How to Wash a Silk Sleep Mask: Clean It Three Different Ways

Wondering how to wash a silk sleep mask? Read this guide to learn three ways to keep yours clean without ruining the delicate fabric.    

In case you didn’t know it, nearly nothing beats the feel of silk against your skin.  

Heck, silk sleepwear and bedding make you feel and look like a billion bucks. (The ultimate delusion of grandeur.) But what are pajamas or a pillowcase without a silk eye mask to complete your luxe fantasy?  

Did you know some experts swear by silk for beauty sleep? Of the many silk eye mask benefits, one is it's less likely to cause wrinkles.  

There’s just one thing. It needs more TLC than the rest of your wardrobe. That’s because it's smaller and made from delicate fabric. We got you if you want to know how to wash a silk sleep mask.  

Here’s what this article covers:  

• Why You Need to Wash a Silk Sleep Mask

• Dry Clean Your Silk Eye Mask

• How to Wash a Silk Eye Mask by Hand with Lukewarm Water

• Machine Washing Silk Sleep Masks

But first, why does it need cleaning in the first place? An eye mask covers two of the most sensitive organs on your face, if not your entire body. Why would you want to expose them to irritants? Also, like a face mask, a dirty sleep mask could be the culprit if you start getting acne or rashes on your face.

But since silk is delicate, washing your sleep mask often may cause it to wear out fast. Still, occasional cleaning is in order. Ergo, choose one that has sturdy construction and high-quality material. (22 momme mulberry silk is awesome. It’s machine-washable, too.)  

We recommend washing a silk eye mask only when necessary. And immediately, if there’s a stain. Unlike face masks, eye masks don’t pick up dirt and bacteria from outdoors.  

(Unless they’ve crossed the line from sleepwear to your latest fashion statement. Gasp!)

There are three ways to wash a silk sleep mask:

• Dry Clean

• Handwash

• Machine Wash

A dry-cleaning service is your best bet if your mask is dirty beyond imagination. (Sleepwalking into a puddle of mud comes to mind.) While some kits let you dry clean clothes at home, using them on silk is risky.    

Dry clean kits come with stain remover. And while some people swear they work, many manufacturers don’t recommend them for use on silk. Either they don’t do the trick or ruin the fabric completely.  

You’re better off leaving it to the pros.    

But if you insist on dry cleaning it at home, ensure the kit is suitable for silk. Wondering what’s in a typical dry clean kit? Wonder no more:  

• Stain remover (pen or bottle)

• Dry clean bag

• Cleaning cloth  

Generally, here’s how to wash a silk sleep mask with a dry clean kit. First, check for dirty areas, then spot-treat them with stain remover. Don’t soak the entire thing.  

Second, when you’re done blotting the spot, put your silk sleep mask in the bag along with the cleaning cloth. Some kits like Woolite’s At-home Dry Care Cleaner have a cleaning cloth that doubles as a stain remover. It doesn’t need a bag.  

Third, ensure your dryer’s filter is lint-free, then pop the bag in. Depending on the kit, put your dryer in the recommended setting — usually low to medium. Then, set the timer according to the instructions. Better safe than sorry.    

If this is too much trouble, then get it dry-cleaned professionally.  

But wait. If you’re a neat freak and want your stuff spotless often, know it will cost you. Before you start doing the math, keep reading for more ways to wash silk.

Handwashing is one of the safest ways to clean delicate fabrics. The thing about silk is that you need to test for colorfastness before dumping it into a water basin. If not, you’ll have a sad-looking, faded eye mask in no time.  

Dab a small area with a damp cloth beforehand. If the color bleeds when wet, it’s time to head to your nearest dry cleaner.  

So it passed the colorfastness test. Now what? Check for tough-looking stains. You can easily make your remover.  

According to Persil, mix white vinegar or lemon juice with lukewarm water to make a solution⁽¹⁾. Important: test a small area of the sleep mask to see how it reacts before treating the stain. Then, take a cloth and dip a corner into the mixture and gently blot.  

Avoid rubbing. Now you’re ready to start handwashing. Here’s what you need:      

• A small basin

• Lukewarm or cold water (check the tag when in doubt)

• Very mild soap (Shampoo works!)

• A dry towel  

Fill the wash basin with water (never hot because this causes colors to bleed). Squirt in some mild soap and put in your silk sleep mask. Gently swirl it around a few times.  

Leave it to soak for a few minutes (about three), then chuck the water. (Make sure your mask doesn’t go with it. It happens.)

Rinse and then lay it out on a towel. Fold the towel and give it a couple of pats to blot out excess water. Let it dry naturally. Hang or lay out your mask to dry in a covered area.  

Do not wring your sleep mask. Silk is prone to major wrinkling.

Here’s how to wash a silk sleep mask without breaking a sweat: use your washing machine. Disclaimer: not all silk eye masks can withstand even the most delicate wash cycle. Again, this all depends on the construction and silk quality.  

If yours seems flimsy, resist the urge to give it a spin. You might as well toss it to the cat. You’ll get the same results.  

It's a different story if you own a 100% machine washable one. (By the way, if you’re wondering how to wash a Manta silk mask, this is the way to go. You can wash it by hand, too.)  

Put it in a mesh bag and launder using the gentlest cycle.

Here are a couple of tips:  

• Do not use bleach

• Use super mild detergent (or one made especially for silk)

• Use the delicate cycle at 86°F

• Do not wring the mask to get rid of excess water

• The silk sleep mask gods said, “Do not tumble dry.”

• Lay it out on a white towel (colored fabric can bleed)

• Don’t dry it in direct sunlight  

That’s it. Easy-peasy-silk-sleep-mask-cleanie! It’s undeniable. A machine-washable one like Manta Sleep Mask SILK is worth it.  

Do you still need convincing on whether to try one in the first place? Read this article: Does a silk eye mask really help sleep?  

So now that you know how to wash a silk sleep mask, why not take one to bed? If you’re one of the uninitiated, it might be the answer to a better night’s sleep.  

Yay for your mind and body! Your skin will thank you, too. Well, go on. Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your aromatherapy diffuser.

Then, slip your silk sleep mask on and turn off those blasted alarms. Spoil yourself silky. You deserve it.

Sources:  

(1) “How to Clean Silk and Remove Stains." Persil, www.persil.com/uk/laundry/laundry-tips/stains/how-to-clean-silk-and-remove-stains.html. Accessed 14 March 2023.