Silk is a fabric that lasts over time, but it is delicate when washing and requires attention to its maintenance.
Silk pillowcases well maintained can last a lifetime since they hold up flawlessly over time, however, washing them requires some precautions.
Silk fiber can lose up to 40% of its strength when wet, making it vulnerable to stretching .
Here are some tips so you know how to wash your silk pillowcases without damaging them.
Machine or hand wash
The delicate fiber of your silk pillowcases can be machine washed, but only with great care, it is very important to use the most delicate program possible on your machine in order to preserve your silk pillowcase . Before inserting your silk pillowcase into the washing machine, it is recommended to use a laundry bag to protect it . A setting on the wool or delicate cycle is strongly recommended to avoid damaging the silk pillowcase.
In order to preserve your silk pillowcase, the water temperature should not exceed 30° . Indeed, the silk pillowcase is very sensitive to heat and can deteriorate if the water temperature is mishandled. Therefore, check your washing program carefully, because some gentle programs are programmed at 40°.
That said, if you are apprehensive, or if you do not have a washing machine with the delicate textile or wool cycle option: you can always wash your silk pillowcase by hand. Hand washing will allow your silk pillowcase to have a longer lifespan compared to machine washing. However, avoid twisting, rubbing or soaking your silk for more than an hour. Rinse with lukewarm water containing a few drops of alcohol vinegar.
Concerning the detergent to use , it is recommended to use a detergent for silk, which does not contain any bleaching or dyeing or a special liquid detergent for delicate textiles with a neutral PH so as not to damage the silk. However, you should never wash the silk pillowcase with washing powder, and the use of bleach is strictly prohibited.
Drying
After washing, you should lay your silk pillowcase flat on a dry towel or hang on a drying rack or wire without a clothespin so that it dries.
However, it is strictly not recommended to dry silk in the dryer despite certain tolerances on the gentle program .
Your silk will quickly dry flat, it will only take one or two hours maximum, the dryer will only damage your silk pillowcase.
It is also forbidden to dry your pillowcase in the sun or on a radiator so that it dries faster, this will destroy the silk.
Ironing
You can iron your silk pillowcase taking a few precautions to preserve the silk, namely: you should never use a steam iron , iron at low temperature starting from the reverse side without prolonged pressure on the seams and if possible while the silk is still damp so to avoid damaging it. Finally, if necessary, finish with a quick and light ironing on the right side out.
You can buy your silk pillowcases at Emily's Pillow
