The Ultimate Silk Care Guide

Silk is a natural luxury that feels as beautiful as it looks — smooth, breathable, and softly lustrous. With the right care, your silk pillowcases, eye masks, scrunchies, scarves, and sleepwear can stay radiant for years to come.

Caring for silk isn’t complicated; it just takes a gentle touch. This guide will show you how to wash (yes, you can safely wash silk at home), dry, and store your favourite pieces while keeping their shine and softness intact. We’ll also cover how to handle small mishaps like makeup stains or wrinkles, plus the best ways to protect your silk through Australia’s warm summers and humid seasons.

Whether it’s a pillowcase that transforms your sleep, a scarf that completes your outfit, or a scrunchie that saves your hair, your silk deserves a little TLC — and we’ll help you give it just that.

Silk Pillowcases & Bonnets : Care & Maintenance 

Despite the “dry clean only” label that often appears on silk products, you can safely wash your silk pillowcases and bonnets at home . Hand washing is the gentlest option, but with care, machine washing on the right setting is also possible. Always use cold to lukewarm water (below 30°C) and a pH-neutral detergent specifically designed for silk or delicate fabrics — baby shampoo or a gentle silk wash also works beautifully. Avoid regular laundry powder or bleach, which can damage the fibre and strip its natural sheen.

  • For a hand wash

    Fill a clean basin or sink with cool to lukewarm water (no hotter than 30°C) and add a small amount of gentle, pH-neutral detergent designed for silk or delicates, mixing it well. Submerge your pillowcase or bonnet and gently swirl it through the water for a few minutes, allowing the solution to cleanse the fibres. Avoid scrubbing or wringing — silk is a natural protein fibre, so treat it as gently as you would your own hair.


    If needed, let it soak for 5–10 minutes to lift oils or light makeup residue, then rinse thoroughly in clean water of the same temperature until no soap remains. To remove excess water, press gently between two towels instead of twisting. With regular care, your silk will stay soft, smooth, and beautifully lustrous — just as nature intended.

  • For machine wash

    If you prefer to machine wash (and the care label allows it), we recommend using a front-loading washer with a dedicated silk or delicate cycle (≤30°C/86°F at 600 rpm). Place each pillowcase or bonnet in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging or friction during the wash.

    Use a small amount of pH-neutral silk detergent — never regular laundry liquid, bleach, or fabric softener. Select cold to lukewarm water, a slow spin speed, and avoid washing silk with heavy or abrasive fabrics like denim or towels.

    For best results, wash silk separately or with other lightweight delicates in similar colours. When the cycle finishes, remove promptly to prevent creasing or dye transfer. With gentle handling, your silk will keep its smooth texture and natural sheen wash after wash.

Silk Care & FAQs

1. My silk looks dull or lost its sheen.

Why it happens: Hard water, harsh detergents, or washing silk in hot water can damage its protein structure, leaving it matte.

Easy fix: Hand wash with a pH-neutral detergent in cool water, then add a splash of white vinegar (½ cup per basin) during the final rinse to restore natural shine. Always air dry out of direct sunlight.

2. My silk pillowcase has water spots or marks.

Why it happens: Minerals in tap water or uneven drying can leave faint rings or spots.

Easy fix: Lightly mist the area with distilled water and gently press with a cool iron under a clean white cloth. Avoid rubbing — friction can worsen the mark.

3. My silk bonnet or pillowcase feels stiff after washing.

Why it happens: Detergent residue or over-drying can cause stiffness.

Easy fix: Rinse again in cool water with a few drops of baby shampoo, then air dry naturally. A quick steam (not direct ironing) will soften the fibres beautifully.

 4. My silk has wrinkles — can I iron it?

Why it happens: Silk creases easily when left folded or air-dried unevenly.

Easy fix: Yes, you can iron silk — but gently. Use the lowest temperature (“Silk” setting) on your iron. Press while slightly damp or place a clean cloth on top. Alternatively, use a handheld steamer to smooth wrinkles safely.

5. There’s a small stain from skincare or makeup.

Why it happens: Face creams, oils, or foundation can cling to silk fibres.

Easy fix: Spot clean immediately with cold water and a mild silk detergent. Dab (don’t rub!) using a white cloth, then rinse. For stubborn spots, use a silk-safe stain remover or take it to a specialist dry cleaner.

6. My silk has yellowed over time.

Why it happens: Exposure to heat, light, or body oils can oxidise silk proteins.

Easy fix: Soak in cool water with a gentle detergent and a few drops of white vinegar for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Prevent future yellowing by storing silk in breathable cotton bags away from sunlight.

7. My silk looks snagged or pulled.

Why it happens: Rough surfaces, jewellery, or zippers can catch silk’s weave.

Easy fix: Don’t trim the snag. Instead, use a fine needle or silk pin to gently pull the loose thread back through to the reverse side. For deep snags, take it to a tailor or seamstress familiar with delicate fabrics.

8. My silk smells musty after storage.

Why it happens: Silk naturally absorbs humidity, especially in warm Australian climates.

Easy fix: Air the item outdoors in the shade for a few hours. You can also lightly steam it or place lavender sachets or cedar blocks nearby to neutralise odours. Avoid sealing silk in plastic for long periods.

9. My silk seems to fade or change colour.

Why it happens: Prolonged sun exposure or harsh detergent can strip colour.

Easy fix: Always dry silk indoors or in the shade. For deep hues, use a colour-protect silk detergent. Once faded, colour can’t be fully restored, but gentle washing prevents further dulling.

10. My silk feels thinner or worn in spots.

Why it happens: Overwashing or friction against coarse fabrics (like cotton sheets) can weaken silk fibres.

Easy fix: Use your silk pillowcase or bonnet exclusively with smooth fabrics. Hand wash every few wears, not after every use, and store flat or folded gently to reduce stress on fibres.

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