Silk Care Guide
How to Wash and Care for Silk
Silk is a natural protein fiber, much like your hair, so it responds best to cool water and a gentle touch. Follow these steps and your silk pillowcases, sleepwear and accessories will stay smooth for years. Below you'll also find everyday habits for silk pillowcases, how long they last, and what to do about yellowing or stiffness.
It is natural for silk's sheen to soften a little over time. The fabric stays just as durable.
Our 25 momme pillowcase has been Good Housekeeping's Best Overall silk pillowcase for 10 years, and our 30 momme pillowcase won Good Housekeeping's 2025 Bedding Awards. Also named CNN Underscored's Best Silk Pillowcase, 2026.
At a glance
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Hand wash
Best for longevity
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Delicate cycle
Cold water, mesh bag
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No bleach
Or brighteners
- No fabric softener
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Air or low dry
About 10 minutes
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Lay flat
To finish drying
Recommended
How to hand wash silk
Choose a gentle detergent made for delicates, such as Woolite®, Ivory® Liquid Soap or baby shampoo. Skip anything with bleach, brighteners or fabric softener.
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Fill a basin with cool water
Add a few drops of gentle detergent and swirl to mix.
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Soak for five minutes
Submerge your silk and let it rest.
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Swish gently
Move the fabric through the water to lift away dirt. Don't scrub or twist.
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Rinse in cold water
Drain the basin and rinse until the water runs clear.
Pro tip: for extra softness, add a few drops of hair conditioner to the final rinse instead of fabric softener. Silk is a protein fiber, just like your hair.
How to machine wash silk
Only machine wash silk if your washer has a delicate or hand wash cycle.
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Use a mesh wash bag
It keeps silk from tangling or snagging in the machine. Every Fishers Finery silk pillowcase comes with one. Need another? Shop our mesh wash bag.
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Wash with similar delicates
Heavier fabrics are rougher and can damage silk.
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Choose cold water and the delicate cycle
Cool or cold water protects the fibers and the color.
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Use a gentle detergent
No bleach, brighteners or fabric softener.
How to dry silk
A short, gentle tumble helps release wrinkles and keeps silk soft.
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Press, don't wring
Gently press out excess water. Wringing can stretch and weaken the fibers.
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Tumble on air only or delicate low
About 10 minutes is enough.
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Lay flat to finish drying
Keep it out of direct sun and away from heat.
Everyday habits for silk pillowcases
Most wear on a silk pillowcase happens between washes. These small habits keep it smooth.
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Let skincare sink in first
Apply night creams, serums and oils 20 to 30 minutes before bed. Product that is still wet can leave marks on silk.
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Go easy on hair oil
A little goes a long way. Heavy oils and leave-ins build up in the fibers and can dull the sheen.
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Dry your hair before bed
Sleeping on wet hair can leave water marks on silk.
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Rotate two pillowcases
Switching between two means each one is washed less often and lasts longer. You always have a fresh one ready on laundry day.
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Keep it out of direct sun
Sunlight fades color and weakens silk over time, so keep your bed out of strong afternoon light if you can.
Our silk pillowcases come as singles or a set of 2, so rotating is easy. Shop silk pillowcases
How long does a silk pillowcase last?
With weekly washing and the habits above, a quality silk pillowcase lasts several years. Heavier silk lasts longer. Momme measures silk weight, and a higher momme means a denser weave that holds up better to washing.
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19 momme
Lightweight and our most affordable. Shop 19 momme
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25 momme
The best balance of softness and durability. Shop 25 momme
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30 momme
Our heaviest and longest lasting. Shop 30 momme
Time for a new one? Replace your pillowcase when the fabric looks thin, feels rough instead of smooth, or has snags that won't lie flat. Compare momme weights in our momme guide
Certified
Silk you can trust
Our silk is independently certified, so what you sleep on every night has been tested and responsibly made.
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Oeko-Tex® Made in Green
Tested for harmful substances and made in environmentally friendly facilities with safe, socially responsible working conditions.
Silk pillowcases: label M27M35W78, Hohenstein HTTI. Verify this label (opens in a new tab)
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GOTS Organic
Our organic silk pillowcase is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard, from fiber to finished product.
Organic silk pillowcases: certificate ITS-X10250-GOTS-00054901, Control Union.
Silk care questions
How often should I wash my silk pillowcase?
About once a week, the same as any pillowcase. Regular washing removes the oils and skincare products that build up from your hair and skin.
Why is my silk pillowcase turning yellow?
Yellowing usually comes from sweat, skin oils and skincare building up in the fabric. Washing weekly and letting night creams absorb before bed prevents it. Never use bleach, which can yellow and weaken silk.
Why does my silk pillowcase feel stiff after washing?
Usually detergent residue or hard water. Use less detergent and add an extra cool rinse.
Why does my silk pillowcase have water spots?
Water marks appear when drops dry unevenly on silk. Rewet the whole pillowcase evenly and let it dry flat. They usually disappear completely.
How do I fix a snag in a silk pillowcase?
Don't cut the thread. Gently stretch the fabric around the snag, or use a needle to ease the loop through to the inside.
Can I put silk in the dryer?
Yes. Tumble on an air-only or delicate low heat cycle for about 10 minutes, then lay flat to finish drying.
Does silk shrink?
Silk can shrink in hot water or high heat. Washing in cool water and drying on air-only or delicate low prevents it.
Can I use fabric softener on silk?
No. Fabric softener can coat and dull silk fibers. For extra softness, add a few drops of hair conditioner to the final rinse instead.
What detergent is best for silk?
A gentle detergent made for delicates, such as Woolite®, Ivory® Liquid Soap or baby shampoo. Avoid detergents with bleach or brighteners.
Can I machine wash my silk pillowcase?
Yes, if your washer has a delicate or hand wash cycle. Use cold water, a gentle detergent and a mesh wash bag, and wash it with similar delicate fabrics. Every Fishers Finery silk pillowcase comes with a mesh wash bag.
How do I get wrinkles out of silk?
Use a handheld steamer, or iron the silk inside out on the lowest silk setting while it is still slightly damp. Keep the iron moving and never press on high heat.
How do I remove a stain from silk?
Blot the stain gently, don't rub. Treat it with cool water and a little mild detergent, testing a hidden spot first, then rinse and wash as usual.
How should I store silk?
Make sure it is clean and completely dry, then fold it and keep it in a breathable fabric bag or drawer, away from direct sunlight.
Why is my silk less shiny after washing?
It is natural for silk's sheen to soften a little over time. The fabric stays just as durable. Cool water and a gentle detergent help keep the sheen longer.
Do these steps work for silk pajamas and accessories?
Yes. Use the same steps for all of your Fishers Finery silk, including pillowcases, sleep masks, scrunchies and sleepwear.
