how to wash a silk pillowcase

Silk pillowcases are undoubtedly the most luxurious bedding. Unlike cotton or linen, silk fiber is made from natural protein fibers spun by silkworms. This gives silk pillowcases a smooth, soft, and lustrous texture that feels gentle against skin and hair.I can really relate to this because I have some fine lines and wrinkles under my eyes. They may not be as severe as I perceive them to be, but they are due to poor sleeping habits. However, when I started using silk pillowcases, the luxurious fabric felt very comfortable and improved my sleep quality tremendously. Even though it can’t cure any medical conditions, I really love the feeling. The indulgent silk makes me look forward to going to bed and I think it has helped diminish some of those wrinkles. While silk pillowcases don’t completely erase lines, the pampering helps me get better rest. I’m grateful for that small luxury that enhances my well-being.

However, the natural proteins that make silk so supple also make it prone to damage from improper washing. Compared with ordinary pillowcases, this high-end fabric requires more care than ordinary cotton or polyester bedding, so we usually need to take more careful care of your pillowcases. Let me do it today Let’s introduce in detail how to clean silk pillowcases correctly, whether by hand washing or machine washing.

Why is my silk pillowcase turning yellow?

chlorine exposure

Chlorine in water, especially high concentrations, can cause silk to turn yellow. This is often a problem in areas with heavily chlorinated water supplies or when chlorinated bleach is used in the washing process.

Incorrect washing method

And if we use water with too high chlorine content to clean silk pillowcases, it will also cause the silk to turn yellow. Therefore, our silk pillowcases can only be cleaned with mild chlorine-free detergent or water with chlorine content.

exposed to sunlight

Ultraviolet rays from sunlight can cause silk to turn yellow. You should avoid exposing silk pillowcases to direct sunlight.

contact stains

Stains such as sebum and hair oil caused by head contact with pillowcases may also penetrate into silk fibers and cause color changes. Clean and remove these stains promptly.

iron decorative contacts

Silk pillowcases may also turn yellow if they come into contact with iron jewelry, decorations, etc. Avoid such contact.

Decreased color fastness

Some silks of poor quality have poor color fastness and will gradually turn yellow after being used for a period of time.

Improper maintenance

If the pillowcase is not cleaned for a long time, the accumulation of stains will also accelerate the yellowing. Clean silk pillowcases regularly and in the correct way.

Therefore it is very important that we clean silk pillowcases

Therefore, in order to prevent silk pillowcases from turning yellow, it is very important to clean silk pillowcases every 1-2 weeks. Moreover, these silk pillowcases are in direct contact with our heads and faces every day, so they will inevitably be contaminated with sebum, hair oil, Cosmetics and other stains. If these stains remain in the silk fibers for a long time, they will not only cause the pillowcase to turn yellow, but also accelerate its wear and tear.

Secondly, stains and odors on silk pillowcases can also affect sleep quality, so although I don’t usually clean them every day, I do wash my silk pillowcases once a week to keep them fresh.

Let’s learn how to wash a silk pillowcase. It is very important to choose the right detergent during the cleaning process. The following are the products I recommend for cleaning silk pillowcases. These are the ones I have used with the best results.

– Baby shampoo or soap, which is designed to be very gentle

– Specialty silk detergents like The Laundress or Kookaburra

– Chemical-free soap nuts or detergent berries

– Diluted hair conditioner or vinegar – about 1 tbsp per 1 gallon of water

– Castile soap or other plant-based liquid soaps

Cleaning steps

Hand Washing Silk Pillowcases

Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water, then add a mild detergent that is specially formulated for washing silk. Turn the silk pillowcase inside out and submerge it in the soapy water. Gently agitate the water to clean the fabric, but do not scrub or rub which can damage the delicate silk fibers. Allow the pillowcase to soak for up to 30 minutes to allow the detergent to dissolve oils and perspiration.

Rinse the pillowcase in cool, clean water until all suds have been removed. Gently press the pillowcase between your hands or against the edge of the sink to remove excess water. No ringing, twisting or wringing which can stretch the fabric. Lay the pillowcase on a clean white towel, roll it up and gently squeeze to absorb moisture. Hang the pillowcase on a line to air dry.

Machine wash

To protect silk when machine washing, first place pillowcases or sheets inside a mesh laundry bag. Wash items of the same color together, but use separate loads for light and dark silk to prevent dye transfer. Set the machine to a cool, delicate cycle and use a mild detergent made specifically for silk. Skip the fabric softener, as it can leave residue on the fabric. However, adding 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser can help remove buildup on silk fibers.

Once washed, promptly remove bedding from the machine to prevent wrinkles from setting in. Hang items on a line to air dry, away from direct sunlight. Avoid the dryer, as the heat can damage silk. For wrinkle-free results, use a handheld garment steamer to gently release any creases.