If you’re looking for information on how to hand wash silk pillowcase, you’ve landed the right place! Keep reading to learn a detailed method of doing so, plus answers to FAQs!
Silk pillowcases are believed to have a multitude of benefits, partly owing to the fact that silk is smoother than other fabrics. They reduce hair frizz and breakage, are less allergy-inducing, and generally enhance your skin and beauty.
But if you own a silk pillowcase to avail these benefits, you must be wondering … how to hand wash silk pillowcase?
Well, yes! You can wash silk pillowcases by hand. In fact, handwashing silk pillowcases helps preserve their original quality.
Can Silk Be Handwashed?
Absolutely! In fact, handwashing silk is a safer option than machine washing it. This is because silk is a luxury fabric and can be much more delicate than its cotton counterparts. So, you must care for it accordingly to retain its natural luster — and make the most of your pillowcases.
How To Handwash Your Silk Pillowcase
Handwashing silk pillowcases is much like washing other fabrics — except they need much more care and attention. Without further ado, let’s delve right in and talk about how to handwash silk pillowcases the right way!
1. Fill A Tub Or Basin With Cool Water
Cool water is the best option handwashing silk pillowcases, as hot water can distort silk fibers and take away their softness. So, fill a tub with cool to cold water as the first step.
2. Add A Couple Of Drops Of Detergent
Silk requires gentle care, so choose the detergent wisely. The best-case scenario would be using a silk-specific detergent. Alternatively, you can go for a gentle, pH-neutral detergent or a wool wash. These clean the fabric of silk without harming its fibers.
Be sure to use only a couple of drops of detergent. Generally, one teaspoon per basin should suffice.
3. Soak Your Pillowcase
Submerge your silk pillowcase in the mild detergent solution. Keep it soaked for 3 to 4 minutes, not exceeding the 5-minute limit. Remember, keeping silk in the soap solution for too long can harm its natural luster.
4. Gently Wash Your Pillowcase
Gently agitate your silk pillowcase by hand while it is submerged in the detergent solution. Be careful not to rub/scrub it too hard. With silk — love is the answer!
5. Rinse In Cold Water
Remove the silk pillowcase from the soap solution and rinse it using cold water. While handwashing silk pillowcases, it is always a good idea to add a quarter-cup of distilled vinegar to the rinse water. This removes soap residues from the fabric, leaving it smooth and soft.
6. Soak Up Excess Water
As you wash silk pillowcases by hand, never twist them or wring them out. The ideal way to soak up excess water is by rolling them in white towels. Alternatively, you can spread out white towels and lay your silk pillowcases on them.
7. Dry By Hanging Or Lying Down
The last step of handwashing silk pillowcases is drying them. Silk does not do well with high temperatures as these can cause the colors of the fabric to fade. So, keep your pillowcases away from hot dryers and direct sunlight.
Ideally, you should hang dry your silk on a clothesline (indoors or outdoors) in a shaded area and let them fully dry.
FAQs
How to hand wash silk a pillowcase without detergent?
Consecutive washes of silk in detergent may cause a build-up of soap in the fabric. In such a scenario — or even if you wish to avoid detergent entirely — you can wash your silk pillowcases with just water and vinegar.
Add one tablespoon of white vinegar to a basin of cold water and submerge the pillowcase in it. Gently agitate it by hand in the water for 5 minutes. Finally, rinse the pillowcase and hang dry it.
If you notice a stain on your pillowcase, you can pretreat it by applying a little detergent onto the stain only. Keep it for 5 minutes, allowing the detergent to work the stain out. You can then proceed to rinse it as usual.
What happens if you handwash silk?
Handwashing silk pillowcases is actually the best way to wash silk. This is because silk requires delicate handling and care, which can best be done by hand (if you wish to machine wash silk, read the next FAQ below). However, be sure to wash dark colors separately, as these may lose color and stain the rest of the pillowcases.
How do I wash silk pillowcases in a washing machine?
You’ll need to be very careful while washing silk pillowcases in a washing machine. Here are a few tips to consider:
- Wash silk separately from heavier items, such as jeans and jackets
- Preferably place your pillowcases in a mesh laundry bag before tossing them into the machine (though this is not necessary)
- Leave some empty space and don’t overload your washer during the cycle
- Add a silk-friendly detergent (or one of the ones discussed in the next FAQ)
- Use the delicate/gentle machine cycle
- Soak up excess water using a towel, and hang dry
What detergent should I use for silk pillowcases?
Any detergent that is gentle, effective, and toxin-free will do the job. Be sure to avoid any bleaches and harmful detergents (including those that contain enzymes), and opt for silk-specific options when possible. Wool washes and pH-neutral detergents can also be used.
Conclusion
We hope you now have the answer to your query “can I handwash silk” — plus an in-depth know-how of how to hand wash silk pillowcase! Be sure to follow all the instructions carefully, be as gentle as you can, and use the right products. Remember, even a little twisting and turning — or a harsh detergent — can irrevocably damage your beloved silk pillowcases!
Also, read the care instructions that accompany your silk pillowcase for any specific instructions you may be required to bear in mind!
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