Place all silk items in a fine mesh laundry bag to help keep the silk from tearing or pilling. Wash silk in the delicate or gentle cycle in cool water. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can damage your silk bedding.
The first thing you need to know about how to dry silk pillowcases is that you should never put them in the dryer. The high heat of a dryer — even on a low setting — will destroy the silk's fiber.
What is the life of a silk pillowcase? We have tested the durability and we guarantee that when taken care of, our pillowcases and sleeping masks will serve you for good nine to twelve months. Maybe longer, if you follow the wash care instructions properly.
Yes you can. However, whether your pillowcase is silk or cotton, going to bed with wet hair can attract bacteria. If your silk pillowcase absorbs some of your hair product, you can wash this out as easily as a cotton pillow case in most cases, but keeping in mind that silk is more delicate than cotton.
Silk can either be washed by hand or in the washer. If you decide on using the washer, set the machine to the gentle cycle, and place the silk pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag. This will protect it from snags or rough spots in the machine.
If you find that the sheen of your silk clothing has lost its luster or shimmer and appears to have a white film or looks dull, the silk fibers may have become damaged due to improper cleaning or exposure to too much light or heat.
To restore some of the shine and softness that's been lost, you can give your silk pieces a mild white vinegar bath. White vinegar helps to remove any residual soap in the fibres, and also restores lustre and softness to silk.
Detergent can stiffen silk
Even if you are hand washing your silks are per the instructions, if you are using a detergent, they can become stiff. Using a castile soap like Dr Bronner's instead can help a lot. Even after air drying, though, your silk may still be a bit stiff.
Using too much detergent can leave residue on the fibers, making them feel rough and stiff. This is because detergents can strip the natural oils from the silk, which help to keep the fibers soft and smooth. To avoid this, use a gentle detergent and follow the recommended amount for the size of your load.
Silk is your hair's best friend. "Silk pillowcases are an absolute game-changer as they don't pull and absorb moisture from your hair and your face," says Reslan. "Unlike regular pillowcases, the smooth silk fibers don't cause damage to your hair by creating friction and roughening up your hair's cuticles.
Which one you choose comes down to a few factors, like price and preference. "I like satin more because it's less expensive than silk, but it's also smoother than silk, reducing the friction between the hair strands and the pillowcase," says Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, Trichologist, Ph. D.
Most silk pillowcases on the market range between 19 - 22 momme, but those that are made from 25 momme silk, are superior in quality and durability. Beware of any silk pillowcases where the momme isn't even specified… there's a reason why it's not stated, so stay clear away from these!
As long as you are not washing them with hot water, putting them in the dryer, ironing, or bleaching, silk pillowcases will last (practically) forever.
Silk is a delicate fabric, and you'll want to make sure it stays beautiful even after you've cleaned it. Washing it at too high a heat can cause it to shrink and damage it. It may be worth getting your silk garment professionally dry cleaned to avoid damage if it's particularly precious to you.
Some silk items may lose color or get damaged in the machine. Don't wash silk and delicate fabric with heavy pieces of clothing like jeans. Using a delicates wash bag will protect your silks from any abrasive damage.
Sheen: It's normal for silk to lose a little of its original luster after repeated washing. If your silk looks absolutely dull, you may have used too much detergent which has left a coating. (Of course, double-check to make sure your pillowcase isn't inside out!).
If you have oily hair, a silk pillowcase may not be the best choice, since a cotton pillowcase will absorb oil better, according to Aguirre. Silk pillowcases will be more beneficial if you have dry hair, or are experiencing breakage.
Along with harsh detergents, you should avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or any type of optical brightener when laundering your silk bed sheets and silk pillowcases. These are not good for the silk and can even discolor or damage the silk fibers. Dry cleaning silk is also not necessary.
To restore some of the shine and softness that's been lost, you can give your silk pillowcase a mild white vinegar bath. White vinegar helps to remove any residual soap in the fibres, and also restores lustre and softness to silk.
Wash silk after every few wearings unless it needs freshening and stain removal. Remember that washing your silk clothes at home may put the garments at risk of color fading if cleaned too often. Dry cleaning usually doesn't fade the color of silk clothing as fast as home washing.
Silk is a delicate fabric, and traditional laundry detergents can be too harsh and cause damage. Bleach and fabric softener should also be avoided, as they can also cause the fibers to break down over time. Furthermore, silk should be washed in cold water, as hot water can also cause damage.
Silk should always be treated with the utmost care. Never scrub, wring or twist anything made from silk, as it can cause permanent damage to the fibres that make up the fabric. If you do need to spot clean silk, it's best to wash the entire piece, following the usual instructions.
Fill your container with cold water and add half a cup of vinegar. Soak your silk in the vinegar solution. Rinse in cold water. Lay your silk flat to dry.