Silk can last for years with the right routine, but the safest way to wash it depends on the item and its finish. For a DREAMSILK pillowcase, the store’s care guidance allows either a cool hand wash or a 30°C delicate machine wash in a laundry bag. Always check the instructions that came with your own piece before washing.
How often should you wash a silk pillowcase?
Choose a regular schedule that suits your skin, hair routine and household. Many people wash pillowcases weekly, or more often if they use heavy hair products, sweat at night or have been unwell. Use a fresh pillowcase when you need one, and follow its care label rather than assuming every silk item can be washed in the same way.
Before washing: check the label and sort colours
Read the item’s care instructions first. Silk dyes, seams, linings and finishes can change how a product responds to water. Wash similar colours together and keep dark or bright pieces separate from pale silk, especially the first few times. If you are unsure about a particular item, ask the maker or choose professional cleaning where the label recommends it.
For DREAMSILK pillowcases, the care instructions recommend pH-neutral liquid detergent and a cool wash. They describe hand washing as the gentlest option and allow a delicate machine cycle at 30°C in a delicates wash bag.
How to hand wash silk
- Use a clean basin. Fill it with cool water. Add a small amount of pH-neutral liquid detergent and mix it through the water.
- Wash gently. Submerge the item and move it through the water without scrubbing, twisting or rubbing it against itself. Follow the care label for the wash time.
- Rinse carefully. Use cool, clean water until detergent is removed. Avoid sudden temperature changes and rough handling while the fabric is wet.
- Remove water without wringing. Lay the item on a clean towel, roll the towel loosely and press gently to absorb excess water.
Can you machine wash silk?
Only machine wash silk when the product’s care instructions allow it. For DREAMSILK pillowcases, use a delicates wash bag, a delicate cycle at 30°C and pH-neutral liquid detergent. Close zips or fastenings on other laundry so they cannot catch the silk, and wash the item with similarly gentle fabrics.
Machine settings and detergent formulas vary. If your item has a different label, follow that label. Professional cleaners also advise that home washing can affect some silk dyes, finishes and constructions, so do not assume the same method is suitable for every silk garment or textile.
Dry silk without heat
Do not wring or tumble dry a silk pillowcase. After pressing out excess water with a towel, hang or lay it to dry as directed by the product instructions, away from direct high heat. The DREAMSILK care guidance says not to tumble dry and to avoid high temperatures. A shaded, well-ventilated spot helps you avoid using a radiator or hot tumble dryer to speed things up.
Ironing and steaming
If the fabric needs smoothing, check the label. DREAMSILK’s care guidance allows low-heat ironing and steaming. Iron on the lowest suitable setting, preferably while the fabric is slightly damp and from the reverse side. Keep the iron moving and avoid pressing hard over seams or embellishments. Do not use high heat.
Common silk washing mistakes
- Using bleach or harsh stain removers: the store’s care guidance says not to bleach. Spot treatments can also change a dye or finish.
- Using ordinary high-alkaline detergent: use pH-neutral liquid detergent for DREAMSILK pieces, as directed.
- Washing every silk item the same way: follow the label for the specific garment, pillowcase or accessory.
- Scrubbing or wringing: wet fabric needs gentle handling; press water out with a towel instead.
- Using a hot dryer or radiator: avoid tumble drying and high temperatures.
What if there is a stain?
Blot a fresh spill with a clean, absorbent cloth; do not rub it into the fibres. Check the care instructions before applying any spot cleaner. If the stain is persistent, the item is valuable, or the colour may run, ask a professional cleaner before trying a treatment at home.
For background on the fabric terms, read our silk vs satin pillowcase guide. If you are choosing silk for your bedtime routine, our guides to reducing overnight hair tangles and silk pillowcases and hair explain what a smoother surface may and may not do.
Silk care FAQs
Can I put a silk pillowcase in the washing machine?
Check its care label. DREAMSILK pillowcases can be washed on a delicate 30°C cycle in a delicates bag with pH-neutral liquid detergent.
Should I use fabric softener on silk?
Follow the product instructions and the detergent maker’s guidance. DREAMSILK recommends pH-neutral liquid detergent; you do not need to add fabric softener.
Can I tumble dry silk?
DREAMSILK’s care guidance says not to tumble dry. Let the pillowcase air dry as directed and avoid high temperatures.
Is dry cleaning always necessary for silk?
No single care method applies to every silk item. Some labels recommend professional cleaning; DREAMSILK pillowcases have hand-wash and delicate machine-wash instructions. Follow the item’s own label.
What detergent should I use?
For DREAMSILK products, use pH-neutral liquid detergent as stated in the care instructions. For another brand or a silk garment, follow its label.
For more silk bedding options, browse the DREAMSILK silk pillowcase collection.
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