A silk pillowcase should be washed regularly and changed as often as you change your bedsheets. 'Typically we clean pillowcases and sheets together on a weekly or twice weekly schedule,' says Wayne Edelman. If you can, you should swap out your pillowcases for fresh once every few days.
Silk pillowcases, like your other bed linens, come into direct contact with your skin every night, so it's important to wash them regularly — typically about every seven to ten days. To learn more about washing bed linens, check out this guide to washing and properly caring for bedding.
Silk is too delicate
And while you should take care to protect your silk from snags and tears (for example, by using a mesh laundry bag when washing as we recommend above), good high quality silk sheets and silk pillowcases should last as long as their cotton counterparts.
Silk sheets should also be changed daily if you are sick. Although many experts recommend changing silk sheets weekly, they firmly advise not going more than two weeks between sheet changes to avoid any possible respiratory problems or dust mite infestations.
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!
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.
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.
Can Bed Bugs Live On Silk Sheets? Absolutely not! As mentioned above, Silk is a hypoallergenic fabric that repels mites, bed bugs and other nasty creepy crawlies that find their way into your bed at night.
Because heat can damage silk fibers, it's best to air dry your pillowcases instead. First, roll each pillowcase up in a clean bath towel to remove any excess water. Then, hang the pillowcase on a clothesline, a non-slip hanger, or a drying rack.
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.
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.
Wash the Pillowcase
For pillowcases that are especially delicate, you may want to stop the machine before the spin cycle, which can cause creases and wrinkles. If washing by hand, go for a gentle touch with no twisting or wringing. Silk fabric is strong when it's dry, but much weaker when fibers are wet.
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.
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.
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.
Rule Number One: use shampoo to wash your silks, not dish liquid, woolite, or laundry detergent. Silks (and wool) are protein fibers, just like your hair, so use shampoo. You don't ever want to use Biz on silks. The enzymes are very bad for these protein fibers.
Silk Bedding Resists Dust Mites (and other Allergens) Quite Effectively. Silk bedding is renowned for its luxurious feel and numerous health and wellness benefits like taming tangles, bedhead and wrinkles; keeping hair and skin well-moisturized; and regulating body temperature for comfortable sleep.
Science has shown that silk is a fabric that dust mites find inhospitable. It's an absorbant material that prevents moisture from stagnating on its fibres. Plus dust mites are unable to nest in its fine threads.
Looking for Signs of Bed Bugs
Dark spots (about this size: ), which are bed bug excrement and may bleed on the fabric like a marker would. Eggs and eggshells, which are tiny (about 1mm) and pale yellow skins that nymphs shed as they grow larger.
"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.
Down alternative pillows tend to last approximately 1 to 2 years. Polyester pillows are among the least durable and should be replaced every 6 months to 2 years. Avoid washing latex pillows in a washing machine. You can spot clean stains and hand wash the pillow with warm water and a mild detergent every 2 to 3 months.
The fabric of your pillowcase plays a role in the premature formation of wrinkles and overall skin health. “Silk pillowcases are better for your skin,” Dr. Michael Jacobs, medical technology director at Cortina and a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, previously told HuffPost.