Can You Wash Satin Pillowcases? (Find Out Now!)

Jessica Stone
by Jessica Stone

Not only do satin pillowcases look and feel luxurious, they actually protect your hair against frizz and can work wonders on your skin. Satin is better for your hair than other fabrics, preventing tangles, breakage, and maintain moisture. However, satin pillowcases can only do their job if you take proper care of them. This brings us to the question at hand: can you wash satin pillowcases?

In short, you can, and should, wash your satin pillowcases. They should be washed before the first use and then weekly, or whenever you wash your sheets. To wash satin pillowcases, turn them inside out, use a gentle detergent, cold water, and although some can go in the washing machine, consider hand washing instead.

Continue reading to learn all there is to know about how to care for your satin pillowcases to keep them looking and feeling their best so you can enjoy your best beauty sleep ever.

How to Care for Satin Pillowcases

Fortunately, compared to its counterparts, like ultra-high end cotton and silk, satin isn’t much different to care for. Though, it does still require somewhat more specific care than other fabric types. The satin weave yields a comfortable, glossy fabric with maximum silkiness and minimal resistance. The process used to create it, however, does result in a fabric that is slightly more delicate.

This means that if you were to simply toss your satin pillowcases in the washer along with your towels and jeans, you’re probably going to ruin them. With that said, the first step in knowing how to properly care for your satin pillowcases is knowing the specific fibers that it is made up of. If your pillowcases came as a part of a satin sheet set, they probably are made of nylon, acetate, polyester – or any of these mixed with silk.

Some pillowcases, such as those made from silk or acetate, may indicate that they are dry clean only. If this is the case, you should adhere to these instructions. However, if your satin pillowcases are made of any other material, the following guidelines will tell you exactly how to care for them.

Washing Satin Pillowcases

While some suggest washing your satin pillowcase at least once a month, washing it weekly or with your sheets will ensure that oils, product buildup, and bacteria are removed. Satin pillowcases should also be washed before they are used. Although this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, it is highly recommended – especially considering they will be touching your face.

Follow the guidelines outlined below to ensure that your satin pillowcases get clean and survive the process:

  • Turn the pillowcase inside out before washing. Most satin pillowcases have an inner lining. By turning it inside out, you will protect the actual satin component of the pillowcase. Don’t fret, washing it inside out will still clean it effectively!
  • Consider hand washing your pillowcases. Satin pillowcases that are made of polyester are machine washable. Though, if you have the time and energy, you may still want to think about handwashing – this is especially the case of your satin pillowcases are very high-end. If you choose to hand wash, use cool water, a gentle detergent, and use a kneading motion to release dirt and product from the fibers.
  • Wash them with like fabrics. Put your satin pillowcases in with your most delicate items. Aside from the temperature of the water, the greatest chance for damage happens when you place the pillowcases in with heavy or coarse materials.
  • Consider using a laundry bag or old pillowcase to protect your satin pillowcases during the wash cycle. This approach is similar to how you might put your lingerie and other delicate items in a mesh laundry bag before putting them in the washing machine. It helps prevent the items from getting twisted around the agitator or another item.
  • Only wash in cool water. Whether you are hand washing or putting your pillowcases in the washing machine, never use hot or warm water. This can cause undesirable shrinkage or damage to your satin pillowcases.
  • Opt for a gentle detergent. When washing satin pillowcases, you want to avoid using bleach, harsh chemicals and heavy stain removers.
  • Reduce the spin cycle. If your washing machine has the option, set it to “delicates.” If not, choose the lowest spin cycle possible.

If you don’t feel particularly confident in your laundering abilities or you’re working with fabric that is very expensive, consider taking your satin pillowcases to a professional cleaner.

Drying Satin Pillowcases

Washing your satin pillowcases is only half the battle, as you also need to dry it properly to ensure it doesn’t wrinkle, shrink, or stretch. To dry your satin pillowcases, follow these guidelines:

  • Avoid the dryer. Even a no-heat, gentle cycle is not ideal for satin pillowcases.
  • Never twist or wring out, especially if hand washing. Twisting can warp the fabric out of shape.
  • If hang drying, use care. If you have a satin pillowcase that is made of wool or silk, clotheslines are not ideal. As long as the tag doesn’t indicate to lay it flat to dry, polyester fabrics can be hung dry.
  • Lay flat on a soft towel. The safest possible way to dry any type of satin pillowcase is to lay it out flat on a fluffy towel. This will help the pillowcase dry faster on both sides.

Storing Satin Pillowcases

Once your satin pillowcases are clean and fully dried, you want to protect them from getting wrinkles. If you must iron them, only use the lowest setting and do not use steam. Otherwise, fold the pillowcases as normal and store them in an airtight container, like a plastic closet organizer, to prevent wrinkling.


Related Questions

Is it comfortable to sleep on satin?

Satin bedding is known for being the most comfortable on bare skin, as it allows you to move around without getting tangled in your sheets.


What are the benefits of satin pillowcases?

The major advantage of satin pillowcases is that they help support healthy hair and skin as you sleep.

Jessica Stone
Jessica Stone

Jessica considers herself a home improvement and design enthusiast. She grew up surrounded by constant home improvement projects and owes most of what she knows to helping her dad renovate her childhood home. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design.

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