Washing bed sheets

How to Wash Bed Sheets - Laundry Tips

TIP 1

Check the label

Read all labels to be sure you don't have any specific cleaning requirements to follow. Most sheets can be washed at home in your washing machine, but specialty fabrics may require careful consideration.

TIP 1

Check the label

TIP 2

Wash

Wash with the hottest water temperature setting listed on the care label. Polyester blends are best washed using warm water, while cotton can toleratehot water. Hotter water kills most germs and also takes care of dust mites that thrive in bedding.

TIP 2

Wash

TIP 3

Wash regularly

Wash at least once every other week. Although, it is sometimes easy to forget to wash your sheets, think of it this way: Some people spend more time in bed than they do in their clothing. We wash clothes regularly, so bed sheets shouldn't be any different.

TIP 3

Wash regularly

TIP 4

Sort

Separate by color. Just like clothing, dark colors or reds can dull or bleed onto lighter colors.

TIP 4

Sort

Separate by color. Just like clothing, dark colors or reds can dull or bleed onto lighter colors.

TIP 5

Dry

Hang sheets to dry on a clothesline outside, if possible. Sunshine is a natural disinfectant and helps brighten whites. If you can, do this every couple months. If weather or time doesn't permit, tumble dry your sheets with a dryer sheet.

TIP 5

Dry

TIP 6

Iron

Always iron bed linen, because ironing helps kill the last of the germs and dust mites thatmight remain after the wash. Ironing also helps you to easily store bed linen.

TIP 6

Iron

Always iron bed linen, because ironing helps kill the last of the germs and dust mites thatmight remain after the wash. Ironing also helps you to easily store bed linen.

TIP 7

Store

Keep freshly laundered sheets and bedding in a dry, cool place. Sunlight has its benefits when it comes to drying bedsheets outside once every couple of months. However, if you want to keep your bedsheets looking as good as new, especially if colors are involved, then store away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.

TIP 7

Store

TIP 8

Match

To help keep matching sets together, store each set inside one of the pillowcases.

TIP 8

Match

To help keep matching sets together, store each set inside one of the pillowcases.

for optimum comfort and hygiene |

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Sims Hilditch)

Knowing how to wash bed sheets correctly will ensure that climbing under freshly laundered sheets at the end of another hectic day remains one of life’s simplest, yet most rewarding, pleasures.

Laundry room ideas you love will make keeping up with the task easy, and most bed sheets can go into a regular washing machine, but it’s worth taking a little time to get to know the best wash program and heat setting for each material.

Cotton bed sheets are easy to wash, as are linen, but the latter are prone to shrinking in a hot tumble dryer. Tencel and bamboo sheets, made from sustainably sourced fibers, are fairly robust but benefit from cooler wash temperatures. Silk and satin sheets are a touch more temperamental and the laundry symbols on their tags will show you should use low wash temperatures and slower spin cycles plus specialist detergent.

‘Keeping your sleeping environment clean is also important for your health,’ says James Higgins, CEO of Ethical Bedding , who recommends washing sheets weekly to help keep them, and you, in peak condition.

Whatever fabric you prefer for your sleep space, we’ve got the lowdown on how to wash bed sheets to keep them clean and fresh, in just five easy steps.

How to wash bed sheets

Knowing how to wash bed sheets correctly to prevent any common bedding mistakes should keep them looking as good as new, and will also preserve how they feel to sleep under – and if you've invested in the best bed sheets, it’s well worth getting savvy. Below, experts advise on the proper way to launder them.

1. How to wash bed sheets in a washing machine

(Image credit: Future/Getty Images)

You can wash most bed sheets in your washing machine. And, unless you send all your laundry out to a cleaning service, we recommend you never buy sheets that are dry clean only. Life is too short! Check the care label on your sheets and make a mental note of any specific instructions, before you pop them in the drum.

Adopt the same policy as when you’re washing pillows, washing electric blankets, and washing down comforters, and don’t overload the washing machine. If you can’t get your hand in the drum alongside the sheets, then it is too full, and they won’t wash properly. If possible, wash your bed sheets together, without any other clothing that might leach color. ‘Especially avoid mixing sheets with clothing that has zippers as they can be harmful to the more delicate sheets,’ adds Lily Cameron, cleaning supervisor at Fantastic Services .

2. Check bed sheets for stains

It’s always worth checking bed sheets for stubborn stains as they’re best tackled pre-wash. Andrew Bramley, owner of pro cleaning business Pure Freedom , recommends mixing baking soda and water into a thick paste and applying it to the dampened stained area. ‘Let it dry out until it's flaky. Brush off the dried paste and run the sheet through a regular wash cycle,’ he says.

3. Add the right amount of detergent

The amount of detergent you add is dependent on the size of the load. Always follow the guidance on the packaging with regards to recommended amounts, and where to place the detergent – in the drum or detergent dispenser drawer. Too much detergent can lead to excess water use and sludge build-up in your washer’s inner pipes, which can lead to damage. Less is more.

The type of laundry detergent you buy will usually come down to budget and personal preferences. Laundry detergent is either biological, which means it contains enzymes, or non-biological, which doesn’t. Enzymes break down dirt and help remove stains, but they can cause skin irritation for those with eczema and sensitive skin.

Non-bio detergents are the best choice for babies or those with allergies and are generally capable of cleaning normal amounts of dirt. ‘For slightly grubby looking or discolored sheets, a nifty trick is to add around 50ml of lemon juice to the wash cycle. You’ll find sheets look brighter and fresher when they come out of the wash,’ adds James Higgins, CEO of Ethical Bedding.

Just like when you’re washing towels, skip the fabric softener as it can reduce the absorbency of natural fibers and weaken the fabric, and always use silk-friendly detergent on silk sheets as you should when washing a silk pillowcase.

4. What setting to wash bed sheets?

It’s important to check the recommended temperature on your bed sheet’s care label as some fabrics will shrink in a hot wash. ‘Always wash bed sheets with the hottest water temperature setting listed on the care label,’ recommends WeThrift ’s homes expert, Nick Drewe. ‘Polyester blends are best washed using warm water, while cotton can tolerate hot water. Hotter water kills most germs and also takes care of dust mites that thrive in bedding.’

Silk bedding should either be hand washed or put on a woollen or delicates cycle in the machine – no hotter than 86ºF/30ºC.

5.

What spin speed to use for bed sheets?

Spin speed is also important when considering how to wash bed sheets. Aim for around 1000-1200rpm (800rpm or less for silk). Anything faster can cause excessive creasing, knotting and even potential damage to your sheets. A lower spin cycle will just mean your sheets take longer to dry.

6. Dry your bed sheets thoroughly

(Image credit: Future/Getty Images)

Sheets dried outside on a clothesline are hard to beat for freshness, especially on a warm summer’s day. ‘Sheets on the line ideally should be in the sun and breeze, but remember if your sheets are colored, turn them inside out to reduce the risk of the colors fading in the sunlight,’ says Vicky Whiter, managing director of Peters’ Cleaners .

But as when drying a duvet, drying a comforter and drying a weighted blanket, it’s possible to use a tumble dryer. Machine drying sheets usually produces softer results and the opportunity to add scented sheets. ‘Opt for a low heat setting, regardless of the fabric, and consider adding dryer balls. They will help dry your bedding more quickly and efficiently by creating air gaps to allow more air to circulate around your laundry. Dryer balls also agitate the fibers in your bed sheets, making them feel softer and cozier,’ adds Emily Attwood, founder, Scooms .

How often to wash bed sheets?

Experts recommend washing bed sheets at least once a fortnight, depending on personal circumstances and the season. ‘Some people spend more time in bed than they do in their clothing, in which case it makes sense to wash sheets more regularly,’ points out Nick Drewe, homes experts at WeThift.

Hotter weather, night sweats, and illness can all make it sensible to increase the frequency of washes but don’t overdo it. Excessive washing will shorten the lifespan of your bedding. Also, don’t be too impatient to get clean sheets back onto your bed. Even slightly damp sheets can lead to mould and skin irritation so it’s important that they are fully aired and dried. Alternating two or more sets of bedding is a great way to give your sheets sufficient time to dry between washes.

Is it bad to wash sheets with hot water?

It can be bad to wash sheets with hot water, and the temperature you should use to keep them at their best throughout their life depends on what they’re made from. Always check the tag to find out the hottest temperature recommended by the manufacturer.

‘You can use a lower temperature to save energy, but don’t exceed the maximum temperature given on the sheet’s label,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘If the person who uses the sheets has been sick or has allergies, always opt for the highest temperature indicated.’

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism.

How to wash a sheet with an elastic band in a washing machine

Modern automatic washing machines perfectly cope with the labor-intensive washing of bed linen. It's a convenient, fast and reliable way to keep your bed sheets fresh and clean. However, in order to qualitatively wash a sheet with an elastic band in a washing machine, you need to know the features of this process, otherwise the result may be unsatisfactory. How should you wash a sheet with an elastic band so that during the washing process it does not get into a lump and the rest of the bed linen does not get into it?

Features of washing such a sheet

Sheets with elastic bands are very popular in our time, as they are very convenient to use. These sheets are equipped with special elastic bands that fix the position over the entire area of the mattress. It turns out a flat, smooth surface on which it is especially pleasant to sleep. The sheet does not get off and does not slip during the night's rest. In addition, the sheet with an elastic band is much less wrinkled and does not require frequent ironing.

With all its advantages, this type of bed linen has one significant drawback - it is difficult to wash it.

Even if you set the washing machine to the delicate wash mode, as a result, the sheet will still get into a ball. It is unprofitable to wash it separately from the rest of the linen, and when washed together, the sheet “chews” all the linen. Such a massive lump cannot be washed well even by a modern washing machine - automatic machine.

In order to wash the elasticated sheet with other linen, it must be placed in a special laundry bag. If there is no such bag in the household, you can try to do the following: fold the sheet several times and secure it with a small strong plastic clothespin. This method of washing will not reduce its quality, and the machine will be able to perfectly wash everything that was loaded into the drum.

Other wash parts are the same as standard. It is necessary to pour washing powder into a special compartment designed for it, and pour rinse aid into the air conditioner compartment. Set the standard program on which bed linen is usually washed (“Cotton”, “Quick wash”). You need to choose the washing temperature depending on the material from which the sheet with an elastic band and other bedding is made. Please note that temperatures above 60°C may adversely affect the elastic sewn into the sheet. Spin speed can be set to any.

What conclusion can be drawn? The elasticated sheet can be perfectly washed in the machine - the machine together with other bed linen. You just need to do it right: place it first in a separate laundry bag or fold it in several layers and fix it.

Basic rules for washing bed linen

In autumn, winter and spring, it is recommended to wash bed linen at least once a week. In the summer, it is worth doing this once every five days, as more dust enters the open windows, and the body can sweat profusely if night temperatures are very high. If you have purchased a new bedding set, be sure to wash it before use. In this case, you can fill up the minimum amount of washing powder, the main thing to do is to rinse the fabric well.

Be sure to sort your laundry before washing. Wash whites separately, coloreds separately. If this is not done, then there is a risk that the colored linen will shed and ruin the rest of the sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases.

To keep the original bright color of the laundry for a long time, it is better to turn the duvet covers and pillowcases inside out before washing. If the bed linen has buttons or zippers, they must be fastened. If the sets are decorated with embroidery or trimmed with rhinestones, then use a special laundry bag.

To get rid of bed mites, the washing temperature should be more than 50℃. However, at this temperature, the laundry may not be washed thoroughly enough. Try this: Add oxygen bleach to your regular laundry detergent. Oxygen bleach kills micro-organisms in warm water and works great on stubborn stains.

Use gel detergent. They do an excellent job with various stains and are easily washed out. Temperature regime for washing different types of fabrics.

90°C - suitable for white cotton garments - satin, jacquard, poplin, percale.
50°C - Suitable for colored cottons. At higher temperatures, products can quickly lose their bright color.
65°C to 100°C - suitable for washing linen items.
40 °C - for bamboo and synthetic products.
30 °C - for linen made of natural silk. It is best to wash by hand if possible. If the machine is washing, then set the “no spin” mode.

Wash duvet covers with an elastic band following the simple rules and then the process will go smoothly and you will get clean bed linen that has not strayed into an ugly lump.

Share your opinion - leave a comment

How to wash bed linen in a washing machine? In what mode, at what temperature

A high-quality and beautiful bed set is a guarantee of comfort and a stylish element of bedroom decor. For the set to last a long time, you need to properly wash bedding in a washing machine. A clean bed is also a concern for one's own health: dust, sweat and skin secretion pollute the linen, create a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria, which causes unpleasant odors.

Washing should be done regularly. When it comes to taking care of the accessories for the whole family, a household washing machine can't cope. The question of where to dry the products also remains open. A rational solution would be dry cleaning: the company has special equipment for high-quality washing and drying of bed linen.

How clothes are washed in dry cleaning

Washing clothes in the laundry will save both time and money. The service is quite affordable, especially when it comes to bed care for all family members. For this purpose, the company has washing machines with a large selection of modes for all types of materials. In addition, after washing, the products are well dried and ironed.

The biggest problem with sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers is stains. Sweat, hair dye, cosmetics, saliva leave persistent stains on the fabric, and it is not so easy to eliminate them and achieve perfect cleanliness.

You can get rid of such defects at home with the help of soda, ammonia, bleach, vinegar, citric acid and other improvised means or stain removers from the store. However, in this case there is no guarantee of results.

The dry cleaners have professional formulas for removing stains, including those for delicate fabrics. Maintenance repairs will also be carried out on accessories as needed.

ATTENTION! Dry cleaning DIANA does not recommend the use of folk methods, for washing and dyeing things you need to contact only a professional dry cleaner!

Service intervals

Since the material is constantly in contact with skin and hair, pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets get dirty very quickly. According to the rules of hygiene, the kit should be changed once a week, and not wait until the fabric shows obvious signs of contamination. It is advisable to change the pillowcase every two days or at least twice a week.

Wash preparation

In order for the result of home care for bed linen to please, and the set to be like new after washing, you need to follow simple washing rules.

Laundry sorting by color and type of fabric

Do not put colored and white laundry in the machine at the same time. Bed linen and other items are soaked and washed separately. Snow-white sheets and products made of light fabrics will lose their attractiveness, become covered with spots, spools or turn gray. Do not put sets of different materials in the drum: they are washed separately. Synthetics with synthetics, cotton with cotton, etc.

Sorting by material is done for a reason. Each type of fabric is designed for a specific temperature and duration of washing. Materials of different structure and composition of threads are squeezed out at one or another speed of rotation of the drum, which is why modern technology provides dozens of modes.

Delicate fabrics are processed at minimum temperatures. It is advisable to do this manually. If the question is, in which mode to wash bed linen in the machine, the choice is obvious, and this is delicate care. Linen and cotton are more durable in this regard: in some cases, mode 9 is recommended.0 degrees. It is worth remembering that this applies only to white linen. The color pattern fades quickly.

We study the recommendations of the manufacturer

Immediately after the purchase, you should pay attention to the label. Sometimes the manufacturer places information on the temperature at which to wash bedding in a machine or by hand on the packaging. There are fabrics that are very sensitive to machine wash and are demanding on the regime, so it is advisable to keep the labels.

Children's and adult underwear

You can not put bedding for all family members in the machine. So, baby accessories and diapers for newborns are washed with special products that do not cause allergies. The same applies to the air conditioner: too fragrant compositions will do their job - they will facilitate ironing and make the fabric softer, but at the same time they can cause restless sleep of the child and skin irritation.

Machine loading

There is a great temptation to immediately put in order a large number of things, when, according to the recommendations, you only need to load the drum halfway. Otherwise, it will not only not be washed and rinsed as it should, but there is also a high risk of deforming the material due to twisting. Together with the bed, clothes, towels and other things are not sent to the wash. Linen is turned inside out for washing.

It is necessary to proceed from the optimal weight of the product. A cotton duvet cover weighs 500-700 grams. Sheet - 300-500 grams. The lightest accessory is a pillowcase: its weight is only 100-200 grams. The whole cotton set is 2 kg.

Pre-wash is obligatory (2 baths - two washings), in order to remove easily soluble dirt in the first bath, and in the second bath with clean water and a new portion of detergent, remove all remaining dirt. At what temperature should bed sheets be washed? The primary wash should be done in water not higher than 30 °C. Increasing the prewash temperature may cause protein stains to “brew”.

Care of mixed bed linen

Cotton

The most common and affordable natural material for sewing pillowcases, sheets and duvet covers is cotton. Cotton fabric can be placed in water heated to 60 degrees, but if heavily soiled, it can be increased up to 90.

You can do this with white kits, but with colored ones, in order for the material to retain its attractiveness and not shed, you should act differently and set the temperature from 40 to 50 ° C

by adding liquid formulations to the detergent compartment. Give preference to powder or gels for colored products.

The online store of the Diana dry cleaning network offers high-quality professional products for washing bed linen for children and adults, made of cotton and other types of fabric, stain removers and rinse conditioners from well-known manufacturers. Detergent compositions will wash off the most difficult dirt and preserve the structure of fabrics - cotton, satin, bamboo, velvet and other types of textiles.

To care for children's products, the temperature should be at least 60℃, even if it is a color set, but such actions should not be resorted to frequently, otherwise the fabric will wear out and lose its properties. For light soiling, 40°C is sufficient

Dry cotton bedding in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, but out of direct sunlight. This is also fraught with color fading. Iron the fabric from the front side, after wetting the surface.

Silk

Bed linen made of natural silk is a luxurious accessory. Silk has a vulnerable structure, so hand or delicate wash modes are suitable for it. Temperature - no higher than 30 ℃. They are also very careful with spinning: too much scrolling will lead to damage and deformation. It is advisable to disable this feature altogether.

The choice of detergent composition is approached responsibly. The assortment of the online store of the Diana dry-cleaning network includes special formulas designed to care for silk. Drying - only in the shade and in no case near heating appliances. Ironing is done from the inside, while the iron is not heated and the steam option is not activated.

Linen

This natural material is very practical and durable. You can safely turn on the +90 ℃ mode. With intense pollution, linen fabric is subject to boiling, and this will not harm it. When it comes to frequent washing, it is desirable to process (as in the case of cotton) at a temperature of 60. If the fabric has a color print, then the recommended temperature is 40 ℃.

Before washing, it will not be superfluous to soak the bed: soaking is done in warm water with laundry soap dissolved in it. Drying is done away from heaters and radiators to avoid shrinkage of the fabric. Ironed at maximum mode and slightly damp.

Synthetic

Synthetic underwear is on sale. It attracts with its affordable cost, appearance and bright colors, when, as for a crib, it is better not to buy such things, but to give preference to coarse calico, linen, cotton.

Synthetic fabrics do not tolerate washing in hot water. 40℃ is the limit for them. The program "Synthetics" is in each typewriter, and for the care of the kit we turn on only it. Usually synthetic sheets are not ironed. They contain fibers that prevent the formation of folds and creases.

Do I need to wash new bedding?

The newly purchased set looks perfectly clean, and some housewives are in no hurry to wash it, but in vain. The laundry was in the hands of the packers at the factory, inevitably getting dust and other particles.