, your best pillows remain in good condition, too, we've ask laundry experts for their advice, including how to hand wash and machine dry without damaging the properties of the silk. This easy, three-step guide will ensure your silk pillowcase retains its luxury texture, for the freshest sleep surface possible.

How to wash a silk pillowcase

Just like washing pillows, it is possible to wash a silk pillowcase by both machine and by hand. We'd always recommend checking the care label's laundry symbols first, as depending on the type of silk composition, washing guidance may differ. 

Before you start

When it comes to caring for silk – you can apply this to washing bed sheets too – there are some vital cleaning tips you need to follow. 

Wayne Edelman, CEO of high-end dry cleaning service Meurice Garment Care states you should:  ‘wash your silk pillowcase inside out, stay away from hot temperatures and do not use any excessive agitation (do not wring, do not use fabric softeners)’. 

Wayne Edelman

Wayne Edelman is the CEO of high-end dry cleaning service Meurice Garment Care. His father Larry Edelman started working in dry cleaning, the same year he was born. One generation later, Wayne continues his father's legacy, with a keen attention to detail and expert cleaning services. 

1. Pretreat any stains

Silk pillowcases can quickly become stained over time with sweat, makeup, or accidental spills. Whether you're washing by hand, or by machine, you should first pre-treat any marks, for the best results. 

Treat any stains using a neutral detergent solution, like Methods eco-friendly detergent from Amazon. 

‘Add a small amount of detergent directly on the stain and rub with your fingers,’ says Alessandro Gazzo of Emily’s Maids of Dallas, Texas. ‘Do not use bleach in laundry or any other strong chemical product,' as harsh detergents can damage the delicate material. 

2. Wash by hand, or machine

How to a silk pillowcase in the washing machine 

If the care label says you can wash your silk pillowcase in the machine, it's a good idea to put it inside a mesh laundry bag (these, from Amazon, are top-rated) which will protect it from snags and abrasion during the washing cycle.

Make sure to not use hot water, as excessive heat can stretch out the natural fibers and weaken them once they return to their regular state. 

You should ‘set your washing machine to a gentle cycle, with cold water, and use the softest detergent you can find,’ says Steve Evans, owner of house cleaning service Memphis Maids. ‘If you have many pieces of clothing or bed sheets that are made of silk too, you should buy a silk and wool detergent.’ 

We like Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent, available at Amazon.

How to wash a silk pillowcase by hand 

Washing by hand is the best way to wash your silk pillowcase, as you can control how delicate you scrub, and target particular stains. ‘Cool water, gentle hand wash detergent, and sufficient rinsing will provide great results for hand washing silk pillowcases at home,’ says Wayne Edelman. ‘Do not wring out.’

3. Dry completely

Before putting your pillowcase back on your pillows, you should make sure it is completely dry to avoid any mold and mildew build-up. To dry a silk pillowcase, you can lay it flat on a towel. Make sure it is not in direct sunlight, which can bleach the thin fibers. 

Otherwise, check the label as you may be able to use a dryer on a low heat. If you can tumble dry your pillowcase, ‘it is best to remove slightly damp and allow the final drying to occur naturally,’ recommends Wayne Edelman.

4. The best silk pillowcases to replace old ones

If yours are stained beyond saving, these silk pillowcases are fabulous buys, which I have tried, tested, and can heartily recommend, as H&G's sleep expert.

FAQs

Take getting your beauty sleep one step further and get your sleep hygiene up to scratch by washing your silk pillowcase at least once a week. Doing so will keep it in good condition, stain- and bacteria-free.