USEFUL TIPS
How To Wash Bed Sheets
6 min read
6 min read
If you’ve ever snuggled into bed after a long day and breathed in the fresh scent of clean bed sheets, you’ll agree: there’s nothing quite like it. Yet, most of us don’t give much thought to how we wash our bed sheets. It’s one of those things like how to fold fitted sheets that feels like you should’ve had a class to cover it in school.
We've put together this guide to make up for that crucial gap in your education. We’re diving into the nitty-gritty of washing bed sheets, so you can sleep on soft, fresh bedding and not have to worry about the nitty-gritty anywhere else.
What Setting To Wash Sheets On
We are probably all guilty of tossing the sheets into the washer, hitting any button, and calling it a day. While it might sound tempting, you need to pay attention to what setting to wash bed sheets on to keep your sheets in tip-top condition. It will also be smart to look at the care label on your bedding, which can contain crucial clues as to how best to wash your sheets.
When in doubt, do a little research into the different types of materials used in your sheets. And as a general rule of thumb — which you probably already know — if you’re trying to wash a fussy, high-end set of sheets, you probably don’t want to wash silk or satin sheets at your machine’s highest setting, whereas more down-to-earth polyester blends can probably withstand a little more intensity.
That said, the best wash settings for sheets are a gentle cycle or an otherwise low setting if you can’t find any insight or guidance on how to care for your bedding.
What Temperature To Wash Sheets
It largely depends on the fabric type and how soiled your sheets are. Hot water is your best bet for cotton sheets or those plagued by dust mites or stubborn stains. Most washing machines' "hot" setting falls between 130 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, the sweet spot for annihilating bacteria and removing dust.
But here's the catch: hot water can be harsh on certain fabrics, causing them to fade or shrink. That's why checking the care label on your sheets is crucial. Opt for cold or warm water if they are made from natural fibers like bamboo or linen or are more delicate silk sheets.
What Detergent To Wash Bed Sheets
Once you’ve got the right washer settings and water temperature, it’s time to choose your detergent. The type and amount of detergent you use can make a world of difference in cleaning your bed sheets.
Detergent Sheets
Let's start with a revolutionary product that's been making waves in the laundry world: detergent sheets. Miracle Made® Laundry Detergent Sheets are the cleaner, fresher, and more convenient solution to all your laundry needs — both for your linens and the environment.
They’re gentle on your skin and ultra-biodegradable while providing the deep cleaning you need. Plus, they’re super concentrated, which means they take up way less space.
Power Detergent
Known for its cost-effectiveness and efficient cleaning capabilities, it can help your bed sheets come out of the wash looking bright and feeling fresh. However, ensure that it's fully dissolved before loading your sheets.
Liquid Detergent
While liquid detergent can be slightly pricier, it's a winner when it comes to dealing with oil-based stains that body oils and lotions often cause.
Detergent Pods
Detergent pods are pre-measured, easy to use, and less messy than liquid or powder detergents. But remember, one size doesn't always fit all; larger loads may require more than one pod.
Should You Wash Sheets Before Using Them? — Hint: Yes!
You will definitely want to wash sheets before use. New sheets often have residual chemicals from the manufacturing process, like starch and dye fixatives. A preliminary wash helps get rid of these, making the sheets softer and less prone to pilling.
A good wash cycle can also rinse any dust or dirt accumulated during shipping or on the store shelves. Take the time to treat your new bed linens with mild detergent and warm water before they touch your skin for the first time. It'll make your first night's sleep on them all the more comforting.
It’s also a good idea to treat new sheets with special care the first time you wash them, especially with more delicate fabrics or white sheets that could easily end up with color transfer if you wash them with other items.
The Importance of Clean Bed Sheets
Let’s be honest, nobody likes to sleep with dirty sheets. They can have a profound impact on your sleep quality and overall health. Not to mention clean sheets are just more comfy.
Your bed sheets might be harboring these more than you realize — dirt, allergens, sweat, and dead skin cells. Over time, this build-up can make your sleep environment less than inviting and even trigger allergies.
Drying and Caring for Bed Sheets
Now that we have the washing covered, let's talk about drying. Air-drying your bed sheets outdoors is an eco-friendly option and can leave your sheets smelling fresh. However, if you're short on time, tumble dry your sheets on a low heat setting. This reduces the risk of shrinkage and makes them less wrinkled.
If you're using a dryer, consider dryer balls. These handy tools prevent clumping, resulting in more evenly dried sheets and less time in the dryer. Just remember to shake your sheets out before and after drying to keep them free of wrinkles.
Ironing your sheets is typically not necessary unless you love the look and feel of crisp linens. If you do iron, make sure to do so when the sheets are still slightly damp and always follow the care label.
When it comes to folding, smooth out any wrinkles and neatly fold your sheets for storage. Keep your sheets in a clean, dry place to prevent dust accumulation. Consider using linen or cotton bags to allow your sheets to breathe.
Additional Tips for Bed Sheet Care
Beyond washing and drying, you might wonder how often you should wash your sheets. Well, it depends on your lifestyle, but a good rule of thumb is once a week.
This helps in maintaining freshness and reducing build-up. Pillowcase care is equally important. Regularly washing your pillowcases can help prevent acne breakouts and maintain hygiene.
If that sounds like a lot of laundry, you might want to swap out your sheets for our Miracle Made® Sheet Set. Infused with antimicrobial silver, these sheets keep you at the perfect temperature all night long and cut down on up to 99.7% of bacteria growth, meaning you can do up to 3x less laundry than you would otherwise.
Keep Those Sheets Clean
In conclusion, a clean bed is the foundation of a good night's sleep. It's not just about washing your sheets; it's about the care instructions you follow, the washing settings you use, and the products you choose.
Follow these guidelines, select the right detergent, and enjoy a rejuvenating sleep experience. Clean sheets lead to sweet dreams!
Sources:
Your Complete Guide to Understanding Care Labels | PlanetCare
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets? | Sleep Foundation
Why You Should Always Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them | Time
Health Hazards When You Don’t Wash Your Sheets | WebMD
