This is the right way to wash your sheets and make them even cleaner
We all love to crawl into our warm bed after a long day. Not much compares to the feeling of soft sheets warm, soft blanket and the right pillows. Which begs the question: when was the last time you washed your bedding?
Bedding, especially sheets, can easily collect dead skin cells, dust mites, and bodily fluids. On the other hand, pillowcases are often contaminated makeupoils and lotions, along with other hair and skin products. Therefore, make sure you wash your bedding weekly. To help you get started, we have tips on the best ways to machine wash your sheets.
You can also read our recommendations for the best mattresses and the best duvet covers you can buy and how to wash your pillow without it clumping.
How often should I change or wash my sheets?
The general rule of thumb is to wash the sheets every other week. Ideally, sleep experts recommend Change the sheets every week, but agree that every two weeks is the absolute longest time you should be sleeping on the same set of sheets.
Why do we wash our sheets and bedding?
Hygiene is always important, even when it comes to our bedding. If you don’t see stains or smell an odor, it doesn’t mean your sheets are clean. Sheets can collect dead skin cells, mites, animal dander, pollen, makeup, body secretions and more dirt, which can cause discomfort or rashes.
One of the biggest reasons to clean the sheets regularly is sweat. A May survey found that 41% of participants did this reported experience night sweats within a month, and in general, people tend to feel warm when covered with blankets or when living in warmer climates. Sweat can penetrate the sheets, clogging the fibers and making the sheets smelly.
If you are in the habit of sleeping with your pet, you should wash your sheets more often.
You should also wash your sheets more often if:
- You have allergies or asthma
- You have sensitive skin
- You often sweat or overheat
- You sleep naked
- You sleeping with a pet
- You eat in bed
- You go to bed before you show up
- You were lying in bed wearing clothes that you wore in public
- You have an infection or an open wound that touches the bedding
What is the best way to wash my sheets in the washing machine?
Most sheets are machine washable and are not that difficult to clean. Cotton and linen sheets are especially easy, while silk and satin are a bit more temperamental and require cold temperatures and slow spin cycles. It’s best to always check the care label on your sheets, but this is the best method for machine washing most sheet sets:
Do not overwhelm the machine
It may be tempting to just throw all the pillowcases, fitted sheets and duvets into the machine, but throwing everything in at once can be too much and you may not get it clean properly. I recommend washing the fitted sheets and flat sheets together with your pillowcases, then washing each heavier comforter, comforter or blanket separately.
Be sure not to throw clothes or towels with your bedding, as they can bleed color or have buttons and zippers that damage delicate sheets.
Larger items such as duvet covers should be washed alone.
2. Check the bedding for stains
Stains are better if you pre-wash them, so take a few minutes to examine your sheets or pillowcases for stubborn stains. You can use a mild dish soap and water, or a mixture of baking soda and water, and let it sit for a few minutes if you notice a dark spot or stain. makeup stain.
3. Dispense the detergent
Less is usually more when it comes to using laundry detergent. Too much detergent can cause the machine to use excess water or cause a buildup in the washer’s pipes. Most detergents can be used on cotton and linen sheets, but choose a delicate fabric detergent to wash silk and satin sheets. There are many silk or satin friendly detergents on the market.
A good rule of thumb is to use 2 ounces (1/4 cup) or half a capful of liquid laundry detergent for a normal amount of bedding. You can also use 1/2 cup or 1 full capful of liquid laundry detergent for a larger load of bulkier items.
I also recommend skipping the fabric softener as it can weaken the fabric.
4. Adjust the settings
I always recommend checking the washing label for the ideal washing temperature as some fabrics may shrink during washing. It is best to use the highest temperature that the sheets can tolerate because hot water kills germs and bacteria most effectively. Colder cycles may not completely remove dirt.
Polyester blends are best in warm water, while cotton can tolerate hot water. Silk and satin sheets should be washed on a cold, gentle cycle.
5. Dry completely
For most sheets, you can use the dryer on low to medium heat. Satin and silk sheets are best left to air dry as they can be easily damaged even on a low temperature drying cycle.
You can also throw in a few dryer balls with your bedding, as they have holes in them, which will help the larger sheets dry faster and more evenly (I always hate it when I think I’m finally ready to make my bed and I realize that a entire section is still damp from packing).
You can avoid cleaning your bedding so often by getting into the habit of not eating in bed, not sleeping with your pet, and only cuddling in the sheets after showering. It may seem like a hassle to make your bed every week, but it’s worth the extra effort so you can sleep and relax a little easier.
For more hacks, see how remove make-up stains of bedding and our sleep experts’ favorite bed material.
