There’s no doubt that everyone loves sleeping on silk sheets and pillowcases. Its smooth and soft fabric makes us feel comfortable and ready to rest. 

While silk is a desirable fabric for bedclothes, many people opt for other fabrics. Why? Because many people don’t know how to care for silk fabric. 

It seems like a silly reason not to use an amazing fabric, right? We agree. That’s why we’re putting those fears to bed. 

Here’s how to wash a silk pillowcase and sheets.

Here Are All the Materials You Need to Wash a Silk Pillowcase

Before we start washing our bedclothes, it’s important to parse out the materials needed for the job. Here are the essential tools required: 

• Washer or sink
• Mesh laundry bag
• Drying rack
• Iron 

These four tools will help you get the job done. Now let’s take a look at the materials you’ll need: 

• Cold water
• Gentle detergent
• Distilled white vinegar

With these tools and materials, you’re all set to learn how to wash a silk pillowcase and sheets. 

Step 1: Choose Between Machine Washing or Hand Washing

You can choose to wash your silk pillowcase and sheets by hand or use your washing machine’s gentle cycle. If you choose to use the washing machine, remember to use a mesh laundry bag and wash it with cold water. Using a mesh laundry bag will protect your silk sheets from zippers and other rough parts of the machine. 

If you choose to wash by hand, make sure to use a gentle touch. Avoid twisting or wringing out the sheets. While silk fabric is strong when it’s dry, its fibers are weaker when wet. 

Step 2: Use Gentle Detergent

Many detergents are too harsh for silk. Using them will make the silk feel rough and scratchy. Who wants that? 

Instead, go with a gentle detergent. It will protect silk’s fibers and keep it nice and smooth. For your machine, wool wash works well. It will clean your sheets while protecting its fibers. 

If washing by hand, use one teaspoon of gentle detergent in your sink basin. For the machine, use two tablespoons to up to a quarter cup, depending on your load size. 

Step 3: Pre-treat Stains

You may have small stains on your bedclothes. Pre-treat stains by rubbing gentle detergent on stains and let them sit for 15 minutes before washing. 

Avoid using chlorine or stain removers as they can be too harsh for silk. 

Step 4: Wash in Cold Water

Whether using your washing machine or hand-washing, choose cold water. Hot water can affect silk fibers. 

Step 5: Add Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle

Whether you are hand-washing or using the washing machine, add distilled white vinegar to your rinse cycle. It will help remove the soapy residue. For hand-washing, use a one-quarter cup of vinegar. For machine washing, use one-half to one cup of vinegar. 

Step 6: Hang to Dry

Once your clothes are washed, hang them to dry. You can use a drying rack or a clothesline. 

Looking for silk sheets, we recommend Calidad Home. 

How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase

There you have it! Now you know how to wash a silk pillowcase and sheets. Use these six steps, and you’ll keep your silk sheets smooth and comfortable.