How to wash silk pillowcases and eye masks
If you’ve splashed out on a fancy silk pillowcase or eye mask in the hopes of upgrading the quality of your sleep, or because you’ve heard of the incredible skin and hair benefits sleeping with silk can have, then it’s important to give your pieces the right Kair. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to wash your silk pillowcases and eye masks, to keep them luxuriously soft and silky-smooth night after night and sleep after sleep.
Step #1: check the care instructions
Image source: BASK
Always check the instructions on the care label. As a general rule, even if it says it’s dry clean only, most silks can be safely machine washed at home, and that includes pillowcases and eye masks. The only exception is very heavily embellished pieces, for example, a silk pillowcase with delicate embroidery or intricate beading.
Step #2: pre-treat stains
Gently pre-treat stains with some of our Wool, Silk & Delicates Wash. Simply dilute the detergent in cool water, work it into the stain with a clean cloth, dab away the residue, then repeat as necessary until the stain disappears. For tough body oils in particular, you can also try soaking the stain in a powder such as talcum powder or cornstarch before spot-treating with detergent, while hydrogen peroxide works well on stubborn makeup stains. Check out our definitive 101 stain removal guide to find out more.
Step #3: protect with a mesh laundry bag
Image source: Light Sleeper
Silk is a luxurious yet extremely delicate fabric, and so requires only the very gentlest care to maintain its softness and lustre. That’s why it’s super important to place your items in a mesh laundry bag before washing. We also recommend turning silk pillowcases inside out, to preserve the texture and colour of the natural fabric. Wash similar colours together.
Step #4: wash on the very gentlest cycle
If you’re machine washing, be sure to select the delicates or hand wash cycle, with a short cycle and low spin, and stick to cool temperatures (> 30°C). As when pre-treating stains, use only a gentle, specialist detergent. If you’re washing only your silk pillowcase or eye mask, you might prefer to hand wash (it’ll save on water). Dilute 1-2 capfuls of the detergent in a basin in tepid water, submerge the item in the water and gently swirl with your hands, then leave it to soak for up to 30 minutes (for silks in particular, it’s important not to soak longer than that!). Rinse by running fresh, cool water through the item until the water is no longer soapy, then gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring).
Step #5: line dry
Image source: The Spruce
Take your silk items out of the drum immediately after washing to reduce wrinkling, before gently soaking up excess moisture with a towel. Hang dry naturally indoors, away from direct sunlight (which can damage the silk fibre and fade the colour). Avoid tumble drying at all costs, and opt for soft, padded hangers over pegs (which can leave marks). Spritz with finishing spray to release any lingering creases and infuse with long-lasting luxury.
Now you can enjoy silky-smooth pillowcases and eye masks night after night, so your favourite luxury pieces can stay as beautiful as your precious beauty sleep.
Image source: Gingerlily
