Why Air Drying is the Best Way to Care for Your Silk Pillowcase?
Air drying is the best way to care for your silk pillowcase.
While it might require a little more time, it compensates by ensuring a longer-lasting use of your pillowcase. So which is it? Longer-lasting and effective or not as durable?
Now the question: why is it the best? You will find the nitty-gritty details here as to why that's so.
Among other fabrics, silk has a certain unrivalled specialness, which can be attributed to its nature. Silk is obtained from the cocoon of a silkworm. The process itself can be lengthy, but the essential point is that silk is made up of natural protein fibres, and because of this makeup, it becomes quite delicate.
Protein can be easily denatured, meaning taken out of its natural state, altered, or damaged, and it can be influenced by chains of reactions.
If your go-to method for drying your silk pillowcase is using a tumbler dryer or any heat form, over time, the silk pillowcase will slowly alter and lose its effectiveness.
Benefits of Air Drying Your Silk Pillowcase?
What do you get out of having an air-drying routine with your silk pillowcase? Let's take a look at some of the advantages:
- Prevents Heat Damage
This tops the list because many people default to using a dryer or flat iron to dry their silk pillowcases.
However, as mentioned earlier, heat alters the protein composition of silk, denaturing it in the process. This weakens the fabric, reducing its effectiveness.
Your pillowcase could become stiff and brittle, which wouldn’t be good for your hair or skin in the long run. With air drying, however, you can preserve the delicate nature of your silk pillowcase.
- Your pillowcase stays shiny!
If there’s one trademark silk item known for, it’s that natural sheen—almost as if they radiate a subtle light that instantly makes you think, this is definitely silk or something associated with luxury.
Air drying will help keep your silk pillowcase in peak condition, especially if you’re washing it correctly. We have a guide on how to hand wash your silk pillowcase, the right detergent to use, and the overall washing process, so you could check them out as well!
- Maintains the shape, size and texture of your pillowcase
Silk is prone to shrinkage, and the mechanical action from tumble drying, along with the high temperatures it’s exposed to, can facilitate this shrinkage
It can be somewhat amusing if your pillowcase can’t fully cover your pillows, but it also renders your pillowcase less effective if your hair—meant to be protected—and your face keeps rubbing against bare pillows.
If you're heavy on aesthetics, a mismatched pillowcase will certainly stick out like a sore thumb!
- Prevents wear and tear
What's interesting is that drying your silk pillowcase in a dryer is bound to stretch and pull the fabric, weakening the fibres in the process.
This inevitably shortens the shelf life of your pillowcase. However, if you air dry it, your silk pillowcase will live up to its lifespan, as no external forces are acting upon it, preventing wear and tear.
How to Properly Air Dry Silk Pillowcase?
Drying your silk pillowcase goes a long way in preserving its delicate nature and ensuring you get the best out of it. While the washing process is very important, the drying process is equally as important.
To properly air dry your silk pillowcase, you should follow these steps:
- After washing, the next step is to blot your silk pillowcase with a clean towel. You can either lay your silk pillowcase flat on your towel and grab another to blot it, or you can make a sushi roll with the towel your silk pillowcase is laid within. Wrap, unwrap, and wrap again until you feel you’ve removed enough moisture.
- Next, take your silk pillowcase and lay it flat in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated area. If you decide to hang it, make sure to use a padded hanger or drape it over a drying rack to avoid creases, wrinkles, or stretching.
- You mustn't have your silk pillowcase facing the sunlight and under its direct glare; that would be detrimental to your silk pillowcase, as the heat would reverse your intended purpose. It wouldn’t be caring; it would be ruining your silk pillowcase.
- After the drying process, you might spot creases and slight wrinkles, which may tempt you to reach for a hot iron. If that bothers you, smooth out the wrinkles with your hands as it dries, or use a cool iron or steam setting. Just be sure to place a clean cloth between the pillowcase and the iron to serve as a barrier.
Common Air Drying Mistakes to Avoid
Air drying can also be done wrongly, so it’s important to steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Never wring out your silk pillowcase after washing. You do not want to apply any form of pressure, such as aggressively rubbing or scrubbing; this is a major no-no! Such actions would weaken and stretch out your silk fibres.
- Never dry your pillowcase under the direct glare of the sun!
- Hanging your silk pillowcase with pegs or clips can leave a dent or indentation. Instead, a drying rack would serve you better, or you might as well lay it flat.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind that your silk pillowcase is delicate and should be treated as such. The care and treatment you give it will determine its longevity and, ultimately, what you get out of it.
Also, to shop for quality and affordable silk pillowcases, take a look at our collections—we've got you covered!
