Key Takeaways
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Wash your silk pillowcases in cold water using a small, measured amount of detergent made for silk. Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean them.
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Only machine wash if the care label says it’s safe. Turn the pillowcase inside out, put it in a mesh bag, and choose a cold, gentle cycle with a low spin.
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Gently press out the water with a towel, then let the pillowcase air-dry away from sunlight and heat sources. Don’t put Dream Recovery pillowcases in the dryer.
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Wash your pillowcase about once a week, or more often if you see buildup from skin oils, sweat, or hair products. It’s ideal to rotate two pillowcases, so you always have a clean, dry one ready.
After washing, your silk pillowcase should feel smooth and look shiny. Use cold water, gentle detergent, and careful drying to keep it in good shape. This guide covers washing, stain removal, drying tips, and a simple cleaning schedule for your silk pillowcase.
Can You Machine Wash a Silk Pillowcase?
It depends. Some silk pillowcases are machine washable, however, they must be washed on a cold, gentle cycle in a mesh bag with silk-safe detergent. Handwashing is still the gentlest method to maintain the quality of your pillowcase. Always follow the care label first.
Dream Recovery’s official washing instructions allow cold machine washing in a mesh bag. They also specify air drying.
Our guide to the best silk pillowcases for hair and skin can help you compare features when choosing one.
How to Hand Wash Silk Pillowcase Step by Step
Hand washing lets you control how gently you clean your pillowcase. Before you start, ready a clean basin, silk detergent, and dry towels that won’t bleed any color onto your pillowcase.
Note: Silk is a protein fiber, similar to hair, but its structure is different. Enzyme detergents can harm silk, so always use a detergent made specifically for silk. Regular “mild” or “sensitive” detergents are not always safe for silk.
Step 1: Check the Label and Prepare Stains
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Check that the pillowcase is washable. Follow professional cleaning instructions if they say "dry clean only."
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Inspect the fabric for makeup, oils, or other marks.
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Gently dab any stains with silk-safe detergent.
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Turn the pillowcase inside out before washing.
To remove stains from silk pillowcases, act quickly but avoid scrubbing.
Step 2: Submerge and Gently Wash
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Fill the basin with enough cold water to let the pillowcase move around freely.
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Add the recommended amount of pH-neutral detergent made for silk, following the instructions on the bottle for how much to dilute it.
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Submerge the pillowcase and soak for about five minutes, unless its label directs otherwise.
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Swirl gently with your hands. Do not scrub the fabric against itself, as this can damage its surface and cause pilling.
Step 3: Rinse and Press Out Water
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Drain the soapy water while supporting the pillowcase.
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Refill with clean, cold water.
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Repeat rinsing until there’s no detergent or suds left.
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Gently press out water between your palms.
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Don’t wring or twist wet silk.
Explore the Dream Recovery Performance Silk Pillowcase for hair and skin health.
How to Machine Wash a Silk Pillowcase
If you’re wondering, can you wash a silk pillowcase in the machine? The answer is sometimes, so always check the care label first. A mesh bag, the right detergent, and a gentle cycle help protect your pillowcase from damage.
Step 1: Protect and Separate
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Turn your silk pillowcase inside out.
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Place the silk pillowcase inside a laundry wash bag.
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Wash your silk pillowcase with other delicate items of similar colors, preferably other silk pieces.
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Don’t wash silk pillowcases with towels, jeans, items with Velcro, or anything with exposed hardware that can catch onto your pillowcase.
Step 2: Choose Cold Water and Low Spin
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Select the delicate, silk, or hand-wash cycle.
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Make sure the water is set to cold. Don’t assume the delicate cycle always uses cold water.
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Choose the lowest suitable spin speed.
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Measure the right amount of silk-safe detergent for your load.
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Don’t use bleach or fabric softener.
If your pillowcase says hand wash only, don’t use the machine’s “hand-wash” setting.
Step 3: Unload Promptly
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Take the wash bag out as soon as the cycle ends.
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Air drying your pillowcase, unless the care instructions allow otherwise.
How to Dry a Silk Pillowcase
The safest way to dry silk every time is to let it air dry. Remember, even an air-only dryer still tumbles the fabric.
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Method |
Towel Roll + Air Dry |
Hang Dry |
Tumble Dry (Air-only) |
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Suitable for silk? |
Yes, for washable silk |
Yes, if the label allows |
Only with explicit manufacturer approval, not for Dream Recovery |
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Time required |
Brief towel pressing, then several hours as needed |
Several hours as needed |
Follow the label instructions |
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Risk level |
Low, but towel friction should be avoided |
Low |
Higher because of tumbling |
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Best for |
Routine care |
Delicate, premium products |
Only products specifically allowing it |
Technique 1: Towel Roll and Dry Flat
Lay a clean, dry towel flat and put the pillowcase on top. Smooth it out gently, roll the towel loosely around the pillowcase, and press along the roll. Let the towel soak up the water without twisting the fabric. Never wring!
Unroll the towel, then lay the pillowcase over a drying rail.
Technique 2: Hang Dry in the Shade
Drape the pillowcase over a clean, smooth, wide drying rail. Spread it out evenly.
Pick a spot with good airflow, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or heated towel rails. Make sure the pillowcase and its seams are totally dry before you use or store it.
Technique 3: Air-Only Tumble, When Explicitly Allowed
Only use a tumble dryer with no heat if the manufacturer says it’s okay. Follow their instructions, check the pillowcase often, and finish with air drying if needed. Remember, a low-heat cycle is not the same as an air-only cycle (do not put a Dream Recovery silk pillowcase in the dryer, including on air-only).
Shop the Dream Recovery Performance Silk Pillowcase.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Silk Pillowcases
Most damage to silk pillowcases happens because of heat, harsh products, or rough handling. Pay attention to these things every time you wash.
Mistake 1: Using Heat to Clean or Dry Faster
Hot water and dryer heat can shrink silk and change how it looks and feels. Too much sunlight can also fade or discolor it. This means you should always use cold water and dry your pillowcase in the shade.
If you need to get wrinkles out of silk, check if ironing is allowed. If it is, only use the lowest silk setting on the inside of the fabric, and place a clean cloth between the iron and the silk. Keep the iron moving constantly.
Mistake 2: Adding Harsh Products or Too Much Detergent
Don’t use chlorine bleach, and don’t assume oxygen bleach is safe for your silk pillowcase either. Fabric softener can make silk look dull, and enzyme detergents can weaken the fibers.
Mistake 3: Scrubbing, Wringing, or Storing Damp
If you rub a stain too hard, you might damage the fabric even if the mark goes away. Twisting wet silk can stretch it, and hardware accessories like zippers can snag the material.
Store your silk pillowcases clean, completely dry, and loosely folded in a cool, dark place away from sunlight.
How Often Should You Wash a Silk Pillowcase?
About once a week is a practical baseline. You can increase the frequency when sweat, oily skin, or skincare and hair products leave noticeable buildup.
Start With a Weekly Wash
Wash sooner if the surface feels greasy, looks dirty, or smells off. A clean, friction-free pillowcase also helps with the bedding habits we mention in our guide to reducing sleep lines on your face.
Rotate Two Pillowcases for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
If you notice buildup often, try changing your pillowcase every two or three nights. This is just a practical hygiene tip, not a guaranteed way to treat acne.
The American Academy of Dermatology’s guidance on hair products and acne recommends washing pillowcases to remove residue from products that may contribute to breakouts.
Check out more in our guide: Does a silk pillowcase help acne?
Refresh Between Washes Without Adding Residue
Each morning, let your bed air out, remove makeup before bed, and make sure your hair is dry before lying down. Don’t spray pillow mist, essential oils, or fabric freshener directly on silk.
Keep Your Silk and Your Skin at Their Best With Dream Recovery
Washing a silk pillowcase in cold water, handling gently, and air drying will help keep it smooth, shiny, and performing at it’s best.
The Dream Recovery Performance Silk Pillowcase uses 30 momme Cool-Tech Silk™ mulberry silk, and silver-ion infusion for optimal sleep, skin, and hair health.
Shop the Dream Recovery Performance Silk Pillowcase and take your sleep routine to the next level with the Performance Silk Sleep Mask.
FAQs
Can we put a silk pillowcase in the washing machine?
Sometimes, yes, you can put a silk pillowcase in the washing machine, but only if the care label allows it. Turn it inside out, use a mesh wash bag, and select cold water, a delicate cycle, and silk-safe detergent.
Can you wash 100% silk in the washer?
Sometimes. Dyes, construction, and finishes matter, so follow the individual care label for silk garments and bedding.
How do I whiten yellowed silk pillowcases?
Silk-safe washing often helps remove yellowing caused by buildup. However, if lingering yellowing persists, avoid bleach and unapproved whitening remedies. Ask a professional cleaner, however, permanent discoloration may remain if the fabric is very old.
Should I wash a new silk pillowcase before using it?
Yes, you should was a new silk pillowcase before using it. A gentle first wash removes residues from production and handling. Air dry it completely before sleeping on it.
Can I use shampoo to wash a silk pillowcase?
Sometimes a gentle shampoo like baby shampoo can be used to wash a silk pillowcase, but it’s always recommended to use a dedicated silk detergent instead. Shampoo can contain conditioning ingredients, fragrance, or colorants that can negatively impact delicate fibers like silk.