Knowing how to wash silk pillowcases properly will help ensure the fabric's longevity and continued softness. 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.
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.
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.
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.
We recommend line drying your pillowcase for best results, but take care to keep it out of high temperatures and direct sunlight, which can damage the fibers and may cause color fading. In general, high temperatures aren't compatible with silk. Other tips: Don't wring out your silk.
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.
If you notice your silk pillowcases are becoming stained or discolored over time, it's likely a buildup of detergent or bodily fluids on the fabric.
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.
Exposing your garment to long bursts of sunlight can cause the colors to fade or even damage your silk fabrics. Do not tumble dry. Silk is very delicate and the high temperatures of the tumble dryer can shrink or damage your silks.
Are silk pillowcases worth it? Yes! Not only do they feel great to sleep on, silk pillowcase benefits also include smoother hair and smoother skin.
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!
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.
"Silk doesn't absorb or pull moisture from your skin the way traditional cotton pillowcases do, leaving hair hydrated and frizz-free." Plus, according to Richy Kandasamy, a hair colorist and a member of R+Co Collective, resting your head on this fabric will keep textured hair fresher and less "slept on" upon waking.
Silk pillows apparently help your hair control sebum; traditional, cotton pillowcases soak up sebum overnight, making our scalp produce more to compensate for what has been lost.
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.
Don't put silk items in the dryer. Heat can damage delicate silk fibers. If the dryer is absolutely necessary to use only 'air' setting for 15 minutes or less with NO fabric sheets or dryer balls. Remove sheets before completely dry.
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.
Don't forget that silk loses much of its strength when it's wet and wringing it out will damage it. Lay out each wet piece on a clean, dry towel and roll it up. The excess water will soak into the towel. To finish drying, lay the garment flat.
Sun and Water Damage. Silk is highly susceptible to damage from the elements. Even a tiny bit of water can leave a visible stain that's impossible to get rid of. And sunlight weakens the fibers of silk, resulting in tearing and fading.
How to Wash Silk. Wash white and colorfast silks in tepid water—no warmer than your skin—with a mild detergent. Add 1/4 cup of white vinegar in the first rinse to remove soap residue and restore luster to the fabric. Then rinse thoroughly with water one final time.
Do not wring or twist your silk garment while it is in the water, as silk gets weaker when wet, and the garment may lose shape. And do not soak silk in water for long periods of time, since this may cause eventual fading of the color.
If the tags on your silk clothing say “Dry Clean Only,” you should not attempt to remove the stain yourself, but instead should take the garment directly to a professional dry cleaning company.
The enzymes in saliva will also dry brown, and this is often the cause of brown stains on pillowcases. Saliva stains can look unpleasant, but the good news is that these stains are easy to remove as they do not contain as much oil as sweat.