How to Wash a Silk Eye Mask (Without Ruining It)

Silk is one of the most delicate materials you can own,  and washing it wrong even once can permanently change how it looks and feels. If you have a Honeydew Sleep silk eye mask or any mulberry silk sleep mask, knowing how to clean a silk eye mask properly keeps it soft, smooth, and effective for years. The good news: washing a silk eye mask correctly takes less than 10 minutes.

Before we get into the steps, meet the Honeydew Sleep silk eye mask,  pure mulberry silk, adjustable strap, and a storage pouch that makes proper care effortless from day one.

Why Silk Eye Masks Need Special Care

Mulberry silk is a protein-based fiber,  much closer to human hair than to cotton or polyester. That's what makes it so soft and skin-friendly. But it's also what makes it sensitive to heat, harsh chemicals, and mechanical stress.

What damages silk during washing:

• Hot water denatures the protein structure, causing shrinkage and stiffness

• Regular laundry detergent contains enzymes and surfactants that strip silk's natural sheen

• Aggressive scrubbing or wringing breaks the fine threads and causes pilling

• Machine agitation on standard cycles tears the delicate weave

The result of washing silk wrong looks like this: rough texture, pilling on the surface, color fading, stretched elastic, and a mask that no longer blocks light the way it used to. Understanding what makes mulberry silk feel so comfortable helps you see exactly what you're protecting when you handle it carefully.

What You Need Before You Start

Keep these on hand before you begin:

• A clean basin or sink,  free of any cleaning product residue

• Cool or lukewarm water,  never hot or warm

• Mild, pH-neutral detergent,  Woolite, The Laundress Delicate Wash, or baby shampoo as a backup

• Two clean dry towels,  one for blotting, one for flat drying

• A mesh laundry bag,  only needed if machine washing

The detergent choice matters more than most people realize. Standard detergents are formulated for cotton and synthetics,  their enzymes actively break down protein fibers. A pH-neutral detergent cleans without stripping.

Best Mulberry Silk Masks in 2026 - Honeydew Sleep

Description (Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask):

The Mulberry Silk Luxury Sleep Mask is an effortless way to enhance your beauty sleep. Crafted from the highest grade of 100% organic mulberry silk, it helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines while completely blocking visible light, promoting healthier REM cycles at night. Now available in two luxurious options: the Classic Silk Sleep Mask,  the original ultra-soft silk mask for weightless comfort and beauty benefits,  and the 3D Contoured Silk Sleep Mask, featuring plush, cushioned eye pads that protect your eyelashes and prevent direct eye pressure, allowing for an even more comfortable, uninterrupted night's sleep. Both versions provide the same anti-aging, light-blocking, and cooling properties, so you can choose the mask that best suits your sleep style. Silk fibers provide superior blackout protection, helping you relax, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. Always cool to the touch, preventing overheating for uninterrupted rest throughout the night. Unlike most sleep masks that use polyester filling, Honeydew's sleep mask is exclusively filled with silk fibers, maximizing its beauty-enhancing benefits. Made from the highest grade 6A, 22-momme organic mulberry silk and certified by both Oeko-Tex and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard). Turn down your nights to turn up your days.

Key Features:

• 100% Pure Mulberry Silk: Grade 6A, 22-momme,  highest quality available

• Two Style Options: Classic flat mask or 3D Contoured with eyelash protection

• Total Light Blocking: Superior blackout silk fibers for deep, uninterrupted sleep

• Hypoallergenic: Safe for even the most sensitive skin types

• Silk Fiber Fill: Exclusively filled with silk,  not polyester,  for maximum beauty benefits

• Anti-Aging Properties: Reduces sleep creases, wrinkles, and fine lines

• Moisture Retention: Helps skin stay balanced and hydrated overnight

• Temperature Regulating: Always cool to the touch, prevents overheating

• Naturally Antibacterial: Antimicrobial silk properties for hygiene

• Adjustable Elastic Strap: Secure, tangle-free fit without pulling on hair

• 3D Eyelash Protection: Cushioned eye pads prevent direct pressure on eyes

• Travel-Ready: Includes silky slipcover travel pouch

• Oeko-Tex Certified: Internationally recognized quality and safety standard

• GOTS Certified: Global Organic Textile Standard certified

• 1-Year Limited Warranty: Covers defects in materials and workmanship

Tech Specs:

• Material: 100% 22 Momme Mulberry Silk, Grade 6A

• Fill: 100% Silk fibers (not polyester)

• Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 & GOTS Certified

• Available Styles: Classic Silk Mask / 3D Contoured with Eyelash Protection

• Available Colors: Luxe Black, Luxe Black w/3D Eyelash Protection, Soft Pink

• Strap: Soft adjustable elastic, tangle-free

• Fit: Universal,  designed to fit all head sizes

• Construction: Family-owned, USA brand

• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

• Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee

• Care: Hand wash preferred; machine wash cold on delicate cycle in mesh bag; lay flat to dry; no bleach

• Ironing: Lowest temperature with steam only if needed

What's Included:

• 1 x Mulberry Silk Luxury Sleep Mask (Classic or 3D Contoured)

• 1 x Silky travel slipcover pouch

• 60-night money-back guarantee

• 1-year limited warranty

• Free nationwide shipping on US orders over $50

Customer Reviews Highlights:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "What a surprise on this mask. Very nice quality. The eye area is carved out for your eyes and that makes such a difference.",  Amy F. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I love the material too. I couldn't sleep without it, that's for sure.",  Jolyn C. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Soft, comfortable, and keeps the light out. Love it.",  Kelly E. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Very lovely. Comfortable to wear. Sleek. Beautiful packaging.",  April

Shop Mulberry Silk Sleep Mask

How to Hand-Wash a Silk Eye Mask (Step-by-Step)

Hand washing is always the safest method. Follow this exactly:

1. Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water

2. Add one teaspoon of mild detergent,  swirl gently to dissolve, never pour directly onto the mask

3. Submerge the mask and swish it gently through the water,  no scrubbing, no rubbing, no twisting

4. Soak for 3–5 minutes maximum; longer soaking weakens the fibers

5. Rinse under cool running water,  hold the mask flat and let water flow through it naturally

6. Press between two clean towels to remove excess water,  never wring or roll aggressively

7. Lay flat on a dry towel or hang on a padded hanger in a shaded area to air dry completely

A few non-negotiables after washing:

• No bleach,  destroys silk structure immediately

• No fabric softener,  coats silk fibers and dulls the surface permanently

• No direct ironing,  if you must remove a crease, use a cool iron over a thin cloth barrier

These same principles apply to caring for other mulberry silk products in your sleep setup.

Can You Machine-Wash a Silk Eye Mask?

Some silk masks are labeled machine washable,  always check the care label first before putting any silk in a machine.

If machine washing is approved on the label:

• Place the mask inside a mesh laundry bag,  this absorbs agitation impact

• Select the delicate or hand wash cycle,  cold water only

• Use a silk-safe or delicate detergent, not regular detergent

• Set spin speed to the lowest available setting

• Remove immediately when the cycle ends,  never leave silk sitting in a damp drum

Even with all the right settings, machine washing carries real risk. When in doubt, hand wash. The 5 minutes of hand washing is far less costly than replacing a mask. Caring properly for your silk eye mask is part of why mulberry silk is worth protecting,  the benefits only hold if the material stays intact.

How Often Should You Wash a Silk Eye Mask?

Washing frequency depends on how you use it:

• Worn nightly: wash every 1–2 weeks

• Worn occasionally: wash after every 3–4 uses

• If you apply skincare before bed (retinol, facial oils, serums, heavy creams): wash more frequently,  product residue builds up and degrades silk faster

• If you wear lash extensions: wipe the mask surface gently with a damp cloth after each use, full wash once per week

Overwashing is also a real problem. Washing silk too frequently wears down the fibers faster than nightly use alone. Find the minimum frequency that keeps the mask clean and stick to it. Keeping your silk clean directly supports better skin health overnight; a dirty mask transfers bacteria and product buildup back onto your skin each night.

How to Dry and Store a Silk Eye Mask Properly

Drying rules:

• Always air dry flat on a clean towel or on a padded hanger

• Never tumble dry,  heat breaks down the protein structure of silk permanently

• Never dry in direct sunlight,  UV light fades color and weakens fibers over time

• Never use a hair dryer, even on cool setting,  the airflow causes distortion

Storage rules:

• Store in the included silk or fabric pouch when not in use,  this protects the surface from dust and friction

• Keep away from sharp objects, rough surfaces, and jewelry

• Don't fold tightly,  lay loosely in the pouch or roll gently

• Store in a cool, dry location,  humidity and heat both degrade silk over time

How you store your mask between uses matters almost as much as how you wash it. Protecting your silk from unnecessary friction overnight supports preventing fine lines and skin compression,  a benefit that disappears if your mask deteriorates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Silk

• Using hot water,  causes irreversible shrinkage and stiffness

• Using regular detergent,  harsh enzymes strip silk's natural protein structure

• Wringing or twisting,  distorts the shape and breaks fine threads

• Machine washing without a mesh bag,  agitation tears the weave

• Drying in direct sunlight,  UV rays permanently fade the color

• Using bleach or fabric softener,  both destroy the silk fiber

• Ironing at high heat,  melts or scorches the surface

• Skipping the full rinse,  detergent residue irritates sensitive skin and degrades the silk from the inside out

Proper silk care takes under 10 minutes and adds years to the life of your mask. Building it into your routine is simple once it becomes a habit,  similar to the other small changes that make up a strong sleep hygiene routine. Small consistent habits compound over time.

Check out these tips for better sleep to pair your silk mask care with a broader routine that supports deeper, more consistent rest.

When to Replace Your Silk Eye Mask

Even with perfect care, silk eye masks don't last forever. Here's when it's time for a new one:

• The fabric feels rough or scratchy instead of smooth

• Visible pilling or thinning on the surface

• The elastic or strap has stretched out and no longer stays secure

• A persistent odor that doesn't wash out after proper cleaning

• Noticeable color fading across the surface

• Light is leaking through areas that used to block completely

A well-maintained silk eye mask worn nightly typically lasts 1–2 years before these signs appear. When yours reaches that point, it's worth upgrading rather than tolerating a degraded experience,  a worn-out mask that scratches or lets in light defeats the purpose entirely.

When it's time for a new one, the Honeydew Sleep silk eye mask is built from pure mulberry silk with an adjustable strap, complete blackout coverage, and a storage pouch included,  everything that makes long-term care easy and worthwhile.

FAQ

Can I use baby shampoo to wash a silk eye mask?

Yes,  baby shampoo works as a backup when you don't have a dedicated silk wash or pH-neutral detergent. It's gentle enough to clean the mask without stripping the silk protein structure. Use a small amount (about half a teaspoon), mix it into cool water before adding the mask, and rinse thoroughly afterward. It won't preserve silk as well as a dedicated silk detergent over time, but it won't damage it for occasional use.

What happens if I accidentally wash my silk eye mask in hot water?

Hot water causes silk fibers to contract and lose their smooth structure,  the result is a stiffer, rougher texture that can't be reversed. If this happens, lay the mask flat while still damp and gently stretch it back toward its original shape with your hands. This won't fully fix fiber damage but can recover some of the shape. Going forward, use cool water exclusively,  even lukewarm water is safer than warm.

How do I remove an oil or skincare product stain from a silk eye mask?

Act quickly,  fresh stains are far easier to treat than dried ones. Apply a very small amount of mild dish soap or baby shampoo directly to the stain and work it in gently with your fingertip in a circular motion. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then rinse under cool running water. Never scrub hard or use stain removers containing enzymes, bleach, or alcohol,  all of these damage silk fibers. If the stain doesn't lift after one treatment, repeat gently rather than scrubbing harder.

Is it safe to wear a silk eye mask with lash extensions, and how should I clean it after? 

Silk eye masks are among the safest options for lash extensions,  the low-friction surface doesn't catch or pull on extensions the way cotton or polyester masks do. After each use, wipe the inner surface of the mask gently with a soft damp cloth to remove any eye residue or product transfer. Do a full hand wash once per week if wearing it nightly with extensions. Avoid soaking or scrubbing near the area that contacts lashes during washing,  gentle swishing in the basin is all you need.

Ready for a silk eye mask that's built to last? Shop the Honeydew Sleep silk eye mask,  pure mulberry silk, complete blackout, and everything you need to care for it included.