How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase the Right Way (Without Ruining It)

How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase: The Complete 2026 Guide

Silk pillowcases (especially 100% mulberry silk ones like Moonchild) have exploded in popularity because they reduce sleep creases, prevent hair frizz, and feel luxurious. But one question we see every single day is: “Can you actually wash a silk pillowcase without destroying it?”

The short answer: Yes — if you do it correctly.

Wash it wrong and you’ll end up with faded color, rough texture, or even tiny tears. Wash it right and your silk pillowcase will look brand new for years.

Here’s exactly how to do it — whether you prefer hand-washing or using the washing machine.

Table of Contents

1. Can You Put a Silk Pillowcase in the Washing Machine?

Yes, most 19-momme or 22-momme pure silk pillowcases are machine-washable — but only on the right settings. A low washing temperature shall do the job in most of the cases as silk is naturally stain-repellent.

Quick rules for machine washing silk pillowcases:

• Use a delicate/gentle cycle

• Cold water only (30°C / 86°F max)

• Place inside a mesh laundry bag

• Mild, pH-neutral detergent (never regular detergent or bleach)

• No fabric softener

• Skip the spin cycle or use the lowest spin setting

HACK: place a dry towel during the spin cycle to soak up excess fluid for a faster drying

2. How to Hand Wash a Silk Pillowcase (The Safest Method)

Hand-washing is the gentlest (and many dermatologists’ preferred) method.

Step-by-step hand wash instructions:

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm or cold water (never hot).

2. Add 2–3 drops of silk-specific gentle Moonchild detergent.

3. Submerge the pillowcase and gently swish for 3–5 minutes. Do NOT scrub or twist.

4. Drain and refill with clean cold water to rinse. Repeat until no suds remain.

5. Gently press (don’t wring) to remove excess water.

6. Lay flat or hang to dry away from direct sunlight.

Silk Pillowcase Care Cheat Sheet (Quick Reference)

Do ✅	Don’t ❌
Cold or lukewarm water	Hot water
Gentle or delicate cycle	Regular or heavy-duty cycle
Mesh laundry bag	Wash with jeans or zippers
pH-neutral silk detergent	Bleach, fabric softener, regular Tide
Air dry in shade	Direct sunlight or dryer heat
Iron on silk setting (inside out)	High heat iron

3. Can You Put a Silk Pillowcase in the Dryer?

Almost never.

Heat is silk’s worst enemy. High heat in the dryer will shrink, yellow, and roughen the fabric.

The only safe drying methods:

• Air dry flat on a clean towel — silk dries rather quick

• Hang on a padded hanger in the shade

• If you absolutely must use a dryer: “No heat” or “air fluff” setting only, inside a mesh bag, for 5–10 minutes max

4. Can You Iron a Silk Pillowcase? Yes — Here’s Exactly How to Do It Safely

Yes, silk can absolutely be ironed, but only if you follow the rules. Heat is one of silk’s biggest enemies, so one wrong move and you’ll end up with scorch marks or permanent creases.

Safe ironing rules for silk pillowcases:

• Always iron inside out (this protects the outer “beauty” side)
• Use the lowest heat setting labeled “silk” (usually around 110–150 °C / 230–300 °F)
• Iron while the silk is still slightly damp — this is when silk smooths out most easily
• Never use the steam function (steam + silk = water spots and potential scorching)
• Never spray water directly onto silk — it can leave permanent rings
• Move the iron quickly; do not let it sit in one spot
• If your iron only has low/medium/high settings and you’re nervous, place a clean cotton press cloth or thin towel between the iron and the silk

Pro tip: After air-drying flat, most high-quality silk pillowcases need little to no ironing if you smooth them with your hands while damp.

5. How Often Should You Wash Your Silk Pillowcase?

Silk is naturally stain and dust repellent. Silk is antimicrobial and a relief for those with allergies. But since the silk pillowcase touches your face and hair every night, oils, skincare products, and drool build up fast.

Recommended wash frequency:

• Normal to dry skin: every 7–10 days

• Oily or acne-prone skin: every 4–7 days

• If you wear heavy night creams or hair oils: every 3–5 days

Pro tip: Keep 2–3 silk pillowcases in rotation so you always have a clean one ready.

6. Best Detergent for Washing Silk Pillowcases in 2026

Regular detergent is too harsh — it strips the natural sericin protein that makes silk smooth.

Top recommended detergent: The Moonchild silk detergent meets the special needs of silk. It won't dry out the fabric and nurtures the gentle fibres. This special mild detergent cleans with low temperature.

7. How to Remove Stains from a Silk Pillowcase

Common stains: makeup, blood, sweat, hair dye.

Never rub! Instead:

1. Blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth.

2. Gently dab the Moonchild Silk Detergent and let it sit for 20 minutes.

3. For makeup: a drop of micellar water on a towel works wonders.

4. For blood: cold water + a pinch of salt, then rinse immediately.

5. Rinse thoroughly and wash as normal.

9. Why Is My Silk Pillowcase Suddenly Brittle or Cracked?

Brittle, stiff, or “cracked” silk is a cry for help. This happens when the silk filament itself is damaged — usually from:

• Wrong detergent (especially anything alkaline or enzyme-based)
• Harsh rubbing or twisting while wet (silk is weakest when wet)
• Regular “delicate” detergents that still have optical brighteners or enzymes
• Washing with normal shampoo or hand soap

Even many bottles that say “for wool & silk” are lying — wool and silk have opposite pH needs. Once the protein structure is broken, the damage is permanent. Prevention is the only real cure.

10. How to Store Silk Pillowcases Properly (So They Last 10+ Years)

Never toss your clean silk pillowcase into a plastic bag and forget about it. Silk needs to breathe.

Best storage practices:

• Always wash before long-term storage (body oils and skincare residue attract moths)
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place (light and humidity are enemies)
• Use the original paper gift box, or the breathable cotton pillowcase bag
• Never seal in plastic — trapped moisture leads to yellowing and mold
• Add a natural cedar block or lavender sachet for gentle moth protection (avoid strong mothballs)

Use the original Moonchild paper gift boxes for off-season storage — they’re toxin-free and perfect.

11. How to Wash Silk Sleep Masks

Caring for silk sleep masks is actually easy. You can either give them a quick hand wash or wash them in the washing machine's delicate cycle – just like you wash your silk pillowcases. In between washes or while traveling we love a quick fresh-up with a steamer (hold it upright to avoid water stains) and remove stains with micellar water.

Hack: Place the silk sleep mask in the freezer to freshen it up and de-puff puffy eyes. Read on about how to wash silk sleep masks.

FAQs – How to Wash Silk Pillowcases

Can you wash silk pillowcases with regular detergent?

No. Regular detergent is too alkaline and strips the silk.

Will silk pillowcases shrink in the wash?

Only if you use hot water or high heat drying.

Do you wash silk pillowcases inside out?

Yes! Turn inside out and use a mesh bag for extra protection.

How long do silk pillowcases last with proper care?

5–10 years easily (some people report 10+ years).

Why Choose Organic Peace Silk Pillowcases?

The highest-quality silk is the least processed. Organic Peace silk (ahimsa silk) allows the silkworm to complete its lifecycle, resulting in incredibly pure filaments that retain more natural sericin — the protein responsible for that buttery feel and skin/hair benefits.

Washing a silk pillowcase isn’t complicated — just remember the golden rules: cold water, gentle detergent, mesh bag, and air dry. Follow this guide and your silk pillowcase will stay buttery-soft, crease-free, and hair-friendly for years.

Which method do you use — hand wash or delicate machine cycle?