How to Wash a Silk Pillowcase? The Complete Guide to Maintaining Beauty and Softness
Introduction
Silk pillowcases are not just a sensory luxury; they also provide true overnight care for your hair, skin, and sleep. But to ensure these benefits last, it's essential to know how to care for a silk pillowcase without damaging it.
In this article, discover the best practices for washing, drying and caring for your silk pillow , while preserving its brightness, softness and effectiveness.
💡 Did you know?
Cotton pillowcases can harbor up to 17,000 bacteria per square centimeter after just one week of use. These microorganisms can worsen skin problems and weaken hair overnight.
Why is silk care so important?
Mulberry silk , used in NUITÉ® pillowcases, is a natural, noble, and precious material. Unlike cotton, it is rich in proteins and amino acids, making it an ideal choice for:
Reduce frizz and breakage of hair (especially curly, wavy or frizzy hair)
Preventing skin dehydration
Fighting irritations and bacteria
Minimize signs of sleep (sleep wrinkles, fine lines, etc.)
But silk is also delicate . Improper washing can quickly damage it: loss of shine, stiffness, water stains or deformation.
Properly caring for your silk pillowcase will prolong its lifespan and preserve its beauty benefits.
Can a silk pillowcase be machine washed?
The short answer: yes, but with caution .
Most brands offer delicate silks (19 or 22 momme), which don't hold up well to machine washing. At NUITÉ® , our pillowcases are made of 25 momme silk , a more resistant and durable density that makes them easier to care for.
Conditions for a successful machine wash:
Delicate or wool program (max 30°C)
Very gentle spin cycle : 400-600 rpm
Use a laundry bag to prevent friction.
Gentle laundry detergent, enzyme-free , free of harsh perfumes , and free of bleaching agents.
Never use fabric softener or bleach.
NIGHTTIME Tip®
To revive the natural sheen of your silk pillowcase, add 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar (uncolored, unscented, 6-8% max) to the final rinse (if hand washing), or to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine (if it handles cycles well). This helps balance the pH of the fibers and prevent detergent residue—all while remaining gentle on your skin.
Hand washing: the gentlest method
If you want to pamper your silk pillowcase as it deserves, opt for hand washing.
Here is the step-by-step method:
Fill a basin with lukewarm water (20-30°C maximum)
Add a small amount of special silk or wool detergent
Gently submerge the pillowcase and let it soak for 3 to 5 minutes.
Gently massage the fabric without rubbing.
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Rinse with cold water until all the foam is gone.
Squeeze gently without twisting
Drying: Avoid common mistakes
Silk hates excessive heat . That's why you must avoid it at all costs:
The tumble dryer
Drying in full sun
Exposure to a radiator
Opt for air drying:
Lay the pillowcase flat on a clean towel
Pat to absorb excess water
Spread it out in the shade, in a well-ventilated area.
Do not hang by the seams (risk of deformation)
🧺 Tip
Iron your pillowcase on a low heat setting , inside out and while still slightly damp, if necessary. Use a cloth between the iron and the silk to prevent marks.
How often should you wash your silk pillowcase?
Silk, being naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic , can be washed less frequently than cotton.
On average:
Once a week if you have sensitive skin, acne, or very textured hair.
Every 7 to 10 days for “typical” use
💡 Good to know
The silver ion technology of NUITÉ® pillowcases blocks 99.7% of bacteria, allowing you to space out washes while keeping a clean surface.
❌ Mistakes to absolutely avoid
Here are the most common (and damaging) mistakes when washing a silk pillowcase :
Use a regular laundry detergent (too harsh)
Wash at high temperature
Twist the silk to wring it out
Put the pillowcase in the dryer.
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Dry in direct sunlight
Do not use a mesh bag in the washing machine.
Forgetting to rinse the product completely
Silk pillowcase vs satin pillowcase: what are the differences in care?
Many people still confuse natural silk with satin , which is a weave and not a material.
A polyester satin pillowcase is often easier to care for, but it does not provide any of the skin or hair benefits of silk.
Silk is a natural, thermoregulating and antibacterial material , but it requires more gentle care.
If you are looking for tangible results on your hair and skin , silk remains unsurpassed .
Why choose a 25 momme silk pillowcase like those from NUITÉ®?
At NUITÉ®, we use 25 momme silk (higher density) to combine sensory luxury and durability . This weight offers:
Better durability
Greater resistance to washing
Incomparably soft to the touch
An elegant drape, without excessive wrinkling
🦠 Combined with our silver ion technology , your pillowcase stays cleaner, longer — and maintenance becomes simpler.
