Hand washing your silk pillowcase will help prevent damage and preserve its lustrous look and feel. This article delivers simple instructions for washing your silk pillowcase by hand.
Key Takeaways
- Hand washing your silk pillowcase is quick, gentle, and helps preserve its beauty.
- Wash your silk pillowcase as often as you would a cotton one—about every 1 to 2 weeks.
- Use lukewarm water and an enzyme-free silk detergent like Heritage Park Silk & Wool Wash.
- Never wring or twist your silk—gently press out water with a towel and air dry away from sunlight.
- Avoid enzyme detergents long-term—they break down natural silk fibers.
- For blood stains, act quickly with cold water and test stain removers on a hidden area first.
Can You Hand Wash Your Silk Pillowcase?
Absolutely! Although all the silk sheets and pillowcases we sell at Mulberry Park Silks can be machine washed, hand washing your silk pillowcase is actually a great idea. It is quick and easy to do and will protect your pillowcase from any type of damage in the washing machine (pro tip: if you are going to machine wash silk pillowcases or silk bedding, always place the silk item in a mesh laundry bag and use a delicate cycle. Also, you never need to dry clean our silk).
How Often Should You Hand Wash a Silk Pillowcase?
Because silk is a relatively delicate fabric, you don’t want to wash it too frequently. However, your silk pillowcase can be washed at roughly the same intervals that you would launder your regular cotton pillowcase or any other sheets. We do always recommend washing our silk products prior to first use.
What Do You Need to Hand Wash a Silk Pillowcase?
To wash your silk pillowcase you will need the following items:
- A sink, utility sink, or basin
- Cool to lukewarm running water
- Two clean towels, or one clean towel and a drying rack
- A gentle detergent formulated for washing silk like Heritage Park Silk and Wool Laundry Detergent. Never use bleach or fabric softener.
How to Hand Wash a Silk Pillowcase
Follow these step-by-step guidelines for successfully hand washing your silk pillowcase:
- Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage the silk fibers. Place the silk pillowcase in the water and gently submerge it.
- Avoid agitating or rubbing the fabric vigorously, as this can cause damage.
- Add a small amount of gentle silk-friendly detergent to the water and swirl the water gently with your hand to ensure the detergent is evenly distributed.
- Allow the pillowcase to soak in the soapy water for a few minutes. This will help loosen any dirt or oils trapped in the fabric.
- Gently swish the pillowcase in the water, moving it around to clean it. Avoid any rough scrubbing or twisting motions.
- Drain the soapy water from the basin or sink and refill with clean, lukewarm water to rinse. Submerge the pillowcase in the clean water and gently swish to remove any remaining detergent. Run the pillowcase under cool water for a final rinse to remove any remaining detergent.
- Gently squeeze excess water from the pillowcase (do not wring). Lay a clean, dry towel flat on a clean surface.
- Place the pillowcase on top of the towel. Roll up the towel with the pillowcase inside, applying gentle pressure to absorb more moisture.
- Unroll the towel and remove the pillowcase. Allow it to air dry on a clean, dry towel or drying rack. Always dry away from direct sunlight.
Lastly, never put your silk pillowcase in the dryer. If necessary, you can iron a silk pillowcase following these directions. You can also put your pillowcase on your pillow while slightly damp and smooth out wrinkles by hand. Any remaining creases should be released in a day or two.
More About Enzyme-Free Detergent and Silk
We always recommend using a mild detergent made for washing pure mulberry silk. When it comes to silk, you also need to choose a detergent that is free from enzymes. Silk—along with wool, cashmere, and alpaca—are natural, protein-based fibers. A detergent with enzymes breaks down protein-based stains; regular washing of silk with such detergent can degrade the fabric. That’s why we recommend enzyme-free options like Heritage Park Silk and Wool, specially formulated for protein-based fabric.
How to Remove Blood Stains from Silk
One of the most common stains on a silk pillowcase is blood. We recommend acting quickly—rinse the stain in very cold water from the “wrong” side to push it out. You can also soak the pillowcase in cold water and/or pre-treat with an enzyme detergent (note: occasional use of an enzyme detergent to remove a stain is usually okay—test first on an inconspicuous area). Learn more about removing blood stains from silk here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I hand wash my Mulberry Park Silks pillowcase instead of machine washing it?
Yes, absolutely! Hand washing is a gentle, effective way to clean your silk pillowcase and helps extend its lifespan. Although, you can wash a silk pillowcase in your machine on a delicate cycle, washing a mulberry silk pillowcase by hand is always a great option as well.
2. How often should I hand wash my silk pillowcase?
Just like cotton, you should wash your silk pillowcase every 1 to 2 weeks, or more often if needed. We also recommend washing before first use.
3. What supplies do I need to hand wash a silk pillowcase?
You’ll need a clean basin or sink, cool to lukewarm water, a silk-safe detergent (like Heritage Park Silk & Wool), and clean towels or a drying rack.
4. Can I use regular laundry detergent on silk?
No, it’s important to use an enzyme-free, silk-specific detergent. Regular detergents with enzymes can break down silk fibers over time.
5. What temperature water should I use?
Always use cool to lukewarm water—never hot—as high temperatures can damage silk.
6. Should I scrub or wring out my silk pillowcase?
No. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, wringing, or twisting. Gently swish in water and press out moisture using a towel.
7. How do I dry my silk pillowcase after hand washing?
Lay it flat on a towel, gently roll to remove excess moisture, then air dry it flat or on a rack—away from direct sunlight.
8. Can I use a dryer to dry my silk pillowcase?
No, silk should never be tumble dried. It’s best to air dry to maintain its integrity and appearance.
9. What if my silk pillowcase has a blood stain?
Act quickly by rinsing with cold water from the reverse side. You may use a silk-safe enzyme detergent for occasional spot treatment—always test first on an inconspicuous area.
10. Why are enzyme-free detergents recommended for silk?
Silk is a protein-based fiber, and enzymes in regular detergents can break down those proteins, weakening the fabric over time.
11. Can I iron my silk pillowcase after washing?
Yes, but use the lowest setting and follow proper silk ironing instructions. Alternatively, place it on your pillow slightly damp and smooth out wrinkles by hand.
12. Is dry cleaning necessary for Mulberry Park Silks pillowcases?
No—our silk products are designed to be washed at home, by hand or on a delicate machine cycle in a mesh bag.
