Nothing beats going back to a soft and freshly washed bed sheet after a long day at work. As a place where you sleep and rest, keeping your bed clean is important. Which is why knowing how to wash bedding correctly can be very helpful to keep your sheets clean and last a long time.
Bed sheets are made from different materials, from cotton and silk to linen, and each of these fabrics requires specific care to preserve their texture and lifespan.
In this guide, you can learn how to wash your sheets properly, including how to care for different fabrics and how often to wash them.
How Often Should You Wash Your Bedding?
So, how often should you wash your bed sheets? It will depend on several factors, such as your lifestyle, health, bedding usage, and fabric type.
As a general rule, bedding or bed sheets should be washed every two to three weeks, particularly for delicate fabrics like silk or linen. However, if you have allergies, sensitive skin, or pets that sleep in your bed, you may want to wash your sheets once a week.
What Temperature to Wash Bedding?
Generally, bed sheets or duvet covers come with a care label containing care information like optimal washing temperature. However, the recommended washing temperature for most fabric typically ranges from 40°C to 60°C, which is ideal for removing dirt, oils, and allergens without causing damage to your sheets.
If your bedding is made of delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere, then it's best to wash them in warm water at 30°C.
Always check the information or setting listed on the care label to make sure that you don't miss any specific washing instructions and damage the fabrics.
How to Dry Bedding Without Damaging the Fabric?
To make your bedding last, you need to wash and dry them properly. Here are some ways to dry your sheets properly:
Air Drying
Air drying is one of the safest ways to dry bedding, as it helps preserve the quality of the fabric and prevents the colors from fading away. Simply hang your bedding outdoors to let it dry naturally.
Use Low Heat Dryer Setting
If you prefer drying sheets with a dryer, always choose the low-heat or tumble-dry setting. This setting helps prevent shrinking and won't damage the elastic. Low-heat or tumble-dry settings are also good for fabrics like microfiber or cotton sheets. The drying time may vary depending on the fabric type but usually takes around 20-45 minutes.
Avoid High Heat
Avoid using a high-heat setting for bed linen, silk sheets, satin sheets, and other delicate fabrics. High temperatures can cause damage to these fabrics or make the colors fade, so it's best to stick with air drying for these delicate fabrics.
Remove Bedding While Slightly Damp
To prevent over-drying, wrinkles, and or shrinkage, remove the bedding from the dryer while it's still damp or half-dry.
Washing Tips for Luxury and Designer Bedding
Artist Bedding "Reflection" by Klemp, Covantes and Wegenstein
If you have luxury or designer bedding, be sure to wash your bedding properly, as these types of bedding usually require special care to make it last. Here are some ways to wash designer bedding:
Use a Gentle Cycle
Always use the gentle cycle when you're washing luxury or designer bedding to preserve its quality and prevent wear or tear on fine fabrics like Egyptian cotton bed sheets, satin bed sheets, or linen bed sheets. Alternatively, you can also hand wash sheets in cold water or lukewarm water with a mild detergent.
Choose a Mild Detergent
Harsh detergent can damage fabrics, making the colors fade or weakening the fibers. Because of that, you should use a mild detergent that's free from bleach or harsh chemicals.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
You need to give your bedding enough space in the washing machine to avoid crumpling. If you have multiple sheets to wash, it's recommended to wash them one by one. Washing items one at a time will also ensure they're cleaned more thoroughly without any damage.
Skip Fabric Softeners
While softeners may seem helpful, they can leave residue on fine fabrics, so it's best to skip them altogether to maintain your bedding's luxurious feel.
Keep Your Bedding Clean for Lasting Comfort
Washing your bed sheets regularly or taking them to the laundry is important to maintain the comfort, hygiene, and longevity of your bedding. You can also get rid of mites that thrive in bedding in unhygienic conditions. In addition, proper care also helps preserve the fabric quality and texture.
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