Care
How to wash a silk pillowcase without ruining it
Silk is easier to care for than its reputation. Follow these rules and it'll stay soft for years.
Silk has a reputation for being high-maintenance. It's really not. It just has a few rules, and once you know them, it takes about five minutes.
Hand washing (the gold standard)
- Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.
- Turn the pillowcase inside out and swish it gently for a few minutes.
- Rinse in cold water until it runs clear.
- Roll it in a towel and press the water out. No wringing.
Machine washing (yes, really)
Use a mesh laundry bag, a delicate cold cycle and a gentle detergent. Wash it with similar colors.
Drying
Hang it to dry, out of direct sunlight. Never, ever tumble dry.
Cold water, gentle soap, no dryer. That's the whole secret.
The don't list
- Bleach or harsh detergents
- Fabric softener
- Hot water
- Wringing or twisting
For the crisp-pillowcase people
Iron it inside out on the lowest silk setting while it's still slightly damp, or give it a quick steam.
The short version
Cold water, gentle detergent, no wringing and no dryer. Hang it to dry out of the sun.
