Care and Maintenance Tips for Bedsheets

A good quality bedsheet improves the quality of our sleep and the appearance of our bedroom as a whole. But for bedsheets to remain in its best quality, it needs proper care and maintenance. Keep your beddings in their best shape by following these tips:

1. Follow care instructions

Bedsheets and other types of fabric items, like clothing and towels, have care labels attached to them indicating whether to use hot or cold water, or if it needs to be line-dried or tumble-dried. Read and follow these care instructions. Yes, it may sound obvious, but a lot of people rarely check them out and follow them. Care labels and instructions are meant to help you launder your bedsheets properly to keep them in their good condition and color.

But if your bedsheet has no care instruction or label, the general washing guideline is this: Use cool or lukewarm water, not hot water. Set wash cycle on “gentle.” Use less detergent than your usual use for the same load.

2. Be smart with use of cleaning products

Bedsheets don’t need too much detergent because they don’t get really dirty. Use only mild detergent and don’t use less especially if your bedsheet is made of linen, since it can make fabric thinner and can cause colors to fade. Also, add the water and detergent first before putting in your sheets to prevent discoloration. Don’t use fabric softeners as they can break down natural fibers of the sheets, and avoid using bleach (even the safe ones) because it can cause discoloration.

3. Remove any spots first before putting it in the washer

Just like when you’re washing your clothes, remove any spots and stains first before you put the bedsheet in the wash. Grease stains from body lotion, massage oils or topical medications are common on sheets, and they are removable by using dishwashing soap. Simply wet the spot and apply some soap on the stained area.

4. Don’t overload your washing machine

When laundering your bedsheets, avoid overloading your washing machine. Leaving the sheet with too little space to move around won’t clean the fabric and would just bring back the dirt in to the sheets. Also, putting too much stuff in your machine can damage your machine in the long run.

5. Dry your bedsheets properly

As much as possible, line-dry sheets and duvet covers. After using the dryer, take the sheets out before they are completely dry, and drape them on a clothesline or drying rack. Generally, it’s best to leave the sheets in the dryer just until it’s dry and avoid over-drying them. Immediately remove the sheets from the dryer and fold. If sheets have cooled in the dryer, it can cause wrinkles. But if it’s inevitable, toss in a damp cloth in the dryer and set it to dry with the sheets for 5-10 minutes more. Iron your sheets to remove excess wrinkles (if you prefer ironing).

For cotton sheets and blankets, it’s best to tumble-dry them, as line-drying may cause the fabric to feel crusty. Don’t dry your sheets in a too-hot dryer because it makes the fabric brittle and faded.

6. Use three sets of sheets per bed

To maintain your bedsheets’ fresh and crisp look, keep three sets of sheets to use per bed: one fitted on the bed, one in storage (and next in line), and one in the wash. Rotate them frequently so the sheets would wear evenly.

7. Wash your sheets regularly

Bedsheets must be washed once a week. If you live in humid climates, it’s best to wash and change them thrice a week. But you can lessen having to wash your sheets by bathing, showering or cleansing your body before you sleep. You can also keep your bedsheets clean by fixing it properly after getting up in the morning to prevent dust accumulation and wrinkles.