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Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can offer you a lot of benefits. These pillowcases are smooth and silky to the touch, and they can improve your skin condition or enhance the appearance of your hair. But you can only enjoy the benefits of sleeping on a satin pillowcase if you keep these pillowcases nice and clean. Learning how to wash satin pillowcase safely will help you keep these linen items in good condition for longer and ensure that you get all the benefits of sleeping on these luxury items.
Like all other pillowcases, satin pillowcases can absorb excess skin oil, bodily fluids, makeup, dirt, and bacteria while you sleep. These contaminants can stain your beautiful pillowcase and negatively affect your skin and hair.
How Often Should You Wash Satin Pillowcases?
Satin fabric for pillowcases is usually made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, and they can look very similar to silk pillowcases. Satin is perfect for any type of pillow, including memory foam pillows, and offers the same skin and hair benefits as silk.
These pillowcases are a lot more affordable and durable than silk. But even these long-lasting fabrics can become stained and worn out if they are washed too often.
Satin materials have a low absorption rate, meaning they aren’t as likely to absorb as much sweat, dirt, and skin oils as other types of fabrics. However, your pillowcase still needs a regular change and wash because it is exposed to plenty of hair products, beauty products, and dead skin cells that can stain your pillowcase.
To remove product and oil buildup, it is recommended to wash satin pillowcases at least once a month. Satin baby bedding can be washed more frequently or when these items become soiled.
How to Wash Satin Pillowcases
It is important to read the care instructions on your pillowcase before putting it into a washing machine or using a cleaning product on it. These care instructions will ensure the best care for your linen items.
Here are a couple of steps to take to help you machine wash your satin pillowcase without causing damage.
Wash With Similar Items
Satin linen items shouldn’t be washed with other types of fabric like denim, even though satin is a friction-free fabric that is quite durable. Washing satin with other clothing items can result in stains, discoloring, or snags on the fabric that could make your pillowcase look unsightly. It is best to wash these items separately from rough fabrics or clothing items with accessories like buttons or zippers.
Flip the Pillowcase Inside Out
Turn your pillowcase inside out before tossing it in the machine. The inside lining of satin is tougher than the outside, and flipping it inside out will help reduce the risk of damage. As an additional step, you can also put the pillowcase inside a laundry bag before adding it to the wash.
Use a Gentle Detergent
You should only use a gentle detergent when washing your pillowcase. Harsh chemicals and bleach can fade the colors or damage the fabric materials. Stains can be spot treated by applying a vinegar and baking soda mixture on these areas.
Use Cool Water
Satin shouldn’t be washed in hot or warm water. Warm temperatures can damage the fabric fibers and cause shrinking.
Use a Gentle Cycle
Use a gentle washing cycle when washing satin and other delicate items. A fast-spinning cycle can stretch or create snags on the satin fabric.
Air Dry
Satin fabrics can be damaged by warmth. It is best to avoid the electric dryer and air dry your pillowcase. You should also avoid direct sunlight since harsh UV rays can result in fade marks on your pillowcase.
Consider Handwashing
Hand washing your satin pillowcase with a mild soap is the best way to avoid damaging your pillowcase because it is a much more gentle cleaning method. This is also a better option if you only have a single satin or delicate linen item that requires washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you want the best care for delicate linen items like satin, you might have other questions. Here is a quick look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the care of silk bed coverings.
How Do You Remove Stains From Satin Pillowcases?
It is always best to treat spilling accidents like coffee and wine stains directly after the accident so these stains won’t set in the pillowcase. Stains can be treated by adding a few drops of mild laundry detergent directly to the stains. Using your fingers, gently massage the detergent into the fabric. Let the detergent sit for about 15 minutes before washing the pillowcase as normal or by hand.
Does Satin Need Different Care Than Other Fabrics?
Satin material can be more delicate than other synthetic fabric types. The looser pattern of the weave and smooth finish makes it much easier for the fabric to snag or stretch. Here is a quick look at the main care difference between satin and other pillowcase materials:
- Only wash in cold water
- Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach
- Only use a mild detergent
- Set the washing machine on a delicate wash cycle
- Do not tumble dry or electric dry
- Wash inside out or place items in a mesh laundry bag
- Wash with similar delicate fabric items and not with your normal load of laundry
Bottom Line
Learning how to wash satin pillowcases can help you enjoy these fine-quality items for longer and continue to reap all of the benefits they have to offer.