What To Use When Washing A Silk Pillowcase

The very first step in the care routine of a silk pillowcase— and, well, the rest of the silk family is the washing process. While it's a very obvious one—you could either hand wash or machine wash your pillowcases.

What's equally important, aside from the washing methods, is the laundry equipment and the type of detergent used.

You shouldn’t make the mistake of using regular detergents, as they can be too hard on silk; you want to make sure you're using something milder and effective.

Here, you will be let in on everything you need to know about washing silk, the laundry equipment needed for that, the 'right' kind of detergent, and the best detergent to use that doesn't cost so much.

Let's get on with it!

You could either hand wash or machine wash your silk pillowcases. To ensure your silk pillowcases are machine washable, make sure to check the care label first.

If you are using a machine washing, you will need a laundry mesh bag.

It doesn’t have to be anything grand, but it will help cushion the effects of friction and agitation in the washer. It also helps prevent snagging and maintain the delicacy of the items.

On a scale of importance, a laundry mesh bag is comfortably at the top.

You will also need a mild detergent. A regular detergent is toxic to silk, and further along in this piece, you will learn the science behind why that happens and what you should use instead.

You will also need a mild detergent. A regular detergent is toxic to silk, and further along in this piece, you will learn the science behind why that happens and what you should use instead.

Then, use warm water! Always. Hot water can alter the composition of the protein fibers in the silk because heat can denature proteins, which silk is primarily made of.

After placing your silk pillowcase in a mesh bag, wash them on a gentle cycle. This is very important. Remember—gentle cycle. Alternatively, you can hand wash.

With either washing method, do not wring, twist, or rub the silk pillowcases to remove excess water. Instead, get a clean towel and lay it on a flat surface.

Spread your silk pillowcase on it, roll up both layers like a sushi roll, and then gently squeeze the whole roll along its length.

Unroll and lay the silk pillowcase flat to dry. It's also important that you go about drying your silk pillowcases the right way.

Why Regular Detergents Can Be Damaging To Your Silk Pillowcases?

Silk originates from silk worms and is primarily composed of protein fibers. Silk thrives on a slightly acidic to pH-neutral balance; however, most regular detergents are alkaline in nature.

Their alkalinity can weaken the silk fibers and cause damage over time, reducing the lifespan of the silk items.

Additionally, many detergents contain enzymes, such as protease, which are designed to break down protein-based stains. Since silk itself is a protein fiber, this can become problematic.

These enzymes can break down the silk fibers, leading to weakening, holes in the fabric, and overall damage.

Regular detergents also tend to contain ingredients to brighten fabrics, which can be too harsh for silk.

This can cause yellowing of the pillowcases, spot discoloration, and a reduction in shine and feel.

What Kind Of Detergents To Use For Silk?

Now, we covered why regular detergent is a no-no for silk, but what is better instead? Pretty simple: detergents that are enzyme-free and what you would likely classify as natural—chemical-free and not capable of causing a chemical reaction.

The Best Detergents To Use For Your Silk Pillowcases?

You can't go into a store looking for a detergent with the description saying 'enzyme and chemical-free detergent.' Maybe saying 'silk-specific detergent' would get you answers.

Anyway, here's a compilation of really good and budget-friendly detergents you'll love:

●     Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent

●     The Laundress Delicate Wash

●     Woolite Delicates

●     Ecover Delicate Laundry Liquid

●     Soak Wash

●     Mrs. Meyer's Laundry Detergent

●     Tenestar Silk Detergent

Final Thoughts

You can only get the best out of your silk pillowcases and items if you are particular about the care process. Silk is delicate and should be treated as such.

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