How to Wash Silk Pillowcases
Updated 28 October 2026
A silk pillowcase has a simple place in your laundry routine: wash gently, keep the water cool and let it air-dry. Start with the care label on your own pillowcase. The steps below follow our silk care instructions for washable silk fabric; if your label gives different directions, follow those.
How to hand wash a silk pillowcase
- Prepare the wash. Separate light and dark colours and turn the pillowcase inside out. Fill a clean basin with cool to lukewarm water, no warmer than 30°C / 86°F.
- Add silk-safe detergent. Use the amount recommended on the bottle. Choose a detergent labelled suitable for silk rather than assuming your usual laundry detergent is suitable.
- Wash gently. Soak for up to five minutes, then gently move the fabric through the water. Do not rub or scrub it.
- Rinse. Rinse thoroughly with clean, cool water.
- Remove excess water. Do not wring or twist. Gently press the pillowcase with a clean towel.
- Air-dry. Lay flat or hang in the shade, away from direct sunlight and heat. Let it dry completely before putting it back on your pillow.
Can you machine wash a silk pillowcase?
If the item's care label permits machine washing, wash silk separately from other fabrics and keep light and dark colours apart. Turn the pillowcase inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag. Use silk-safe detergent, a cold delicate or silk cycle, and a gentle spin.
Remove it promptly, press out excess moisture with a clean towel, and air-dry in the shade. A delicate cycle does not make every silk item machine washable: check the exact item, including any lining or filling.
What to avoid
- Hot water, a hot dryer and direct sunlight while drying.
- Bleach, hard scrubbing, twisting and prolonged soaking.
- Household acids or shampoo as substitutes for silk-safe detergent.
- Packing away a pillowcase before it is completely dry.
Drying, creases and storage
Do not tumble dry. To smooth creases, follow the item's pressing instructions. Our general care guide describes a silk or low-steam setting with the steamer head kept away from the fabric. Store your pillowcase clean and fully dry.
Having a spare lets one pillowcase air-dry while you use the other. If you are choosing a second case, compare the dimensions with your pillow and check the pack quantity: Single means one pillowcase; Pair means two. Our 22 momme buying guide explains fabric weight, fit and quantity.
Does this apply to a silk gift set?
Check each component separately. A pillowcase, a lined sleep mask and scrunchies do not automatically share the same care routine. Foam earplugs are not silk and should not be included in a silk wash. For filled bedding, use the separate silk duvet care guide.
For everyday use, browse our silk pillowcases, including Sakura Pink. For a present, compare a pillowcase with the complete sleep set or see the Navy Blue gift set. Choose by the pieces you or the recipient will use, then check the selected size, quantity and availability.
If a care label is missing or unclear, email info@thesilkspace.com with the item and colour before washing.