We spend a significant amount of time in bed and sheets can be an expensive purchase. It’s important to take proper care of them so they last .
While most are made from cotton and can withstand high temperatures, others, such as linen sheets, have different care instructions . They may also have coatings or other properties that don’t work well with high heat, bleach, or ironing.
How often should you wash your sheets?
All the experts consulted indicate that you should wash your sheets once a week.
“Even if you’re a very clean person and shower every day, after a few days your sheets get dirty with dead skin cells, sweat, body oils, and other gross stuff ,” says Jessica Samson, cleaning expert at The Maids .
Dust mites, microscopic spider-like pests, live in dead skin cells often found in bedding . “If you are sensitive to these creatures and have respiratory allergies, asthma or eczema, you will benefit from measures to avoid dust mites ,” adds Maya , MD, an allergist and immunologist at Hospital.
This includes regularly washing sheets, duvets and stuffed animals, as well as covering mattresses and pillows with protective covers.
“If someone is sick in bed or prone to accidents (for example, potty-training children or pets), you’ll want to wash sheets more frequently and as soon as possible after any escape,” say Corinna and Theresa Williams, co-founders of eco-friendly laundry Celsious.
How to wash sheets without bleach
Both Samson and the Williams sisters say there are ways to clean sheets without using bleach . “First, you need to treat all stains before washing,” Samson says.
In her words, most cotton sheets don’t require special care and can be washed in hot water , but you should still read the labels.
“We’re big proponents of not using chlorine bleach,” the Williams sisters say. “It’s harsh on the fabric, which isn’t good for its lifespan and can contribute to yellowing over time.” Instead, they recommend an oxygen booster to treat stains and keep whites bright.
How to wash cotton sheets
“Your everyday sheets shouldn’t have complicated care instructions, and the material should be able to withstand warm or hot washes for hygiene reasons ,” the Williams sisters say.
They suggest looking at the care instructions before purchasing sheets and then washing them on the warmest setting they can handle.
They also recommend drying cotton sheets on low heat to make them last longer . Fabric softener should be avoided, as it coats the fibers and can affect absorbency.
How to wash linen sheets
“Linen sheets are prone to shrinking in the wash if you use high temperatures,” Samson notes. It’s best to use lukewarm or cold water.
To keep linens soft, adding ¼ cup white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment of your washing machine and using dryer balls in the dryer is one trick suggested by the Williams sisters. Also dry linen sheets on a low heat setting , they add.
If you don’t like the natural wrinkles of this fabric, you can use a steam or hot iron , as long as the label does not warn you otherwise.
How to wash sheets in cold water
Washing your sheets in hot water is important if you have a sensitivity to dust mites. Dr says to wash your sheets once a week in water that’s warmer than 54 degrees.
The water should be at 54 degrees (130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill dust mites and 60 degrees (140 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill viruses and bacteria.
However, Corinna and Theresa Williams acknowledge that many people prefer to wash clothes in cold water to save energy. “If desired, add ¼ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help eliminate odor,” they said, and run a warm or hot cycle monthly. Washing clothes at 140 degrees Fahrenheit will help kill viruses and bacteria.
Washing your sheets is a balance between making sure they are really clean and ensuring they last as long as possible. To get your sheets really clean, it’s best to use hot water , which will allow you to remove unwanted microorganisms.
However, some sheets don’t hold up well to high temperatures, so you’ll want to read the label and check for specific care instructions. Using bleach and fabric softener will have a negative impact on your bedding, as will drying them at high temperatures. If you are looking for bed sheets then I would recommend you to shop from Julian Charles, here you will get high quality bed sheets for your bed.
