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 is the gentlest way to wash silk — but machine washing works too.Whether you hand wash your silk pillowcase, silk sheets, or other silk bedding in a basin of lukewarm water, or machine wash silk on a delicate cycle in a mesh bag, the key is always using a gentle, enzyme-free silk laundry detergent and cool water. Never dry clean unless the care label specifically requires it — our silk is designed to be washed at home.
How you dry and care for silk matters just as much as how you wash it.After washing, gently press out excess water with a clean towel — never wring or twist. Always air dry silk away from direct sunlight, and never put it in the dryer. If needed, you can iron silk on the lowest setting, or simply smooth it by hand while slightly damp.
The right detergent protects your silk fibers for the long term.Silk is a delicate, protein-based fabric, which means regular laundry detergent with enzymes will break down silk fibers over time. Always use a mild detergent or dedicated silk detergent — such as Heritage Park Silk & Wool — that is pH-neutral, enzyme-free, and specifically formulated for washing silk garments and bedding.
How To Hand Wash Your Real Silk Pillowcases
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 atMulberry 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 amesh laundry bag and use a delicate cycle. Also, you never need to dry clean our silk).
Whether you choose to hand wash or use a washing machine, the most important thing is that you know how to wash silk correctly — using the right water temperature, detergent, and technique to protect the delicate fibers.
Before you begin, always check the care label on your pillowcase; it will confirm whether your item can be hand washed or requires any special handling, and following it closely will help you clean silk safely and effectively.
Choosing the right silk laundry detergent is just as important as your washing method. Always opt for a gentle, pH-neutral, enzyme-free silk laundry detergent specifically formulated for delicate protein-based fabrics like mulberry silk.
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.
When it comes to how to wash silk pillowcases, following each of these steps carefully is the key to keeping your pillowcase soft, lustrous, and in beautiful condition wash after wash.
To properly dry silk after hand washing, lay it flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight ; never put it in the dryer, as heat will damage the natural fibers and shorten the life of your pillowcase. If you ever need to iron silk, turn the pillowcase inside out, use the lowest heat setting, and move the iron quickly across the fabric and always place a clean white cloth between the iron and the silk.
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:
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. You may also be able to use these steps on other silk fabric. Always read the care label on silk clothes, as much silk clothing is washable. If so, use the same protocol for silk garments and be sure to wash silk clothes in a fine mesh laundry bag
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.
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.
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.
What temperature water should I use? Always use cool to lukewarm water—never hot—as high temperatures can damage silk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. There is no need to visit a dry cleaner for routine care; simply follow our washing instructions at home and your silk pillowcase will stay beautiful for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to wash silk — whether you're dealing with a silk pillowcase, silk scarf, silk skirt, or other silk garments — is to hand wash in cool to lukewarm water using an enzyme-free silk laundry detergent. To hand wash, fill a clean basin with lukewarm water, add a small amount of silk detergent, submerge the silk item, and gently swish without rubbing or scrubbing. You can also machine wash silk on a delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag. Either way, always check the care label first, and never use a regular laundry detergent with enzymes, as these break down the natural silk fibers over time. Dry cleaning is not necessary for most silk bedding and silk clothing — washing silk at home is perfectly safe when done correctly.
Yes — you can machine wash silk pillowcases, silk sheets, and silk bedding on a delicate cycle using cool water and a gentle detergent, as long as you place the silk item in a mesh laundry bag first. That said, hand washing is always the gentler option and is especially recommended for more delicate silk garments like silk clothing, a silk scarf, or a silk skirt. Machine washing is perfectly fine for regular care of silk bedding, while hand washing gives you the most control and reduces any risk from the washing machine. What matters most in either case is using the right silk laundry detergent, the right water temperature, and avoiding any harsh agitation.
Water temperature matters a great deal when washing silk. Always use cool to lukewarm water — never hot. Hot water can shrink, warp, and permanently damage silk fibers, dulling the fabric's natural luster. Cool water is ideal for a final rinse, while lukewarm water is best for the main wash as it helps the detergent distribute evenly without stressing the delicate fabric. This applies whether you are hand washing a silk pillowcase or running silk garments through a washing machine on a delicate cycle. Warm water is only acceptable if the care label specifically permits it — when in doubt, always go cooler.
Always use a mild detergent that is specifically formulated for silk — such as Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergnte or a comparable silk laundry detergent. The most important thing to look for is an enzyme-free formula. Silk is a natural, protein-based fabric, and enzymes found in most standard laundry detergents are designed to break down protein-based stains — which means they will gradually break down your silk fibers too with repeated washing. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and anything harsh. Products like Woolite Delicates can work in a pinch, but a dedicated silk detergent is always the best choice for keeping silk clothes, silk garments, and silk bedding in top condition long-term.
To properly dry silk after hand washing or machine washing, lay the silk item flat on a clean dry towel, roll it gently to absorb excess water, then unroll and air dry on a rack or flat surface — always away from direct sunlight, which can fade and weaken silk fibers. Never tumble dry silk in a dryer, as heat will damage the natural fibers and shorten the life of your silk garment or bedding. To iron silk, turn the item inside out, use the lowest heat setting, keep the iron moving, and always place a clean white cloth between the iron and the silk fabric. Alternatively, place the silk item on your pillow or a hanger while slightly damp and smooth out wrinkles by hand — most creases will release on their own within a day or two.
Treating stains on silk requires a gentle, quick approach. For most stains, pre-soaking the silk item in cool water and applying a small amount of silk-safe detergent directly to the stained area is your best first step — always test on a hidden area of the garment first. For blood stains specifically, act immediately: rinse the stain with cold water from the reverse side of the fabric to push it out rather than set it in. You can use a small amount of white vinegar diluted in cold water as a gentle pre-treatment, or carefully apply an enzyme detergent for occasional spot treatment only — not for regular washing, as enzymes degrade silk fibers over time. Avoid rubbing the stain aggressively, as this will damage the delicate fabric. For stubborn stains, consult a professional dry cleaner who specializes in silk rather than attempting to force the stain out at home.
Mulberry Park: Accessible and Affordable Luxury Silk
We founded Mulberry Park with one simple mission: to design the highest quality silk items in the market and offer them at an affordable price. And we've done just that, with a full range of silk products made from 100% pure mulberry long strand silk fabric. The silk fabric used for our silk sheets and silk pillowcases has also been OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified to be tested for over 1000 harmful chemicals.
Visit us online or call us at (800) 860-1924 to learn more about our silk sheets, silk pillowcases, duvet covers and shams, and real silk accessories including sleep masks, travel pillows, and silk hair scrunchies.
Featured Products
Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Fragrance Free
$11.99 USD - $38.99 USD
Heritage Park Premium Fine Mesh Laundry Bags
$17.00 USD - $22.00 USD
Heritage Park Silk Care Laundry Bundle
$43.99 USD - $43.99 USD
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