Silk pillowcases are considered the ultimate in luxury for achieving beauty sleep. Not only are they functional and aesthetically pleasing, but they are also renowned for their ultra-soft feel and exceptionally smooth fabric that is gentle on both hair and skin. However, cleaning them without causing damage to their delicate fibers requires some extra thought and care compared to cotton pillowcases. So, how can you wash silk pillowcases while maintaining their signature shine and softness? The key lies in making some simple adjustments and using gentle techniques.
Here is everything you need to know to ensure your silk pillowcases look and feel luxurious for years to come.
Expert: Stephanie Phillips, owner of Phillips Commercial and Residential Cleaning Service in Nashville, Tenn.
Silk pillowcases are best washed by hand to preserve their delicate fabric. It requires a gentle touch that machine washing may not provide. Even professional cleaners prefer this method for cleaning silk. According to Stephanie Phillips, the owner of Phillips Commercial and Residential Cleaning Service, hand-washing with a delicate detergent is the only method she trusts and swears by for cleaning silk pillowcases effectively.
Materials Needed:
– Mild detergent suitable for silk (e.g., Woolite)
– Small basin
– Cool water
Instructions:
1. Fill a basin with cool water and add a few drops of mild detergent designed for silk or delicate fabrics.
2. Submerge the pillowcase and gently swish it in the water for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing or wringing.
3. Rinse out all the detergent thoroughly with cool water.
4. Lay the pillowcase flat on a clean white towel, roll it up, and press gently to remove excess water.
5. Air dry the pillowcase flat on a drying rack or hang it to dry in a safe spot away from direct sunlight.
Tips:
– Always refer to the laundry care label for the manufacturer’s recommended washing method.
For those who prefer machine washing silk pillowcases, taking proper precautions is essential to protect the delicate fibers. Follow these steps to safely clean silk pillowcases in a washing machine.
Materials Needed:
– Mild detergent suitable for silk
– Mesh laundry bag
– Washer with a delicate, gentle, or hand-wash setting
Instructions:
1. Place the pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag to prevent agitation to the fabric.
2. Avoid using fabric softener and bleach, as these can harm silk fibers. Use a silk-safe detergent in the machine’s detergent dispenser.
3. Select the cold water setting and choose the delicate or hand-wash cycle. Allow the machine to spin most of the water out of the fabric.
4. Air dry the pillowcase flat or hang it to dry.
To tackle stains on silk pillowcases caused by daily use, consider using white vinegar for gentle stain removal.
(Note: The text has been condensed and revised for clarity.)
Expert Phillips suggests using vinegar for this purpose. Materials Needed: White vinegar, small basin, cool water. Related: The Correct Method for Using Vinegar in Laundry—and Its Benefits. Instructions: Follow the instructions above for hand-washing. Fill your basin with a solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar per quart of cool water. (Hot water may set stains.) Submerge the pillowcase and gently swish to help release the stain from the fabric. Repeat for several minutes. Rinse with cool water. Lay the pillowcase flat on a clean white towel. Roll it up and press gently to remove excess water. Unroll and allow to air dry. For more information, refer to the original article on Martha Stewart.
