How to wash silk pillowcases

A practical silk-care checklist

1. Read the label before washing. Check whether the pillowcase requires hand washing, permits machine washing or needs professional cleaning.
2. Choose a suitable detergent. Use a detergent specifically suitable for silk and follow both the detergent directions and the pillowcase label.
3. Separate carefully. Keep silk away from rough fabrics, exposed zips, hooks and fastenings that could snag the surface.
4. Use the permitted temperature and cycle. Do not substitute a generic cotton wash or assume a silk setting on the machine overrides the product's care label.
5. Follow the drying instructions. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. Use a tumble dryer only if the care label explicitly permits it, and follow its specified setting.
6. Store completely dry. Fold into a clean, dry place away from prolonged direct light.

Can silk pillowcases go in the washing machine?

Only if the selected product's care label permits machine washing. When permitted, use the stated cycle, temperature and spin guidance. A suitable laundry bag and separating delicate items can help avoid contact with fastenings, but they do not make a hand-wash-only product machine washable.

Momme describes silk fabric weight. A number such as 16 or 19 momme is useful product information, but there is no universal under-20-momme rule that determines washing method.

What if the label says hand wash?

Follow the label's water temperature, detergent and handling instructions. Handle the fabric gently and rinse as directed. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, twisting or wringing, and support the wet fabric when lifting it.

How should you treat stains?

Use only a treatment suitable for silk and permitted by the care instructions. Do not assume a homemade vinegar, lemon, talcum-powder or fabric-softener mixture is safe for the fibre or dye. For a difficult stain or colour-transfer concern, ask a professional cleaner experienced with silk and show them the care label.

Drying and ironing

Follow the specific label for drying position, light exposure and ironing. A no-heat dryer setting is not automatically safe for every silk pillowcase. Do not use a dryer simply because the pillowcase feels robust or has a higher momme rating.

How often should you wash a silk pillowcase?

Include pillowcases in a regular bedding-care routine and wash sooner when soiled. Keep a spare so you can change it without rushing the drying process. Silk is a fabric choice, not a treatment for a skin condition or allergy.

If the label is missing or unclear, contact our team with the product name before washing.

Explore silk pillowcases · Check pillowcase sizes

Make a care card for the pillowcase you own

Before the first wash, note the product name and photograph its sewn-in label. Keep the permitted wash method, detergent guidance, drying method and ironing instructions together. This is especially useful when pillowcases that look similar have different fibres or finishes.

1. Confirm the case is silk rather than polyester satin.
2. Check whether the label permits hand washing, machine washing or professional cleaning.
3. Choose only the detergent, treatment and settings permitted for that item.
4. Allow enough time for the specified drying method; keep a spare case if helpful.

The Silver silk product shown is a specific current example, not a washing rule for every silk case. If the care label and a general website instruction differ, ask our team to confirm before washing.

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Find the pieces that suit your bed

Bring the comparison to life with these selected products. Check the available sizes, composition, measurements, care and included pieces on the product page.

Silk Pillowcase Silver

A silver silk pillowcase example. The listing specifies 100% mulberry silk, 16 momme, a zip closure and one 48 × 73 cm case per pack. Follow the label supplied with your item.

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