How to Wash Silk Pillowcases The Right Way—and Retain Their Sheen and Softness

Silk pillowcases are known as the ultimate luxury when it comes to beauty sleep. As functional as they are aesthetically pleasing, they’re renown for their ultra-soft feel and impossibly smooth fabric that's gentle on hair and skin. But keeping them clean without damaging their delicate fibers takes a bit more thought and care than their cotton counterparts. So, how do you wash silk pillowcases and maintain their signature shine and softness? The answer lies in some easy adjustments and gentle swaps.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your silk pillowcases looking and feeling luxurious for years to come.

How to Hand-Wash Silk Pillowcases

Old-fashioned hand-washing is the best method for cleaning silk. It’s a delicate fabric that requires a little more finesse than your typical wash cycle can provide. Even professional cleaners won't stray from what has been proven to work. "For me, there is truly only one option for washing silk," says owner of Phillips Commercial and Residential Cleaning Service, Stephanie Phillips, who hand-washes these bedding pieces in a delicate detergent. "I have never even tried another method because I swear by this tried-and-true way."

Materials Needed:

• Mild detergent designed for silk (such as Woolite)
• Small basin
• Cool water

Instructions:

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add a few drops of a mild detergent designed for silk or delicate fabrics. 
2. Submerge the pillowcase and gently swish it in the water for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing or wringing.
3. Using cool water, rinse out all the detergent.
4. Lay the pillowcase flat on a clean white towel, then roll it up and press gently to remove most of the water.
5. Air dry flat on a drying rack or hang to dry. 
6. Silk does best when you air dry it out of direct sunlight, so lay it flat or hang on a drying rack in a safe spot.

How to Machine-Wash Silk Pillowcases

While hand-washing is the ideal method for cleaning silk, modern washers are also option if you take the proper precautions. If you prefer using a washing machine to clean your pillowcase, take the following steps to protect the delicate fibers during the cycle. 

Materials Needed:  

• Mild detergent designed for silk
• Mesh laundry bag
• Washer with a delicate, gentle, or hand-wash setting

Instructions:

1. Place the pillowcase into a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric from agitation.
2. Skip the fabric softener and bleach, as these can damage silk fibers. Add a silk-safe detergent to the machine’s detergent dispenser.
3. Select the cold water setting and choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle. Run the washer, allowing the machine to spin most of the water out of the fabric.
4. Air dry flat or hang dry.

How to Remove Stains from Silk Pillowcases

Since we use them daily, pillowcases are exposed to sweat, body oils, and skin and haircare products each night. This may lead to a stain or two that needs a little extra attention. White vinegar is a good choice when it comes to gently treating stains on silk. "If I absolutely have to use a stain remover on silk, I always start with vinegar," explains Phillips.  

Materials Needed:

• White vinegar
• Small basin
• Cool water

Instructions:

1. Following the above steps for hand-washing, fill your basin with a mix of one tablespoon of white vinegar per quart of cool water. (Hot water can set stains.)
2. Submerge the pillowcase and very gently swish to help the fabric release the stain. Repeat this step for several minutes. Rinse with cool water.
3. Lay the pillowcase flat on a clean white towel. Roll it up and press gently to remove most of the water.
4. Unroll and allow to air dry.