To wash bed sheets, it is important to check the care label for any specific cleaning requirements. Most bed sheets can be washed in a regular washing machine, but some specialty fabrics may require careful consideration. Here are some general tips for washing bed sheets:
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Water temperature: Bed sheets should be washed in the warmest water appropriate for the fabric. Hotter water kills more germs and dust mites that live in bedding. However, it is important to check the recommended temperature on the care label, as some fabrics will shrink in a hot wash.
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Laundry cycle: Sheets should be washed in a separate load from comforters, towels, and other items. Washing sheets with towels can cause pilling and excess lint to form on the sheets. Sheets should be washed on the bulky/sheets washer cycle, which uses warm water, a low spin speed, and more water to help keep sheets from tangling up. Unless they are extremely dirty, sheets can be washed on the normal, regular, or colors cycle.
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Detergent: Use the appropriate amount of detergent for the load size and soil level. Skip the fabric softener, as it can reduce the absorbency of natural fibers and weaken the fabric.
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Drying: Tumble dry sheets on a low setting for a short amount of time. Avoid drying bed sheets with towels to prevent over-drying. Remove sheets from the dryer immediately to avoid wrinkling.
It is recommended to wash bed sheets at least once every other week. However, people who sleep naked or suffer from night sweats may want to wash more often than people who shower before bed, sleep in pajamas, or are cooler sleepers. It is also important to store fresh sheets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
