How to wash a silk pillowcase

Liana Mikah / Unsplash

Beauty sleep is a real thing. We all need deep, restful sleep to maintain good health and refresh our bodies. One of the best tools for maintaining shiny hair and a healthy complexion after a night’s sleep is a silk pillowcase.

How Often to Wash Silk Pillowcases

Sleep can be a dirty business. Every skincare product you use and the soil on your face and hair are transferred to your pillowcase. Even if you shower before bed, you should still wash your pillowcase weekly. More frequent washing should be done if you have problems with acne or other skin conditions or if you are suffering from a cold or another virus. Having extra pillowcases on hand is a great idea for busy weeks when laundry days can get delayed.

Project Metrics

Depending on how soiled your item is, the time it takes to clean a silk pillowcase can vary.

Working time: 15 minutes

Total time: 2 hours

Skill level: Intermediate

What You’ll Need

Supplies

• Cold water
• Gentle detergent
• Distilled white vinegar

Tools

• Washer or sink
• Mesh laundry bag (optional)
• Drying rack
• Iron

Instructions

Choose Between Hand Washing and Machine Washing

Silk can either be washed by hand or in the washer. If you decide on using the washer, use the gentle cycle and place the silk pillowcase in a mesh laundry bag. This will protect it from snags from zippers, hook and loop fasteners, or rough spots in the machine.

When handwashing, go for a gentle touch with no twisting or wringing. Silk fabric is strong when dry but is weaker when the fibers are wet.

Use a Gentle Detergent

Some detergents are simply too harsh for silk and will leave it feeling rough and scratchy. Choose a gentle detergent like a wool wash that can clean well but protect the fibers.

For hand washing, use about one teaspoon per sink basin. In the washer, two tablespoons to one-fourth cup should be used depending on the size of the laundry load.

Pretreat Stains

You may find makeup or bodily fluids on your silk pillowcase, so always check for stains before you toss it in the washer or hand wash. Simply work a tiny dab of the detergent into the stained area with your fingers. Let the detergent work on the area for at least 15 minutes before washing. This will give it time to break apart the stain molecules. Then wash as usual.

• Skip the chlorine bleach. This chemical can be very harmful to silk and will permanently damage the fibers. Silk can actually dissolve in chlorine bleach.
• Try to also avoid stain removers that may contain bleach. If used, you’ll see yellowing and breakage of fibers.

Use Cold Water

Cold water is the best choice for washing silk. Hot water can distort the fibers.

Add Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle

Whether you are hand washing or using the washer, always add some distilled white vinegar to the rinse water. The vinegar will help remove any soapy residue in the silk fibers and leave it silky smooth.

For hand washing, use about one-fourth cup in the rinse water. In your washer, add one-half cup to one cup of vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser depending on the size of the load.

Avoid a Hot Dryer

Remember, silk and high temperatures are not compatible. The best way to dry your pillowcase is on a drying rack away from direct heat sources and sunlight. If you are in a hurry, tumble dry on the lowest heat setting of your dryer and remove the pillowcase while still slightly damp and let it finish air-drying.

Storing

When storing silk pillowcases, never fold into a tight square with sharp creases. This can weaken fibers. Create a soft fold or roll the pillowcase before placing it on a shelf where it will not be crushed.

Ironing Silk Pillowcases

If you feel your pillowcase is overly wrinkled, it can be ironed on the lowest temperature setting on your iron. Always use a pressing cloth or clean, white cotton cloth between the iron and the silk to prevent scorching. Burned silk fibers cannot be restored. Always iron flat and never press in sharp creases.

What Are the Benefits of a Silk Pillowcase?

Silk is a natural fiber produced by silkworms that feed on mulberry leaves and then spin a cocoon made of long, lustrous fibers. The cocoons are boiled in water to release the fibers that are then spun into thread for weaving. Silk fabrics are strong, resilient to wrinkling, absorbent, hypoallergenic, and can be woven to a slippery, smooth finish. Those qualities make silk fabrics perfect for bedding.

The number one question asked when looking to invest in a silk pillowcase is “How do I wash my silk pillowcase?” or “Can I wash my silk pillowcase in the washing machine?”

Unlike silk clothing which is often manufactured using a light low momme silk fabric and requires dry – cleaning only, all of the Shhh Silk pillowcases and sleep caps are designed using a high grade silk fabric which means you are able to wash your Shhh Silk products in the washing machine. (Hallelujah – I hear you say).

Follow these simple steps to prolong the life of your silk pillowcase or silk sleep cap:

1. Turn your silk pillowcase inside out or place inside an old pillowcase or laundry bag to protect your silk during the wash cycle.

2. Place your silk pillowcase in the washing machine on a cold or warm delicate cycle with a maximum water temperature of 30C.

3. Use a laundry detergent that does not contain enzymes or bleach as this will damage your silk pillowcase.

4. Line dry out of direct sunlight.

5. Place straight on your pillow and enjoy your beauty sleep.

TIP: If you want your silk pillowcase to keep its natural silky shine we recommend hand washing your silk pillowcase for the first few washes before following our steps above.

The number one question asked when looking to invest in a silk pillowcase is “How do I wash my silk pillowcase?” or “Can I wash my silk pillowcase in the washing machine?”

Unlike silk clothing which is often manufactured using a light low momme silk fabric and requires dry – cleaning only, all of the Shhh Silk pillowcases and sleep caps are designed using a high grade silk fabric which means you are able to wash your Shhh Silk products in the washing machine. (Hallelujah – I hear you say).

Follow these simple steps to prolong the life of your silk pillowcase or silk sleep cap:

1. Turn your silk pillowcase inside out or place inside an old pillowcase or laundry bag to protect your silk during the wash cycle.

2. Place your silk pillowcase in the washing machine on a cold or warm delicate cycle with a maximum water temperature of 30C.

3. Use a laundry detergent that does not contain enzymes or bleach as this will damage your silk pillowcase.

4. Line dry out of direct sunlight.

5. Place straight on your pillow and enjoy your beauty sleep.

If you want your silk pillowcase to keep its natural silky shine we recommend hand washing your silk pillowcase for the first few washes before following our steps above.

Enjoy your beauty sleep.

*Helpful Tip*

If you have tough stains on your silk pillowcase, pre-soak it in a Wash Tub Basin before putting it in the washing machine.

Your pure silk pillowcases and silk sheets are washable and it’s easy to do! There’s no need for expensive dry cleaning. You can opt for machine or hand washing following the instructions below. Closely adhering to these guidelines from Mulberry Park Silks can keep your sheets and pillowcases beautiful and luxurious for years to come.

How to Care for your brand-new silk pillowcases and silk sheets – The first wash

When you unbox your sheets, read and follow the care directions. You’ll discover that silk is actually quite simple to care for, and requires only a bit of extra attention.

• Wash your new sheets before using, preferably by hand in cold water; a machine wash on a cold delicate cycle is also acceptable.
• Silk should always be laundered separately in a SILK-ONLY LOAD. All silk items should be washed in mesh laundry bags using a gentle detergent (preferably one formulated for silk).
• Line dry your sheets outside or hang indoors but in either case, keep them OUT OF SUNLIGHT. We don’t recommend putting sheets in the dryer; if you must do so, use only the “air” setting. Silk dries quickly; check every few minutes and add only the time necessary to dry.

Download (PDF) of our Washing Instructions for Silk Pillowcase and Silk Sheets

How to Choose the Right Detergent for Silk

Whether you choose to hand wash or use a washing machine, choosing a gentle detergent is an absolute necessity. Remember that silk is a natural fiber (this is part of what makes it so great for sensitive skin!). Washing it in detergents that are either too acidic or too alkaline will cause those fibers to harden. That’s why we recommend a detergent with neutral pH that is specially formulated for silk, like those from Heritage Park Laundry Essentials. This will help maintain the integrity of your fabric with every wash.

What Products to Avoid When Caring for Silk

Along with harsh detergents, you should avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or any type of optical brightener when laundering your silk sheets and pillowcases. These are not good for the silk and can even discolor or damage the silk fibers. Dry cleaning silk is also not necessary. In most cases, you can wash everything from a silk pillowcase to a duvet cover either by hand or in your machine at home.

How to Wash Silk Bed Linen

The basics of washing silk bedding

Wash silk in a separate, silk-only, load. Turn silk pillowcases inside out before laundering, and place all silk items in fine mesh laundry bags to help keep the silk from tearing. This is particularly important if your machine has an agitator mechanism. Silk is light and delicate; it can sometimes get caught under the agitator and tear and pull. The agitator and the inside of your machine can also have tiny nicks, burrs, and rough edges caused by other laundry items like zippers or buttons. A mesh wash bag will help protect your sheets from damage.

• Always launder silk separately in a ‘silk-only’ load
• Turn pillowcases inside out
• Use a mesh laundry bags when washing your silk bedding

Best wash cycle for silk

Wash silk in cold water. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (29 Celsius) can damage silk significantly. It is best to wash all silk products in cold water. Don’t use bleach, which will harm the fabric and cause it to yellow, or fabric softener which can leave residue on the fabric. The natural thread fibers of silk and our specialized charmeuse weaving technique create the softest silk available. Fabric softener is unnecessary and will leave an unpleasant residue on the fabric.

• Wash sheets and pillowcases in cold water
• No bleach or fabric softener

How to hand-wash silk pillowcases and silk sheets

You can absolutely hand wash your silk sheets and pillowcases. In fact, hand-washing is preferable to dry cleaning. Wash your silk items by themselves in cold water. Use only a gentle laundry soap formulated for silk. Submerge items and gently agitate with your hand; don’t rub or scrub. Thoroughly rinse out all soap.

How to dry silk pillowcases and silk sheets

Never wring out your silk items. Roll them in white towels to blot, or lay white towels out on the bed and blot sheets on top of them. Line or hang dry your silk — outdoors or inside — to preserve the fabric. Use a clothesline, a non-slip hanger, or a drying rack out of direct sunlight. Never put silk in direct sunlight, outdoors or inside. Exposure to sunlight can damage the silk fibers and may cause colors to fade, especially in darker colored silk.

Avoid wooden drying racks that can leech dyes or stains into silk. Your silk should dry in about 45 minutes depending on temperature and conditions. Don’t put silk items in the dryer. Heat can damage delicate silk fibers. If the dryer is absolutely necessary to use only ‘air’ setting for 15 minutes or less with NO fabric sheets or dryer balls. Remove sheets before completely dry.

• Don’t wring or twist silk – blot with white towel instead
• Line or hang dry AWAY from sunlight
• Avoid direct sunlight — indoors or out
• Don’t use dryer

Ironing silk

Ironing is not always necessary. All silk products wrinkle after washing, but the threads will start to relax and straighten after a few nights’ uses. If you prefer to iron, we recommend ironing just your pillowcases (since they’re all that show!) on the lowest setting available.

Always iron sparingly, only on the coolest setting with sheets and pillowcases inside out. A light steam will enable the iron to glide smoothly over the fabric. You can also place a cloth between the iron and your silk item.

• Ironing not always necessary
• Consider just pillowcases
• Iron sparingly, coolest setting, inside out

How to Store Silk Bedding

Store silk carefully in breathable plastic bags, away from direct sunlight, with moth repellent lavender sachets or cedar balls.

• Breathable bag
• Away from sunlight
• Lavender sachets/cedar balls

The Best Products for Washing Silk Sheets and Pillowcases

Investing in a few helpful products can make caring for your silk bedding much easier.

Fine Fabric Wash: Fine Silk and Wool Detergent from Heritage Park Laundry Essentials is the ultimate laundry soap for fine textiles such as silk and wool. It cleans gently and effectively without causing damage and maintains the integrity of silk, wool, linen, and other natural fibers.

Fine Mesh Wash Bags: Using a laundry wash bag will certainly help to keep your silk pillowcases from tearing especially if you use a washing machine that has an agitator mechanism. The light fabric of silk can sometimes catch underneath the agitator causing it to tear and pull apart the pillowcase. Wash bags will help to keep your pillowcase from getting caught. For the best results, we recommend a fine mesh wash bag.

As we noted, you should not use harsh stain removers, brighteners, or fabric softeners. You can pre-treat stains with fabric wash prior to laundering. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding caring for your silk items; we are here to help!

We all need deep, restful sleep to maintain good health and refresh our bodies. One of the best tools for maintaining shiny hair and a healthy complexion after a night’s sleep is a silk pillowcase.

Sleeping on a silk pillowcases offers benefits well beyond the sheer glamour of it all. If your hair is prone to frizziness, the silk will help to keep your locks from becoming overly dry. And for those who are prone to acne, dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases as a way to reduce blemishes. Dry clean can prolong the lifespan of silk, but it can also be achieved if you follow the instructions for washing silk.

Silk is a natural fibre and washing in a solution that’s too acidic or alkaline can cause the silk to harden in a single wash. If you can’t find a detergent that specifies ph level then just go for one that specifies silk. Do not use bleach products.

Another important factor is water temperature. Even just slightly above 30 degrees Centigrade or 85 degrees Fahrenheit can change silk dramatically. The safest method if your machine doesn’t specify exact heat settings is either cold or just one level above cold.

If you wish to maximize the life of your pillowcase, hand washing is the ultimate method. The gentler you wash your slip pillow case, the longer it will keep its sheen. The shinier it is, the better it will ‘slip’, which is one of the benefits to its health and beauty qualities. The same goes for drying your pillowcase, do not place in tumble dryer.

Go through the above steps and clean your silk pillowcases with enough care, you’ll find that silk pillowcases can also last for many years.

Useful Tips and Instructions

Silk cases for pillows are something every housewife is dreaming about! Soft and cool to the touch, they will refresh any interior and make it look more expensive and stylish.

No wonder that those who already have them ask how to wash the silk pillowcase.

Well, we hope that this article will give you a hand in this situation and allow to prevent the silky items of yours from faded colors and dull look.

Taking Care of Silk. Nuances and Specifics

Natural silk is a very demanding fabric as it requires a gentle treatment because of its fragile structure.

There are sorts of silk that are washable and others that must be dry-cleaned only. To figure out what kind of silk your apparel is made of, simply check the label or ask about it in the store where the item was purchased.

Taking care of silk is also quite a tricky thing to do. As you probably know, silk items are very sensitive to sunlight that is why it is strongly recommended to keep them away from the direct and strong sunshine.

Another problematic issue with silk is that some kinds of it lack colorfastness. Respectively, if being washed, these items will color all the other apparel in the load. Because of this, you’d better check your colored silk apparel before loading the wash: wet a small piece of the silk fabric and press it to the white cloth. If the white will get colored, then washing is prohibited.

This is the reason why silk is best to be washed by hand using a mild washing agent and lukewarm water. As for drying, rinse the apparel thoroughly, then roll in a clean dry towel to delete the surplus liquid and hang to dry.

And pay your attention to the fact that silk can’t be bleached, wrung or boiled by no means!

How to Wash Silk Pillowcases Correctly.

Now that you are aware of the basic rules and terms of taking care of silk fabric, the time has come to take a closer look at the silk pillowcases.

Washing a silk pillowcase is something that often bothers people, especially if they have never had to deal with silk items before.

To save you from panic and teach you how to take care of these demanding items, we have prepared several easy but very useful silk washing instructions that you’d better memorize meticulously.

Photo by ika dam on Unsplash

How often should you wash silk pillowcases?

Silk cases for pillows need to be washed every week as the skincare products we use during the day can leave marks on their smooth surface even if we take shower before going to bed!

• First of all, choose whether you will wash the pillowcases by hand or in the machine.
• If you picked the latter variant, the best detergent for a silk pillowcase is either the special one meant for silk or the one like a wool wash. Harsh agents will most likely ruin the fabric.
• Set the washer to the gentle cold-water cycle and launder the cases in a special bag. For rinsing, use some white vinegar to preserve the fabric’s smoothness.

Photo by Victor Hughes on Unsplash

Remember to pre-treat any blots and dirty marks before you toss the items to the barrel! However, avoid using bleach and stain removers because they are too traumatic for silk.

• If it so happened that you are washing silk pillowcases by hand, use the same washing agent as for the automatic wash, approximately one small spoon per sink basin.
• Don’t rub or twist the items. Silk becomes weak when being wet and the fabric can easily be ruined.
• Wash in cold water.
• While rinsing, add some distilled white vinegar to delete the soap surplus and keep the fabric smooth.

Photo by Sebastian Herrmann on Unsplash

A common rule for both hand wash and machine wash is that silk items must be dried away from the direct heat or sunlight. Simply roll the pillowcases in a dry towel to delete the liquid and hang them to dry.

The tumble dryer can be used only in urgent cases and only at the lowest heat regime.

For ironing, use a silk setting if your iron has it or simply set it to the lowest heat setting and use a pressing cloth (it is OK to replace it with a clean white cotton cloth if you don’t have a special one for ironing) to prevent the fabric from burns.

These easy tips will allow you not only to clean the silk cases correctly but also will let you keep them soft and smooth as if they are recently bought.

How to Wash Satin Pillowcases?

Satin is often used as a replacement for silk items, especially because natural pure silk is rather expensive.

The main difference between these two fabrics is that satin is a woven fabric, whereas silk is a natural one. Also, silk is stronger and it has a more shimmering appearance compared to satin which is more like glossy with a dull backside.

As for the washing requirements, satin and silk must be washed the same way.

Use a mild washing agent meant for delicate fabrics and set the machine to the gentle cold-water cycle.

Using a special laundry bag would be great because it will prevent the fabric from any shape-twisting and ruination.

Never bleach or wring the satin pillowcases (the same as any other items of this fabric) and always hang-dry them away from the direct and strong sunlight or heat.

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

Taking into account these simple tips about how to clean silk pillowcase will let you keep them fresh-looking and glossy longer so that you could enjoy their soft and gentle touch.

Remember that proper care and treatment will contribute greatly to the extension of the lifespan of the silk items and will give you two significant benefits.

First of all, the properly treated silk pillowcases will serve you longer which means that you will not have to buy the new ones sooner than needed, and the second benefit is that when being washed correctly in accordance with all the advised tips, the silk pillowcases will keep their appearance and qualities longer.

April 2, 2018 By: Stephanie comment

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Recently Eddie and I switched to silk pillowcases. (I know, I feel so fancy now.) There was only one problem: I had no idea how to hand wash a silk pillowcase. I knew they were supposed to be much better for your skin and your hair than other fabrics, but immediately after I bought them I realized that laundry was going to be an issue.

But now I do know what to do. And just in case you aren’t sure how to wash your new pillowcase either, I’m here to help. I’m also going to include my Amazon affiliate links to the products I mention for your convenience. Ok, here we go….

How to Hand Wash A Silk Pillowcase

First, I feel obligated to tell you that the safest way to clean silk is to have it professionally dry cleaned. But I’m personally not going to do that every time I want to wash my silk pillowcase. This is the method I use at home, and it only takes about five minutes!

You Will Need:

• A gentle detergent like Woolite (make sure it is clear)
• A clean bowl or bucket (or a clean sink or tub)
• Cold Water
• White vinegar

Directions:

1. Fill your bowl with cold water and add a small amount of detergent. (You could use a plastic spoon and do a spoonful if you want to measure, but I just pour in a tiny bit.)
2. Place your pillowcase in the water (I like to turn ours inside out) and use your hands as an agitator, gently moving the fabric around the water for a full minute.
3. Remove the pillowcases from the water and very gently squeeze to remove excess water.
4. Drain the bowl and rinse it out. Then fill it up again with more cold water. This time add a small amount of vinegar to the water. Repeat the swirling for another minute. Remove the pillowcases.
5. Drain and rinse the bowl and fill it one last time with cold water. This time don’t add anything. Just swirl the pillowcases around a third time and make sure to get out any detergent that might still be hanging out in them. Remove them from the water and gently squeeze out and excess water.
6. Discard the water and hang your pillowcases to dry. (Or you can also try to dry them on a no-heat setting, but don’t leave them in the dryer long.)

I bought the clips my laundry is hanging from at Ikea several years ago. I love it!

I hope this helped! If you like this post, I always appreciate your pins and shares.

And if you liked this post, you may also like:

November 08, 2018

You’ve made the switch to sleeping on a silk pillowcase. I can promise you that you’ll have no regrets as you start to notice your hydrated skin, smoother hair and a better night’s sleep. However, you need to care for your silk pillowcase so that they can continue to care for you. Our range of Shhh Silk pillowcases are designed using high grade 6A pure silk fabric. This means that you can wash them in the washing machine instead of breaking the bank at the dry cleaners. It’s easy to maintain the quality of your silk pillowcase, just follow these simple steps:

1. Turn your silk pillowcase inside out and zip it closed.
2. Place your silk pillowcase inside our Delicates Wash Bag. This will help protect it whilst in the washing machine.
3. Put your silk pillowcase in the washing machine on a cold or warm delicate cycle. The cycle should not exceed a water temperature above 30C.
4. Use the Silk Delicate Laundry Wash to remove perspiration, body oils, and stains while cleaning and preserving fabrics. It’s important that you use a detergent that doesn’t contain enzymes or bleach that will damage your silk pillowcase. Not to mention that this laundry wash will ensure your silk pillowcases smell of rich amber, bergamot, lavender, and musk!
5. After the cycle has finished, allow your silk pillowcase to air dry, out of direct sunlight.
6. Once your silk pillowcase has dried, use an iron to remove creases. This will prolong the quality of your silk pillowcase.
7. Place you fresh silk pillowcase onto your pillow and enjoy your beauty sleep!

If you have tough stains on your silk pillowcase, pre-soak it in a Wash Tub Basin before putting it in the washing machine.

Plus the best ones to invest in, from just £13

You’ve just woken up from a great night’s sleep, and you feel amazing – until, that is, you take a look in the mirror. Pillow creases on your face, combined with what can only be described as a bird’s nest on your head, isn’t quite the wake-up call you were hoping for.

Sound familiar? It might be time to upgrade your pillowcases.

Now, we know it sounds like behaviour reserved for a Kardashian, but sleeping on silk is actually one of the best things you can do to transform your night-time routine – in fact, silk pillowcases come with a while host of benefits for both your skin and hair. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know, including the only ones we want to rest our heads on.

Silk pillowcases: what are the benefits?

According to Fiona Stewart, Slip® Co-founder and CEO, “silk is less absorbent than other fibres such as cotton. so a silk pillowcase is less likely to steal your face cream during the night, helping your face glide along the pillowcase all night long.”

So, with your face cream working uninterrupted, and hydration locked into your skin, you’ll be helping to prevent the formation of fine lines and avoid waking up with dehydrated lizard skin.

And that’s not all: as silk fibres are so much smoother than cotton (yes, even that fancy Egyptian cotton), they’ll create less friction against your hair while you sleep, meaning you won’t start your morning teasing the tangles out of your bed head.

And finally, as silk wicks away moisture (unlike cotton, which soaks it up), a silk pillowcase may help keep you cool during the night. Good news for anyone who loves the cold side of the pillow.

How to wash a silk pillowcase

Washing your silk pillowcase correctly is the key to keeping it in top condition – but don’t tune out just yet, because the task is likely less laborious than you think.

Stewart recommends hand washing your silk cases at 30°C, remembering that the gentler you are with them, the longer they’ll keep their luxurious sheen. “The shinier it is, the better it will ‘slip’, which is key to its health and beauty qualities,” she explains.

You can use a specialist silk cleanser, or reach for a gentle non-bio detergent designed for washing delicate materials. Easy!

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This wonderful nugget of beauty wisdom comes courtesy of Mamamia’s beauty podcast, You Beauty. To ensure you never miss an episode, listen to You Beauty here for free. It’s a blast.

Just quietly, everyone seems to be sleeping on silk pillowcases these days.

Kim Kardashian. Meghan Markle (probably). Beauty editors. Instagram people. Your 10-year-old niece.

At around $70 to $80 a pop, sleeping on a silk pillowcase is quite a boujee habit. And just like common cotton pillowcases, you really ought to have more than one silk pillowcase to rotate through the wash.

Side note – Leigh gave us a peak into her beauty bag full of the products she uses every single day. Post continues after video.

But are silk pillowcases worth the exxy price tag or a great way to burn some cash?

Mamamia’s executive editor and beauty editor of 15 years Leigh Campbell is a fan, but not of paying that much for one. Speaking on the You Beauty podcast, Leigh shared everything you need to know about silk pillowcases, from their many benefits to where to nab one for cheap.

Silk pillowcase benefits.

Some of the benefits of resting your weary head on a silk pillowcase sound too good to be legit. But, as Leigh explained, they’re not all talk.

“Silk is a smooth surface, so it doesn’t rough up the cuticles on your hair strands or crease your face. Sleeping on silk helps to keep you hair smoother, and stops sleep face creases which can create wrinkles over time. It’ll also help your hairstyle last longer, especially if you’re paying to get a blowdry,” she said.

“Silk isn’t absorbent, so your skincare will also last longer. If you put all your fancy stuff on your face and then whack it on a cotton pillow, the cotton’s like mmm juicy and will eat up all your delicious serums and face creams. Silk is less absorbent.”

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Lisa Wilkinson’s Camera Ready Routine

How to wash silk pillowcases.

Silk pillowcases are expensive, so it’s important to take care of them so you get your money’s worth.

Always read the care instructions – they’ll tell you to use silk wash rather than your regular washing liquid, and hand wash – don’t put your silk pillowcase in the washing machine.

Leigh added, “It’s annoying, but think of it like having a beautiful silk shirt, you wouldn’t just throw that in with your towels.”

Having a few silk pillowcases on rotation will help extend their lifespan, especially if you have acne-prone skin and need to change pillowcases more often.

You can listen to more about the wonders of silk pillowcases in the episode of the You Beauty podcast below. Post continues after audio.

Where to buy cheap silk pillowcases.

Many premium brand name silk pillowcases – for example, Slip silk pillowcases – can cost upwards of $70 or 80.

Leigh doesn’t recommend you pay that much (unless you want to), here’s where she buys cheap silk pillowcases:

You can use satin, still smooth but because it’s synthetic, you’ll get sweaty and hotter.

As for the quality, you can verify the material of your pillowcase by checking the composition of the fabric listed on the tag or website. If you can’t afford silk, you can try satin instead, but because it’s synthetic, it might make you sweatier/hotter.

Leigh’s final verdict on silk pillowcases?

“Yes, they’re expensive but if you care for them, they’ll last you for years. It’s an investment, but look at it like a beauty product.”

Love all things beauty? Come join our You Beauty Facebook group for more chit chat about things to put on your face. And body. And hair.

Want more from Leigh Campbell? Visit our newsletter page and sign up to “You Beauty” to get her best tips and products every week in your inbox (see one of her newsletters here).

silk beddings care

Many of our customers have asked us on how to wash their silk pillowcase and silk sheets. Here we are going to give you a run down on how to take care of your silk beddings. In general, any silk fabric is machine washable, especially if they are made with high quality heavy silk. Silk is a natural fabric and with proper care, it can last a long time.

Let’s start with how to wash your silk pillowcase

I often hand wash my silk pillowcase because it is small and easy to dry. Using gentle silk friendly detergent such as Le Blanc Silk and Lingerie Wash or Woolite will help remove residue and stain. But if you don’t have any silk friendly detergents, you can also use your hair shampoo. The reason you can use your hair shampoo is because silk is a natural fiber with natural protein and amino acids, similar to our hair. Do not twist the fabric and let it drip dry. It will dry quickly because it is a very breathable fabric.

You can also put it in washing machine on delicate cycle and then tumble dry on low. Because silk is so smooth, dirt and residue do not stay on the fabric as well as it does on cotton. However, dry cleaning is the best way to wash your pillowcase because it will leave your silk pillowcase looking new and wrinkle free each time.

Now let’s see how to take care of your silk sheets.

We recommend washing your sheets in a cool water setting on the most gentle cycle. We also recommend using silk-friendly detergents. It is also best to wash it separately from other items. For the drying cycle, use the lowest heat setting and for the shortest duration possible. Silk is extremely breathable so if you remove it from the dryer while there is still some dampness, it will dry quickly. This will avoid over drying. Again, for best result, dry cleaning is still the way to go.

How about your duvet cover.

Although you can machine wash duvet cover the same way you wash your silk sheets, we do recommend dry cleaning for duvet covers. Mainly because duvet covers are often used as an aesthetic piece.

Here are some additional tips for your silk beddings

1. Try to wash your silk bedding inside out when possible.

2. Iron on the backside of the silk to regenerate any lost shine.

3. Use blood vinegar for better result in spot cleaning and also helps maintain shineness

4. If there’s a blood stain, rinse with cold water. Do not use hot water

5. Don’t let your silk bedding soak for too long.

6. To remove any wrinkles, instead of ironing, you can also use a steamer. It will remove wrinkles like a pro. Keep about 6 inch distance from the fabric and use it on the lowest setting and keep it moving.

If we’re talking about the best pillowcase for bedtime, silk pillowcase comes to mind. Yes, it is expensive when bought in stores, but that price tag should be cut in half if you make it on your own.

In this article:

Making Your Own DIY Pillowcase | A Step-By-Step Guide

Benefits of Using Silk Pillowcase

Studies claim that a silk pillowcase can help improve a person’s beauty sleep regimen. Its smooth texture equates to less friction on skin and hair, preventing irritation or damage.

The cleaner sleep surface lets you sleep more comfortably compared to other fabric and it has properties that prevents your skin and hair from drying. So if these reasons are good enough for you to proceed with this project, read on!

Materials Needed

• 2 yards white 100% silk fabric
• white thread
• seam ripper
• sewing machine + invisible zipper presser foot
• measuring tape
• pins
• iron and ironing board
• 20-inch white invisible zipper

Instructions

Step 1: Pre-Wash the Silk Fabric

Pre-wash the silk fabric (preferably with warm water) and leave it somewhere it can air-dry. This is an important step especially if you’re keeping it in your bed.

Before doing this, it is recommended to serge the raw edges since silk fabric have the tendency to fray. Also, don’t use the washing machine if you miss to serge the edges as you will lose a significant amount of fabric in both ends.

Step 2: Cutting the Fabric

Cut the fabric into four rectangular pieces, preferably 21 x 28 in size. Once done, take a pair and put one on top of the other.

Sew the right and shorter side together and keep the stitches at least 1/2″ from the edge of the fabric. Best to use wide stitches on this one.

Step 3: Put Embroidery (Optional)

This part is entirely optional, but if you want to give your silk pillowcase some added flare then by all means add some embroidery designs on it.

Choose from countless free patterns online, or if you want a design that fits a specific occasion, you might want to check this out.

Step 4: Attaching the Zipper

Unfold and spread out the rectangles and iron down the edges of each fabric. Take the 20-inch white invisible zipper and pin it down the center and iron it out.

Make sure the invisible zipper side is facing down the stitches. Next, start to sew down the zipper through the two layers of fabric using your sewing machine with an invisible zipper presser foot.

Cap it off by sewing over the ends of the zipper and the edges of the fabric.

Step 5: Closing the Gaps

Flip the fabric over to check on the closed seam. Carefully and slowly rip out the threads covering the zipper using the seam ripper to expose it.

It will result to a neat-looking, symmetrical, and centered zipper.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

We’re almost done! What you need to do now is to fold the fabric back again and line the three remaining edges up of the pillowcase to close the other openings.

Use a straight stitch to sew around each edge then switch to zig-zag stitch to prevent the edges from fraying. Unzip the zipper and turn the pillowcase right side out.

Step 7: Make Another One!

Since you still have an extra pair of silk fabric, why not make another one? Repeat every step listed above and have yourself two very comfortable pillowcases.

You can use one for your head and one as a body pillow. Double the softness, smoothness, and comfort!

This beats other materials like cotton any day so slide in your new pillows and enjoy a good nap, you earned it!

Here’s another step-by-step guide on how to make a silk pillowcase courtesy of Beropa Co.:

Making your own silk pillowcase is truly a worthwhile activity thanks to some health and wellness benefits it provides. Also, this project should not cost as much unlike those sold at retail stores which are usually double the price.

You also have the option to give it more color by adding embroidery patterns of your choosing. So if you’re looking for a project to work on, this one should definitely be worth your time.

What step of silk pillowcase sewing did you enjoy the most? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

Don’t let a messy bed get in the way of a good night’s sleep!

They call it ‘beauty rest’ for a reason: sleep is hugely important to our physical and mental health. There are several ways to up your bed game when it comes to impacting your appearance, from the use of silk pillowcases to simply making the bed each day. But after you up your bed game, how do you maintain the upkeep? Allow me to explain:

How to Clean Silk Pillowcases

It may sound hopelessly extravagant, but sleeping on a silk pillowcases offers benefits well beyond the sheer glamour of it all. If your hair is prone to frizziness, the silk will help to keep your locks from becoming overly dry. And for those who are prone to acne, dermatologists recommend silk pillowcases as a way to reduce blemishes.

But then, of course, you need to contend with washing a silk pillowcase! And silk is a demanding diva of a fabric. The good news is that, generally, you will be just fine laundering your silk pillowcases in the machine, as long as you follow a few rules. Before we get to those, though, I want to urge you to check the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning the specific brand of cases you buy, as care practices can vary from style to style (that’s also a thing you may want to take into account when making your purchase).

The three rules of laundering silk bedding are:

1. Pick a detergent designed for use on silk. There are a number of options at various price points; three to look out for are Le Blanc Silk & Lingerie Wash, Charlie’s Soap or Ivory Snow. If staining occurs, WinterSilks Spot Out is a great product that can also be used to remove that salad dressing splatter from your best silk top.
2. A cold water, gentle cycle is the one to choose if you machine wash. Ideally, your silks should be washed alongside other silks and delicate fabrics, as heavier, more durable fabrics can damage more delicate ones in the wash.
3. When it comes to drying silk sheets and pillowcases, air drying is ideal, but you may also opt to tumble dry them using a no-heat setting.

How to Wash an Eyemask

Some people choose to sleep with an eyemask to block out light, which promotes deeper sleep. But it’s equally as common for the sleepmask types to not realize that those items need to be washed once every month or two. (I mean, it it sitting on your face for hours every night.) Hand-washing is a pretty painless option, given that sleepmasks are so small, but they can also be tossed in the wash—just put it in a mesh laundry bag to protect the elastic that secures the mask to your head from getting stretched out.

How to Keep a Mattress and Pillow Free of Allergens

All the silk sheeting and eyemasks in the world aren’t going to do anything for your looks if you’re a sniffly, red-eyed wreck due to allergies. If, after being tested by a doctor, you discover that you have a significant dust or dust mite allergy, one of the first things you’ll be told to do is to clean your mattress and pillows, which harbor a huge number of mites. (That sounds, I absolutely promise, much worse than it really is. We’ve all lived this long with dust mites in our beds!)

Most pillows can be laundered, and ones that can’t go in the machine can be sent to the cleaners’—check the care tag for the right instructions for your particular pillow. Mattresses obviously can’t just be tossed in the washing machine! But they can be vacuumed. Yup! I’m telling you to vacuum your mattress. Use the hose attachment or a hand vac for easier maneuvering, and aim to give the mattress a once-over two to four times a year, depending on how bad your allergies are.

For those with severe allergies, Dyson has just released a mattress vacuum. While the price point is a bit steep for such a specialized item, at $249.99 it isn’t that much more expensive than many of the anti-allergy bedding options on the market, which can run up to $300 for mattress protectors.

I tried out the Dyson mattress vac and was delighted by the amount of dust it sucked out of my mattress, because I’m the type of person who is delighted by weird and gross things. Would you like to see a photo? Sure you would!

A photo posted by Jolie Kerr (@joliekerr) on May 8, 2015 at 8:46am PDT

I was curious, though, if the mattress vac was significantly different from Dyson’s floor vacuums (I got a Dyson stick model as a wedding gift, because people know the way to my heart). And wow, yes, there is a difference: When I put the mattress vacuum on my hardwood floors it practically stuck in place due to the increase in suction power that the mattress vac offers over the floor vacuums.

On the Importance of Making the Bed

As you might imagine, based on what I do for a living, I’m a capital-B, capital-M Bed Maker. And I encourage my readers to adopt the habit too, for a whole host of reasons!

Since we’re on the subject of allergies, though, I’ll start with this one — if you have pets, making the bed is a way to control the amount of contact your animals make with your sheets. Even for people who don’t have allergies or pets, making the bed has some very real psychological effects: It will make your bedroom look tidier, which in turn will give you a feeling of control and accomplishment as you begin your day. On the other end of things, at night, turning down the bed is an indication to your body that it’s time to begin preparing for sleep. Plus, getting into a nicely made bed just feels really good.

Disclosure: Dyson provided a sample model of their mattress vacuum for testing purposes; all opinions are my own.

Silk is what beauty sleeps are made of – it’s hard to imagine otherwise. It’s easily the best kind of natural fabric to ever come in contact with your skin and hair.

But just like any other fabric, silk can get dirty with your moisture (among other things). You’d need to care for it well so it can give you the same benefits over and over again.

Here’s a guide to keeping your silk pillowcase and sheets SHEEN, SHINY, and SMOOTH:

1. Hand-washing or machine-washing is fine.

Generally, people would recommend hand-washing or dry-cleaning silk due to its intricate nature. But not many people have time to do these, so they instead opt for machine-washing.

A good metric to look at is the density of your silk fabric – Momme. Should the Momme be higher than 20, it’s safe enough to be inside the washing machine. If you know it’s less than 20, choose to hand-wash instead. The Ecosa silk pillowcases, for example, are 25 Momme, so you can trust that they can handle being machine-washed with enough love and care.

2. A delicate fabric merits delicate treatment.

To avoid the wearing out of fibres, never wash your pillowcases/beddings on a high temperature. ESPECIALLY for silk as it can be damaged easily. When using a machine, keep the temperature at 30 degrees Celsius or under.

Turn the silk pillowcase inside out, place inside a mesh laundry bag, and wash with a mild detergent. Use a basic detergent (with low pH) such as washing soap. Heavy chemicals can only harden the silk (e.g., alkaline, bleach). There are also detergents specialised for silk in the market.

Only wash silk along with your other delicates and watch out for laundry items that have sharp elements like zippers or hooks. Try to run in the shortest spin possible to prevent any damage.

3. Air-drying is recommended.

Don’t try removing absorbed water in silk by twisting it – this can result to intense wrinkling. It’s good to always be extra careful when handling silk, so keep it away from direct sunlight when air-drying.

4. Iron it out.

Most irons would have a ‘silk’ setting available on them. If you fail to find one, use the lowest setting possible. Be mindful of your iron’s metal surface and make sure it’s free of any stains.

Iron it on the back side to avoid any damage on the sheen side. You may even use a thin sheet of cotton as a barrier between your iron and the silk fabric.

How Often Should You Wash Your Silk Pillowcases and Sheets?

Wash them as often as you should with all bedding in general. Be prepared with other sheets and pillowcases for rotation so you don’t keep washing the same ones over. This can contribute to wear and tear too.

Now who’s ready for a luxurious night’s sleep?

It’s true that silk pillowcases require more love and care than any other pillowcase. But isn’t it all a small price to pay for a luxurious night’s sleep?

After all that washing, we believe you deserve to rest like Sleeping Beauty tonight. Sweet dreams!

These days Silk pillowcases are used all over the world by all the homeowners. Make sure, you must watch the Silk pillowcase is very prudently or focus on the gentle washing of silk pillowcase for the best looking. Always you need to read the label before starting the washing. To watch the Silk pillowcase by hand or washing machine, you can use a gentle detergent. As well as, you need to focus on the cool setting of the washing machine while washing the silk pillowcase.

Go With User-Manual

Begin by reading the label on the Silk pillowcase provides the appropriate details to watch the pillowcase. Moreover, it indicates the handwashing machine washing for the dryer after the washing. If the tag is not attached to the pillowcase then you can focus on the mentioned tips for the safe side.

Don’T Use Harsh Detergent

To treat all the stains on the pillowcase, you need to use a gentle detergent. Moreover, you can apply the stain remover on the stains only. For that, you need to choose a dirty area that requires stain remover. Make sure that you are using the stain remover appropriately to prevent the discoloration of the fabric.

Soak The Pillowcase

Then next, you need to fill up the bucket with warm or cold water as per choice. Now you can add the preferred detergent for the laundry. First of all, you need to check the label to ensure that the heart the detergent is safe for the washing of the silk pillowcase or not. Importantly, you need to use that gentle or natural-based detergent to wash the silk pillowcase.

Now you need to place the pillowcase at least for 5 minutes in the market. When you find all the stains are removed completely then you can put out or make sure it is not shrinking. To prevent the problem of shrinkage, you can use cold water.

Drain the water or soap mixture

Once the time is then you can train the soap for water from the bucket. Now you can hold the pillowcase to remove the liquid. Once it is removed completely then you should refill the bucket.

Refill bucket

At the present moment, you need to add white vinegar for several drops of fabric softener. Now you need to keep the pillowcase soak in the mixture of liquid at least for one minute.

• Before use, make sure it is quite good for the fabric.

• White vinegar removes the excess of soap or keeps the fabric soft.

Dry the pillowcase

At last, you need to dry the bliss silk pillowcase. Make sure that you are not using the whole dryer to dry the silk pillowcase. As well as you can letter pillowcase on the flat towel to dry. Make sure the towel is clean or it absorbs all the water of the pillowcase. Now you can be rolled the pillowcase on the towel when it starts drying. To do so, you can roll the pillowcase in a cylindrical shape.

When you are looking for silk pillow cases, it’s difficult to say that there is such a thing as a bad silk pillowcase. There may be different weights and grades and qualities of silk, but at the end of the day, anything that is silky smooth and allows your face and hair to glide over the surface will be wonderful and will feel great as you sleep. There are a few things that you might like to consider when purchasing a new pillowcase. After all, an educated shopper will always make better choices.

1. Mulberry Silk – Although the majority of silk in the world comes from silkworms fed mulberry leaves, some silk is made with other methods. Unfortunately this is a case of trying to fix something that is not broken. Mulberry leaves have been used for literally thousands of year to produce the finest, strongest, silkiest silk available. If you are looking for silk pillow cases because you want something that will be gentle, soft and silky against your face and your hair, mulberry silk is the top choice. Make sure the manufacturer specifies this or it can be confirmed. If not, you may not end up being happy in the end.
2. Charmeuse – Charmeuse is a lightweight fabric woven with a satin weave, where the warp threads cross over three or more of the backing (weft) threads. The front side of the fabric has a satin finish—lustrous and reflective—whereas the back has a dull finish. It can be made of silk or a synthetic lookalike such as polyester. Silk charmeuse is more expensive and delicate but is softer and a better insulator.Polyester charmeuse is cheaper and can often withstand machine washing, but it does not breathe as well as silk. Charmeuse differs from plain satin in that charmeuse is softer and lighter in weight.
3. Momme – a word about momme – it is the unit used when describing the weight of silk thread. For silk sheets a momme weight of 12-19 is considered good quality with silk sheets in the range of 16-19 being very high quality. Anything lower than 12 will result in sheets that are not as durable as they should be which means they will be more prone with damage and tearing. The standard for measuring momme weight is by using a piece of fabric that is 100 yards long and 45 inches wide. If that piece of fabric weighs 19 pounds then the momme weight of that silk is 19. The higher the momme weight the heavier the fabric which means a greater amount of silk was used in the weaving process. In a silk pillowcase you are looking for is something in the upper teens to very low 20’s at the upper end. 16-19 momme weight is best and what better quality silk pillow cases will be made form.
4. Thread Count – Although the phrase thread count gets thrown around a lot, as long as your silk pillow cases are above 400 or so, it doesn’t matter. Extremely high thread counts are often not reliable and might be better avoided unless the manufacturer clearly states the facts behind the number. Some manufacturers will twist 2 or 3 threads together to make one yarn, yet use the number of threads in the thread count. That means that a piece of fabric that has a thread count of 200 may be marketed as having a 400 or 600 thread count because there were 2 or 3 threads used when making the yarn. The result is something that should feel ultra smooth but does not.
5. The Feel – Make sure you have the opportunity to feel the silk pillowcases before you buy them or are unable to return them. If they feel silky and smooth, then you will probably be happy with them. If they simply don’t feel as soft, silky and lustrous as you imagined, do not buy them! Remember, your silk pillowcases will be against your face every night and they should feel simply fabulous. Touch is one of our most important senses.

If you keep these five things in mind, you will do very well in your search for silk pillow cases. Actually, you could honestly not worry about number 3, momme, and number 4, thread count. As long as the pillow cases are made from mulberry silk and a satin weave, and they feel like nothing you’ve ever felt before, you will be well on your way to finding the best silk pillow cases. Good luck!

Take care of your hair and skin as you sleep

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here . We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Best Overall: Fishers Finery 100% Pure 25mm Silk Pillowcase

For most people, the best silk pillowcase combines high-quality construction with an affordable price. The Fishers Finery pillowcase is made of 100 percent long-strand silk from mulberry-fed silkworms, the gold standard in the silk pillowcase world. It has a momme weight of 25, so it’s ultra luxurious.

The pillowcase has received the Good Housekeeping Seal from the company’s textile research labs, which test the material for durability and softness. It is available in 11 colors, including pale neutrals and rich jewel tones to match a variety of bedding, and in two pillowcase sizes.

You will have to take care with this luxurious fabric, though. Plan to hand-wash or dry clean the pillowcase, and hang it to dry instead of putting it in the dryer.

Best Budget: ShopBedding Luxury Satin Pillowcase for Hair

One easy way to save on a silk pillowcase is to choose one made from a synthetic silk, like polyester. When it’s done in a traditional satin weave, it will feel just as smooth as natural silk and offer many of the same benefits as well.

A satin weave won’t pull at your face when you toss and turn, making it easier on your skin. It won’t tangle your hair, either, which will help you wake up without bedhead or kinks.

The Blissford Luxury Satin Pillowcase from Sweet Dreams hits all these points. It is made of 100 percent polyester and is available in 24 fun colors and patterns, including animal prints and jewel tones. You can either match your sheets or let the pillow serve as an exciting contrast to your bedding.

Best for Hair: Slip Silk Pillowcase

Whether you’re looking to extend a pricey blowout, have naturally dry hair, or curly hair that tangles easily, a silk pillowcase can help you out. Since the weave is so smooth, it allows your hairs to glide over the pillow while you sleep, so they don’t get tangled up. Plus, silk doesn’t absorb moisture, so it won’t pull moisture from your hair as you sleep and make it look dry or frizzy.

Made from 100 percent mulberry silk, the Slip Silk Pillowcase is an established favorite. It comes in seven soothing colors, allowing you to easily match it back to the sheets on your bed or choose a complementary color for a spa-like experience.

The fabric for this silk pillowcase is OEKO-TEX, which is certified to be free of chemicals. It’s healthy for you and the environment, too.

Best for Skin: ALASKA BEAR Natural Silk Pillowcase

Silk pillowcases tout many benefits for the skin. The smooth fabric doesn’t tug on the skin, so it won’t damage delicate areas as you’re sleeping and it can even soften creases.

Since natural silk doesn’t hold moisture, it won’t absorb your skin products while you’re sleeping, giving them a chance to work their magic. And it won’t absorb other oils or grime, either. Even if you go to bed with a full face of makeup, you don’t have to worry as much that it will get onto your pillowcase like it would with cotton.

The Alaska Bear Natural Silk Pillowcase is perfect for keeping your skin beautiful. It’s available in over 25 colors, all created with natural dyes, and an undyed option as well. The fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified. It’s available in seven sizes, including body pillows and squares, in addition to the standard, queen, and king sizes.

Best for Active Sleepers: MYK Natural Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (19 Momme)

One problem with silk pillowcases: They’re so smooth they might just slide off the bed! If you’re an active sleeper who spends their night tossing and turning, it can be hard to keep a silk pillowcase on your bed. If you still want the benefits that a silk pillowcase offers, there is a solution.

A pillowcase that’s silk on one side and cotton on the other, is the one for you. The MYK 19mm Silk Pillowcase is a great choice.

Available in king, queen, standard, and toddler sizes, the top of this pillowcase is made from 100 percent 19mm mulberry silk and the bottom from cotton. The fabrics are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 Certified to be chemical free. It’s available in 19 colors to match your existing sheets and blend in with your bedroom decor.

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We think our silk pillowcases are great, but don’t just take our word for it, the experts at Good Housekeeping agree with us too!

Did you know that our 25mm 100% Mulberry Silk Pillowcase tied for 1st place and was named an “All-Star Standout Winner” in their tried and tested category? We also hold the Good Housekeeping Seal for the quality of our product!

So now that you have your silk pillowcases, what’s the best way to keep them looking like new? Between our suggestions and Good Housekeeping’s practices, we’ve got you covered – pun intended!

Laundering Silk Bedding:

Please pay special attention to the following instructions to help maintain the softness of your silk items. Kindly understand it is natural for silk’s sheen to slightly decrease after washing. The fabric still maintains its durability & lasts many years. It even gets softer after each wash!

Always Remember:

• Pick a detergent designed for delicate fabrics such as Woolite, Ivory Liquid Soap or baby shampoo.
• Do not use harsh detergents that contain bleaches or brighteners.
• Do not use fabric softeners.
• Whether hand or machine washing use cold water.

To Wash By Hand:

• Follow the above-mentioned instructions.
• For an extra silky feel, add of a few drops of your own hair conditioner to the final rinse, in place of fabric softener.

To Machine Wash:

Be careful, center agitator washing machines can damage your items if the proper cycle is not used.

• Wash on a hand wash or delicate cycle only.
• We recommend placing garments in a mesh washing bag or turning inside out.
• Wash with delicate fabrics, as heavier, more durable fabrics can damage more delicate ones in the wash.

To Dry:

We recommend using a machine dryer to help remove fabric wrinkles & maintain softness.

• Tumble dry on an air-only cycle or delicate – low heat cycle for 10 minutes.

Want more silk?

We don’t blame you. Check out our other silk products to satisfy your silk obsession. You can use these same great washing tips to care for all of your silk garments.

How to wash your silk sleep mask and pillowcase

The Beauty Sleeper is made from 100% silk. Due to the delicate nature of this handmade product, please handle with love and care for maximum sustainability.

Only wash when necessary

There is no need to wash your products every time you have used them. we recommend that you wash it only when necessary.

Chose the right soap

Use a recognized detergent and preferably an eco-labled remedy, as they are often tested for efficiency and colour loading. Use a soap that is especially good for silk fabric.There is no need for fabric softener (which is harmful to the environment, anyway).

Chose the right program for your silk sleep mask and pillowcase

Wash separately using silk detergent. Wash at maximum 30 degrees in washing bag. Two lines under the wash basin means that the silk mask and pillowcase must be washed on an extra gentle program.

The sleep masks and pillowcases cannot tolerate tumbling.

Iron at low temperature.
The dot on the iron indicates how hot the iron must be. One dot means that the iron must not rise above 110 degrees.

May be dry cleaned.
The circle with the letter is an instruction for the dry cleaning. The letter indicates which liquid the dry cleaner needs to use. A line under the circle indicates that the dry cleaner needs to use gentle cleansing.

We hope that these guidelines will help you keep your silk sleep mask and pillowcase for a long time.

There is no more sensitive skin than on your face. So why do you sleep on a polyester pillowcase and make skin even more prone to problems? Use 100% silk pillowcase, especially if it is very easy to make so it doesn’t cost a fortune.

I heard many nice things about silk pillowcases. And after I made a silk fitted sheet I decided to make 2 pure silk pillowcases with embroidery on them to go with the silk sheet. I looked online and found out that silk pillowcases (especially with embroidery) are very expensive.

Note: If you need to see a bigger version of any image on this page just click on the image and it will be enlarged.

Also, I would like to make envelope pillowcases so my pillows will not go out of them when in use. I don’t really like standard store-bought pillowcases that are coming together with bedding sets. When I look at my bed pillows are always can be seen going out of pillowcases. It is ugly and I always try to make button closures for such pillowcases. So if I make a pillowcase myself I can avoid this problem altogether and make an envelope pillowcase.

Moreover, I can put a nice embroidery on my pillowcases. I have an embroidery machine and always look for ways to embroider something. By the way, my embroidery machine Janome Memory Craft 350E is not top of the line and is not really the expensive one but it does the job nicely and I love to use it.

Please note: some links I share on this page are affiliate links. I only recommend useful things that can make your sewing life easy.

As you see I gave you plenty of reasons to sew a pillowcase. With that said here is a tutorial to show you how easy it is to sew your own silk (cotton and linen will do also of course) pillowcase.

Step 1 .

Measure the length ( a ) and the width ( b ) of your pillow. Also please note that measurements in this article are provided in metrics so if you are used to working with imperial system please use this chat from or this chat from Use this figure below for cutting your fabric. You have to cut a rectangle with length = a + a + 30 cm + 5 cm + 5 cm

and width = b + 1.5 cm + 1.5 cm

Pre-wash your silk fabric in warm water and let it air-dry. If we are going to use it for bedding it has to go to the washer regularly.

Before pre-washing it is better to serge (to finish) 2 raw edges (other two are selvages, they don’t unravel) because the silk fabric is fraying a lot and if you pre-wash in the washing machine without finishing the edges first you will lose quite a lot of fabric in both ends.

So I pre-washed it in warm water (so it will not shrink later) and let it dry outside (not in the dryer). After that, I ironed it with a steam iron.

Cut the fabric using the figure above. You have to cut fabric very straight. I have a tutorial on my blog “How to cut fabric perfectly straight”. Subscribe to my blog in the form below and you can read and use it.

Put embroidery on it. Or embellish it as you like (with lace, for example). I put 4 corner designs on mine using metallic thread. And between them, I used just one of the hundreds of decorative stitches of my regular sewing machine.

• Who’d have thought that a silk pillowcase could make such a difference for your skin and hair?
• My skin looked clearer and younger, my hair was less prone to tangles and creases, and I slept like a baby.
• I had less wild hairs, sleep creases, and had to do a lot less hair maintenance.

When many of us think about beauty essentials and hacks for better skin and hair, the last thing we’d ever think about is our bedding. But the secret to clearer, younger skin, and silkier, healthier hair just might depend on where you lay your head at night.

According to many bloggers and experts, silk pillowcases are a tried and true anti-aging essential, and I decided to put it to the test. I slept with a silk pillowcase for a month and my skin and hair felt so much healthier.

My skin looked younger.

Silk doesn’t just make us feel more elegant . It has very real benefits. Marnie Nussbaum MD, a New York City dermatologist, told Well+Good that cotton pillowcases can increase friction, leading to more wrinkles, whereas silk is more gentle to the skin and can potentially prevent wrinkles from sprouting.

During my month of using a silk pillowcase, I definitely felt like my wrinkles were less pronounced, especially around my eyes and mouth.

My hair was less prone to tangles.

By the end of the month, my hair felt like it had sustained less damaged than it would have if I’d used my usual cotton pillowcase. Overall, my hair felt smoother and was much easier to work with. Better hair while I slept? Yes, please.

I had less “sleep creases.”

Some nights, when you have a rough night of sleep, you wake up with creases on your face. This is often caused by the harsh, thick fabric of a cotton pillowcase.

By sleeping with a silk pillowcase, I was able to cut these “sleep creases” down completely, which made it much easier to roll out of bed and get my day started rather than trying to figure out how to get rid of these unsightly folds.

My acne cleared up.

One unexpected result of sleeping on a silk pillowcase was that I slept much better than usual. I tend to be a hot sleeper, and the cool silk helped me fall asleep more quickly, resulting in a better night’s sleep. As a result, my skin got clearer, and I think it’s probably because more sleep means better skin overall.

Too, the elegance of the silk pillowcase made me feel more inclined to regularly wash my sheets, and cleaner sheets gave me clearer skin. These two factors combined definitely helped lessen the likelihood that I’d wake up with a zit.

My dark circles almost disappeared.

Speaking of sleeping better, by getting a cooler and more restful nights sleep thanks to the silk pillowcase, my dark circles lessened in intensity. I didn’t have to rely as heavily on under eye concealer and could instead count on my silk pillowcase to make sure I slept safe and sound.

Getting rid of my dark circles gave my skin a healthier, happier look, and almost made me look like I was glowing.

After giving this experiment a go, I’ve decided to swap out my cotton pillowcase for a silk one permanently. I can only imagine the benefits my hair and skin will reap in the long run based on the positive changes I’ve seen after doing so for just one month.

The silk bedding blog

the do’s and don’t of washing silk bedding

Silk is a very strong fabric and can last for many years if cared for properly. One of the key ways to keep your silk linen looking and feeling great for years is to *wash it correctly.

1. Never, ever use bleach when you wash your silk bedding. Bleach can be very damaging to silk and can cause the fabric to turn yellow. Remember, some detergents include bleach.
2. Do use ½ cup of distilled white vinegar in a second rinse cycle when washing your silk to help prevent yellowing of the fabric over
   time and to restore luster.
3. Do use a gentle detergent, such as Woolite or TENESTAR. Many eco detergents can also work well, such as ECOS. If you are hand washing your silk linen you can also use a gentle shampoo, such as Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Soap.
4. Never dry your silk in a dryer with any heat setting. You can use a non-heat tumble dry for a short period or a specific silk setting if your dryer has this option. Otherwise, we recommend that you hang dry silk indoors in a cool location as sun light can cause fading over time. If you are drying a smaller item, such as a pillowcase, you can use the towel method to help dry the fabric faster. Place a towel down and place your silk pillowcase on top. Then fold the edge of the towel over the silk and roll up the silk pillowcase and towel. Give it a gentle squeeze and then set aside to air dry.
5. Do use cold water when washing your silk linens. Hot water and silk don’t play well, so save the environment and your silk linen by using cold water.
6. Do use a small amount of Borax “if” you have hard water.
7. Do act quickly if you stain your silk linen. Spot cleaners designed for silk work best, but if you don’t have one of these on hand, try cleaning the stain with cold water and detergent (works great for protein stains, such as blood). For tough stains you can bring your linen to a dry cleaner. Just remember that the longer you wait the harder and less likely you will be able to remove the stain. (remember, do not ever use hot water with silk)
8. Do use a gentle or hand wash cycle when machine washing silk. If you have a top loading washer, be extra careful as top loaders tend to be much harder on fabrics (a wash bag is recommended). Front loaders are a better option and of course hand washing your silk is a safer option.

* Please Note: The only completely safe way to clean your silk is to have it dry cleaned (look for green dry cleaners if possible). However, many of our customers do wash their silk at home and we too wash our silk bedding ourselves. However, silk is still a natural fabric and can be damaged quickly if mistakes are made. If you choose to wash your silk bedding, please note that you do so at your own risk.

9 Answers

Wash silk in lukewarm water with a mild soap such as Ivory Snow™ or a gentle shampoo. Rinse well, then add ¼ (one-fourth) cup of white vinegar to a clean rinse and rinse again. This will neutralize any soap residue and restore the silk’s natural luster.

Dry your silk naturally or use the “air fluff” (no heat) setting on your dryer. To dry naturally, lightly squeeze (do not wring), then roll garment in a towel and lay flat to dry. Press your silk inside out with a warm iron when needed.

Cleaning silk stains:

Use a product such as Silk Spot Out™ to remove stains when cleaning silk. Treat food and beverage stains right away. Soft drinks and alcohol can leave stains if allowed to dry.

Our silk duvet covers and the cover and pillow covers of our silk duvet (comforter) sets are machine-washable with cold water, and can be dried in the dryer on low heat. (The silk-floss-filled comforter itself CANNOT be washed!)

Our raw silk blankets can also be washed in your washing machine on the delicate cycle, but for best results, we recommend dry-cleaning.

To take good care of your silk, remember:

1. Wash your silk in cool (or cold) water, with mild soap in the delicate cycle.

3. Use caution if drying your garment on a wooden drying rack! Be sure to check for dyes and finishes that could stain your silk.

4. Avoid drying your silk in direct sunlight, because this can damage the fiber and cause the color to fade.

You might feel extra elevated when you own something that’s made from silk. The soft and shiny texture is regal and luxurious — something the Queen might have in her wardrobe or on her bedding. But when you invest something so luxurious, it can be somewhat worrisome to care for. What if you spill red wine on it while watching The Bachelor? What if your pet gets it dirty? And how the heck do you wash something so delicate? Don’t worry, we’ve all had those thoughts. But that’s where an investment in silk pays off. It’s actually quite easy to clean! We’re introducing you to the Beyoncé of all quilts to show you that it’s quite easy and manageable to take care of.

Introducing Ecosa’s silk quilt

Most quilts and duvets are filled with micro fibre or hollow fibre synthetic materials that are lower in cost than natural materials. These textiles might have a cheap price tag, but they usually come with a short lifespan because they lack the strength required to handle the wear and tear of continual use. Plus, synthetic quilts can be bulky and difficult to store, and even harmful to your health.

When it comes to your bedding, it should be about quality, not quantity. You already know all the benefits of silk pillowcases and natural quilts, but silk, in particular, is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and moisture-wicking. A silk quilt gently contours to your body to optimise the snuggle factor. Plus, this

material prevents bacteria and mould from building up under the sheets that may cause odour and skin problems. Yuck!

Silk quilts are quite rare in Australia, but lucky for you, Ecosa’s silk quilt is designed for all seasons. Ecosa’s quilts are made using high-quality, all-natural silk filling in a soft cotton cover, which doesn’t contribute to the production of fossil fuels or releases any toxins to you or the environment.

Now that you understand all the benefits of silk bedding, we’ll share a few secrets on how to care for it.

How to wash silk

Contrary to popular belief, silk is actually easy to care for as it doesn’t require an expensive trip to the dry cleaner. If you protect Ecosa’s quilt with a bamboo quilt cover, a simple bi-monthly air-out will help keep it fresh and healthy.

Remember that silk is hypoallergenic, meaning it won’t harbour those icky dust mites that trigger an allergic reaction. Sleeping under a silk quilt also means improved heat regulation – you’re not trapped under the weight of traditional synthetic material, so you’ll sweat less during the night. Airing out the lightweight quilt will help dry any moisture that’s held by the silk. Just make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight so that it doesn’t damage or fade the fibres.

Silk fibre is vulnerable to high heat and hot water. It should not be cleaned with any kind of chemical cleaner because it can reduce the softness of the material and damage its natural properties. The simple answer to “how the heck do I clean this thing?” is that you don’t need to wash your silk quilt. If something reallyyyy messy happens to it, take it to an experienced silk professional and skip the washing machine. Spot cleaning is the way to go if a spill occurs.

How to remedy certain stains on silk

If a dramatic event in The Bachelor has you waving your arms in the air while spilling wine all over your luxurious silk, don’t panic! Pause the show and begin spot treating the affected areas. Use a clean, warm damp cloth to dab at the stains. You can also add a drop of laundry detergent to gently hand wash the stained area with lukewarm water. Then rinse using cold water. When that’s all settled, hang the quilt to dry in a shaded area and continue watching the drama unfold.

How to protect your silk quilt

To really protect the duvet from food, wine, and pet disasters, throw on a bamboo quilt cover. Ecosa’s quilt covers come in plenty of colours to match the scheme of your bedroom. Bamboo and silk material are a match made in heaven as they’re both odour resistant, eco-friendly, anti-bacterial, and keeps you cool at night. Did we mention they’re both super soft? Like you’ll never want to get out of bed kind of soft. Mmhmm, that’s bedding we like to sleep in.

Use castile soap rather than detergent. The case may still be a bit stiff after air drying, but will soften quickly with use, or a vigorous shaking a few times before it’s completely dry.

Reminds me I need to get more silk pillowcases — anyone know any especially good sources?
posted by vers at 1:38 PM on May 6, 2012 [1 favorite]

What detergent did you use? (Best: mild, non-bleach, designed for silk)

Silk is a protein fiber and reacts to alkaline detergents. They tend to make silk rough, lose its shine and it can cause the fabric to break down quickly.

Another issue could be that your water has a lot of calcium carbonate, which can remain in the silk fiber. To help this rinse the silk in water with a dash of vinegar.
You can roll the pillow case in a towel to absorb water. Iron on a low setting when slightly wet.
posted by travelwithcats at 1:39 PM on May 6, 2012 [5 favorites]

Don’t put it in the dryer.

Do get it damp and then iron it – you can use a high steam setting on your iron, or just spritz it (evenly, lightly) before ironing. Silky softness will return.

In the future, let it air dry until it’s just slightly damp, and then iron it. (I do this all the time for my silk items.)
posted by fraula at 4:39 AM on May 7, 2012 [1 favorite]

I second/third ironing damp.

Funny story, my mom used to put damp silk shirts in zipper bags in the fridge until she was ready to iron them.
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 8:27 AM on May 7, 2012

Silk is incredibly strong when dry, but very delicate when wet. As a dyer, I avoid doing much to silk until it is completely dry.

And then, I beat the snot out of it. Really. If you have rounded edges on your kitchen counters, just roll the thing up lengthwise and thwack it smartly against the rounded edge a few times. Reverse the end you have a grip on, do it again. If your counters are not suitable, use the edge of your bathtub. Softness will magically return.

Don’t use fabric softeners or soaps; a neutral pH detergent is best. Myself, I use livestock wash (Orvus paste). You can find it online and in shops that cater to quilters, where they will shamelessly and brazenly overcharge you for the privilege of buying less than a gallon at a time.
posted by Mary Ellen Carter at 1:22 PM on May 7, 2012

Manufacturers of silk garments and bedding usually don’t bother to pre-wash fabric they work with. That’s why they put labels saying “Dry Clean Only”.

But I highly advise to pre-wash the entire piece of silk fabric before cutting it. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. Don’t pre-wash home décor silk (which is usually heavier and wider) if you are going to use it for sewing curtains and throw pillows, and embroidered silk fabric which may not shrink proportionally.

I am against dry cleaning whenever possible because of chemicals even if it is organic. In China, they make silk fabric for at least 5000 years. And people cared for traditional silk garments long before dry cleaning. Silk is tough fabric, it only appears to be delicate! It certainly can be washed in water.

Below you can see a painting of Robert Frederick Blum (American artist, 1857–1903) “In the Laundry”. It looks like they are washing silk garments.

But not all silk fabrics and garments are equal. Pre-washing (especially if it is not done properly) can take out the crispness of some decorator silk fabric, prints or colors can run (very rarely though for modern fabrics), silk fabric can lose some of the sheen and may turn muddy (especially if you put it in a washing machine). So, in the end, it is your choice if you want to pre-treat silk fabric before cutting. As for me, I always do that and never had any problems.

Here are some rules for pre-washing silk fabric

1. Fill a container with lukewarm water (30-35 °C, 86-95 °F ). You can add to the water a few tablespoons of a distilled white vinegar or a few drops of a liquid hair conditioner. Don’t use your washing machine, most silk fabrics have to be hand washed. Of course, there are exceptions.

2. Gently push your fabric into the water and move it around a little so all the fabric is soaked.

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Excited for the coming seven-day holiday

🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Best holiday with LULUSILK, I will be like this when laying on my smooth lulusilk bedding set

Have you tried Borax? Soak in warm water with the Borax overnight then wash in woolite.

Add dawn dish soap to the bleach we use this years ago for restaurant aprons

Try a solution of lemon juice, salt and water. Soak

I use oxi clean in warm water . Soak a couple hrs . Then wash with your detergent and a have a scoop of powder oxi clean and use vinegar in the rinse . It has even turned yellow items from bleach back to white . Try it you ll love it .

I have whitened things like scarves and doilies using baking soda and peroxide.

Soak it in oxyclean and warm water, rinse it well and then set it in the sun to dry. The sun will help bleach it naturally.

I really like Biz. It will really whiten everything quickly. It is sometimes hard to find so I buy it from Amazon

Hydrogen peroxide if oxi doesn’t work. Can’t beat good old sunshine.

Chlorine bleach should not be used on silk. Rather than whiten silk, it turns silk yellow.

• 19 Mar 2020, 13:02
• Updated : 12 Jun 2020, 14:06

THERE ARE LOTS of reasons to invest in a silk pillowcase – and not just because silk is a lovely and luxurious fabric that feels nice.

From their hypoallergenic benefits – silk is said to be good for skin, and won’t irritate anyone with sensitivities or allergies – to the fact they are less-drying on the hair, we’re all looking for the best silk pillowcases to rest our heads on.

For silk pillowcase devotees, who insist that sleeping on them improves skin hydration, minimises wrinkles and leaves hair feeling frizz-free, once you’ve tried a silk pillowcase, there’s no going back.

As an added bonus, silk pillowcases look stunning in the bedroom.

Not only will you find them in cream and white shades, but they’re also available in a range of pastel hues, jewel tones and even black.

While some silk pillowcases can be on the pricey side – designer versions from beloved brands like Slip can set you back £85, there are plenty of silk pillowcases if you’re on a budget.

For under £15, you can find a one-sided silk pillowcase that reviewers insist works a treat.

This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.

1. Best budget silk pillowcase: Jasmine Silk Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

1. (AD) Jasmine Silk Mulberry Silk Pillowcase,£10.99 from Amazon – buy here

This value-for-money design is made from 100 per cent charmeuse silk on one side, with 300 thread count cotton on the other.

Even though it has a budget-friendly price, reviewers like that it has all the same hypoallergenic and anti-frizz benefits, and is machine washable at 30 degrees.

Fans say it’s surprisingly good quality – even after multiple washes – and note their skin looks clearer and their hair is less frizzy and tangled when they wake up.

2. B est value dual-sided silk pillowcase: LilySilk Oxford Silk Standard Pillowcase

For another value-for-money option, try LilySilk’s mulberry silk pillowcase.

The dual-sided silk design is made from 19 momme silk, and comes packaged in a lovely gift box. It’s available in a range of colours, and is Oeko-Tex certified so you know it’s chemical-free.

‘This silk pillowcase is absolutely divine, once you rest your head on this you will want to buy spares for when laundering.

‘They feel very decadent, so smooth, cool yet so comforting and feel so nice against your face. And if the claims are correct about helping to reduce or delay wrinkles as well, what more can you ask?’ writes a convert.

3. Best all rounder silk pillowcase: John Lewis Silk Standard Pillowcase

• John Lewis Silk Standard Pillowcase , £45 from John Lewis – buy here

John Lewis’ silk pillowcases impress in lots of ways.

They’re well-priced, come in a variety of gorgeous colours and are made from 19 momme mulberry silk.

Hypoallergenic and breathable, they feel smooth and comfortable on the skin, with fans loving how they are ‘affordable luxury’ and make ‘sleeping a pleasure’.

One reviewer writes:

‘Having heard how much kinder to your hair and skin silk pillowcases were, treated myself to one. I now have four, which tells you how impressed I was!’

4. B est beauty silk pillowcase: The White Company Silk Beauty Pillowcase

The White Company’s silk beauty pillowcase is made of pure silk for a gorgeous and indulgent gift.

It offers a cool, smooth sleeping surface and can help maintain hair’s strength and shine as well as reducing friction for less frizz.

Fans also like that ‘it makes your hair and skin feel and look great’. As always with a White Company product, the quality is brilliant.

5. Best designer silk pillowcase: Slip Kiss Queen Silk Pillowcase

Slip is the leader in the biz when it comes to stylish silk pillowcases.

Made from pure mulberry silk, the brand’s gorgeous pillowcases come in a range of prints and colours.

The brand has pioneered its own special slipsilk™, the result of over a decade of work to create a friction-free pillowcase that’s soft yet durable, and won’t crease the skin or damage the hair as you sleep.

6. Best square silk pillowcase: Alaska Bear Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

(AD) Alaska Bear Mulberry Silk Pillowcase , £15.99 from Amazon – buy here

Yes, you can even cover your cushions with a silk pillowcase – so your hair doesn’t get bedhead effects as you chill on the sofa.

Made from 19 momme, 600 thread count mulberry silk (on both sides), Alaska Bear’s hypoallergenic design comes in a fun print too.

Standard pillowcases are also available from the brand.

We’ve designed Sun Selects to help you to find the best products that won’t break the bank.

Looking for some more home buys? Then you’ll love this roundup of cheap desks for your home.

Want a better night’s sleep? Cuddle up with these weighted blankets.

This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.

*AD – the items in this review was gifted to our household for this post. All opinions, as always, are our own.

Pillowcases are a necessity in every and all houses. They keep your pillows clean and allow you to easily wash the outside of them, as well as look cute on your bed. Most people purchase cheap cotton pillowcases for their pillows, but there is actually a lot of benefits to purchasing a silk pillowcase, treating yourself to something a bit more luxurious, that will last longer and provide lasting health benefits to the person using them. I’ve now switched to a 22 Momme Mulberry Silk Pillowcase from Calidad Home. Let’s go over some of the positives of this lovely pillow case and some of the not so positives.

Prevents Frizzy Hair & Split Ends

When sleeping on a silk pillowcase, your hair will end up less frizzy in the mornings – something I have seen the benefit from as my hair is often quite frizzy this time of year! Cotton or linen can cause a lot of frizz in your hair, but switching to silk really mild the amount of frizz down to basically nothing due to the material it’s made from. Split ends, which I have a lot of at the moment due to not being able to get my hair cut yet, can also be kept at bay with a silk pillowcase, as the material is softer. Being softer matters since your hair rubs against the material all night, so having a softer material means less damage when it comes to the ends of your hair.

Moisturising & Preventing Acne

Silk pillowcases are known for keeping moisture close to your face instead of soaking it up, meaning your face will feel less dry in the morning. I don’t have much of a skin care routine myself, but I have noticed that my face has been far less dried, less wrinkled, and felt far better in the morning. Silk doesn’t wrinkle either, so you don’t end up with marks on your face when you wake up in the morning either! If you do spend time on a skin care routine, to make it more meaningful, it might make sense to switching to a pillow that helps you instead of hinders you. As this type of pillowcase keeps your face moisture, it also is good for preventing more acne from coming up, if that’s something you’ve struggled with. My face has been feeling really nice lately to be honest!

Hypoallergenic & Cleaner

Most silk pillowcases are hypoallergenic so if you have allergies, like I do, they can help keep them at bay as allergens aren’t trapped as easily into silk pillowcases. These pillowcases also reduce your exposure to mold, fungus, and dust mites – all things that can end up living and thriving in other pillowcases. I don’t know about you, but I much enjoy the thought of not sleeping on mold, fungus and dust mites, so this also provides a bit more peace of mind for me when I am sleeping.

Pillowcase Marking & Cool Side

I am not going to lie, when I sleep at night I do droll. Many of us do – it’s a normal thing when you are asleep. I have noticed that this pillowcase, unlike my previous cotton one, does mark up when I droll on it, leaving small patches of different colors. I’ve been told that the darker colors, like this dark blue I picked, do mark easier than the lighter colors. This does mean that I am washing my pillowcase more often then before, which is probably a plus, but if you are a droller like myself, be warned that it will leave a small mark and people will be able to see! A second slightly negative point on this pillowcase, which sounds equally silly, is the fact that there is no ‘cool side’ of the pillow. Often pillows have a warm side (that you have been laying on) and a cold side (underneath) but the silk pillowcase doesn’t have a cool side as both sides are the same temperature.

Final Thoughts

I really love the feel of this silk pillowcase from Calidad Home and have found that it has really made a difference when it comes to how my face has felt in the morning and how my hair has been. These are huge positives, as I am not someone who is looking to do a bunch of extra things to keep my skin and hair healthy – so the simple concept of switching to a silk pillowcase and knowing that will help my hair and skin is really lovely. I was, at first, put off a bit by the marks on my pillow from drolling, but sticking the pillowcase into the washing machine a more often then before hasn’t ever hurt anyone and has easily come into my cleaning routine. Also, having a silk pillowcase just feels luxurious. And we all deserve a bit more luxury in our lives.

4 thoughts on “ The positives (and negatives) of a silk pillowcase ”

That sounds like such a great pillowcase! I’ve never had a silk one before either. Maybe I should try one out. Thanks for sharing!

I got some marker on my silk pillowcase from Ikea. I don’t know how to wash it. Can I put stain stick on it?

• • Add Topic
  • 224 questions
  • 9 people

  9 Answer s

  No. You’ll have to take it to a drycleaner to get it out.

  Windblow is pretty much on the money. The spotting kit a drycleaner is likely to have is pretty elaborate and they can do wonders. Find a place that’s been around awhile and also does alterations on premises. If they have a dedicated person who does alterations, chances are they are also the spotting masters.

  Not quite. The people who do the spotting are the ones who run the cleaning machinery. A vast majority of garments that come in are ultimately spotted…just to help loosen the dirt particles so that the cleaning machine can get it out more efficiently. Alterations people usually just sew buttons and modify clothing…they usually get garments after they’ve been cleaned.

  Ink is a very tricky thing to get out of clothing as it can easily be set into fabrics. Basically what the cleaner will do is pour some chemical on the stain and treat it with steam; being careful not to hit it too hard with the steam, or the ink will set and be forever in the fabric.

  try blotting it with a wet towel then hand dry it

  A really honest cleaner will tell you if they can get it out and will send you home to your OxyClean if they can’t.

  I’m too lazy to go to a drycleaner : ) It’s also not very nice or anything so I don’t care THAT much if I screw it up…..

  Just try water washing it and let it hang dry. Wash cold. No detergent or softener.

  Baby shampoo and a little vinegar in Cold water. The Vinegar helps retain the shine. At least thats what Mom says. The only silk I have is in Ties and who washes them?

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  Waking up with perfect hair may be a lot easier than you think. The trick? Sleep on a silk pillowcase for hair. Swapping out your cotton pillowcase for a silk one is just one way to have stronger, healthier-looking hair. When added to a hair healthy routine that includes proper nutrition from your diet or Viviscal hair growth † supplements, a silk pillowcase can leave your hair more hydrated and shinier in the morning.*

  Why a Silk Pillowcase Works for Hair?

  Most people sleep on cotton pillowcases. Unfortunately, cotton pillowcases are not the best for our hair. Cotton fibers are very absorbent. During the night, they pull the moisture from hair, leaving it dry, frizzy and prone to breakage.

  Cotton also pulls on the hair at night, causing friction to the hair cuticle and twisting hair at the root, which can lead to damage and a bad case of bedhead in the morning. If you’ve ever woken up with your pillowcase covered in hair, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

  Silk, on the other hand, is naturally smoother and won’t rub against your hair at night. Since its fibers are less absorbent, silk pillowcases will also help your hair retain more moisture overnight. The result? You’ll wake up to shinier, healthier-looking hair without bedhead.

  Just as cotton pillowcases pull moisture from your hair, they can do the same for your face. So switching to a silk pillowcase not only has benefits for your hair, but your skin as well!

  If you don’t want to give up your cotton pillowcase, you get some of the same benefits of sleeping with a silk pillowcase by wrapping your hair in a silk scarf before bed.

  How to Choose the Best Silk Pillowcase for Hair

  The silk pillowcase trend is growing in popularity, and manufacturers have taken notice. So there are now lots of lesser-quality silk pillowcases for hair on the market.

  When shopping for a silk pillowcase, look for one that’s made of 100% mulberry silk with a momme (the unit of weight for a silk weave) between 19 and 22. A high-end silk pillowcase can cost as much as $90. If you’re on a budget, satin pillowcases offer many of the same hair care and skincare benefits of silk pillowcases, but with a lower price tag.

  Other Hair-Smoothing Tips

  While sleeping on a silk pillowcase can help keep hair smooth and hydrated, it’s best used in conjunction with some other hair-healthy practices:

  • Wash hair 2-3 times per week, and always follow shampoo with a conditioner. Washing hair too often can cause it to dry out. Viviscal Gorgeous Growth Densifying Shampoo gently cleanses hair, to help keep hair hydrated and healthy.
  • After conditioning your hair, rinse hair with cold water. Cold water seals the hair’s cuticle, leaving hair shiny by locking in moisture.
  • Your scalp produces natural oils to hydrate your hair. But too much oil can make hair look greasy. Brush your hair with a boar-bristle brush to help distribute your scalp’s natural oils from your roots to your ends. While there’s no need to brush your hair 100 strokes each day, a healthy hair brushing will make your hair look shinier and keep knots at bay.
  • Healthy hair is shinier hair. Use a daily hair growth † supplement like Viviscal to strengthen hair from the inside out. With nutrients like biotin, iron, zinc and a proprietary complex called AminoMar™, Viviscal tablets feed hair follicles to promote thicker, fuller hair growth † .*

  Sleeping with a silk pillowcase is definitely a great way to improve your hair. When coupled with other hair-healthy habits (like taking Viviscal twice daily), your hair’s natural condition should improve over time.*

  Write a Review

  Silk Moon

  100% Silk Pillowcase – Silver

  Product Description

  • 100% Mulberry silk.
  • Naturally hypoallergenic.
  • Gentle on hair and skin.

  Luxurious, natural Mulberry silk is hypoallergenic, temperature regulating, moisture wicking, and supremely gentle on hair and skin. Upgrade to a silk pillowcase for a heavenly sleep year round.

  SIZES AVAILABLE (IN STORES & ONLINE):

  One per package. Please call and verify availability at the store as stock changes daily.

  FABRICATION:

  • 100% silk, exclusive of trim

  These yarns are certified by Oeko-Tex®, which tests for known harmful substances and chemicals. Certification number: BJ015 160136 TESTEX

  WASHING INSTRUCTIONS:

  Hand wash separately in 30°C water. Use Woolite or equivalent. Hang to dry out of direct sunlight. Do not bleach or iron. Wet dry clean possible.