How to wash a silk pillowcase and not ruin the delicate material

• Silk pillowcases should be washed weekly to prevent bacterial growth.
• Though they're are machine-washable, hand washing is safest to avoid pilling over time.
• Never put silk bedding in a dryer or iron them, which can warp and shrimk the delicate material.

It's no secret that silk pillowcases are more than just chic upgrades for your bed - from their hair-protecting and skin-smoothing benefits, it's easy to be drawn to them. But those attractive beauty perks will quickly be cancelled out by breakout- and grease-causing dirt and oils if cleaning them isn't part of your regular routine.

As with any delicate textile, there are specific wash rules that go beyond what's written on the care label. Follow these tips from Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd, co-founders of The Laundress, on washing your silk pillowcases so you can get the sleep, hair, and skin of your dreams.

Caring for silk

Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to keep a few things in mind, say Whiting and Boyd, who abide by these four commandments when caring for silk.

• Do not wash silk in hot water.
• Do not place silk in the dryer.
• Do not use an iron on silk.
• Do not use bleach on silk.

Quick tip: Though silk pillowcases can be washed in a machine, it's safest to hand wash them in order to avoid any accidental pilling or ripping.

What you need

• Stain remover
• Wash tub
• Delicate laundry soap
• Mesh wash bag
• Drying rack
• Optional: Clothes steamer

How to wash a silk pillowcase

1. Pretreat any stains. Use a silk-friendly stain remover to treat liquid stains like wine or coffee or talcum powder to absorb oil-based stains such as makeup; let sit for 30 minutes. This should be done as soon as possible for best results.
2. Wash by hand. Fill a basin with cool water and add a capful of delicate laundry soap. Getly mix the solution into the water and submerge the pillowcase. Let soak for 30 minutes, then rinse under cool water. Press the pillowcase between hands to remove excess water, but do not wring as this will warp the fabric's shape.
3. Wash in the machine. Turn the pillowcase inside out and place in a mesh bag to prevent snagging. Add a capful of gentle laundry soap and wash using the delicate, cool, and low spin cycle.
4. Air dry the pillowcase. Lay the pillowcase out on a drying rack or towel to let air dry, avoiding heat sources and direct sunlight.
5. Give it an optional steam. After washing and drying, use a steamer to remove unwanted creases and wrinkles.

How often should you wash a silk pillowcase?

As with any cover, it's important to wash your silk pillowcases once a week to avoid bacteria buildup. After all, you sleep on them every night and it's important to remember that your body's oils will accumulate on your bedding over time. For the sake of your skin, hair, and pillowcases, add it to your weekly to-do list.

When should you replace a silk pillowcase?

"Your silk pillowcases should last a long time if they are properly cared for," say Whiting and Boyd. To increase the longevity of your silk pillow covers, make sure you're using proper gentle products meant for the delicate material.

In fact, the duo adds: "Unless you have rips or other damages to the fabric, there isn't a need to replace them."

Insider's takeaway

Silk is a material that requires delicate care and that applies to pillowcases made from the luxurious material. It's best to handwash with a gentle cleanser weekly, though in a pinch, you can toss them into the machine. As long as you are not washing them with hot water, putting them in the dryer, ironing, or bleaching, silk pillowcases will last (practically) forever.