Time for a little laundry “pillow talk”! Silk pillowcases and eye masks are all the rage, but are they worth the price tag? When it comes to beauty sleep, absolutely, yes! Here’s everything you need to know about cleaning silk pillowcases and eye masks, and helping maintain the fabric's beautiful luster in the process. Tips For Washing Silk Pillowcases & Eye Masks:
Tip 1: Check Tags & Pretreat
Always check your silk pillowcase or eye mask's tag before washing! Most silk pillowcases and eye masks are made to be washable, but it's important to check for any special instructions just in case. When it comes to putting stains to bed on silk pillowcases, bedding, or sleepwear, taking the time to pretreat goes a long way. Use a soft Stain Brush to gently work the fabric, and apply a stain treatment appropriate for silk.
Tip 2: Wash at Home Using This Formula
Silk pillowcases, eye masks, and sleepwear can be hand or machine laundered using cool water and a low agitation setting. If you are unsure of the temperature of your machine’s “handwash” or “delicate” setting, washing by hand in a sink or basin is a safer bet, as it allows for the most control over the silk fabric.
Whether you choose to machine or hand launder your silk pillowcases and eye masks, always reach for Delicate Wash. This formula is specially formulated without enzymes to care for delicates. Only a small amount of this concentrated detergent is needed for beautifully clean results! We recommend using a Mesh Bag when machine laundering to protect delicate items from snagging or tangling inside the washer. When hand washing, don’t let your pillowcase or eye mask soak for longer than 30 minutes, and be sure to avoid twisting or wringing when rinsing items—press out excess water instead. While silk fabric is strong when dry, it weakens when the fibers are wet, so a gentle touch is essential for preservation!
![Delicate items inside of mesh washing bag](https://laundress-java.s3.amazonaws.com/images/content/8709_ONE_SIZE_IMAGE_01_14882_-2072959044.jpg)
Once your wash cycle or hand soak is finished, always air dry silk pillowcases, sleepwear, and eye masks. Never place silk in the dryer, as this can irreparably burn the fibers. To reduce drying time, roll up items in a clean, dry towel after washing and lightly press out excess water. We recommend laying silk items flat or over a hanging rack to avoid creasing.
Tip 3: Freshen Up
Launder pillowcases and eye masks at least once a week to help lift out body oils and maintain freshness. If you experience acne or other skin concerns, you may want to consider laundering or switching out pillowcases more frequently. And don’t forget to wash pillow inserts regularly, too! Follow our guide to washing bedding here. In between washes, freshen your pillowcases and sleepwear using a fabric freshening spray.