Earlier in the year, we shared some insights on which type of bedding lasts the longest. But durability alone isn’t enough if your sheets look tired and worn – even when they’re freshly laundered. Here are some top tips to help ensure yours stay looking and feeling as crisp and clean as they can.
Wash your sheets weekly
You’ll know that few things top slipping into a newly made bed, complete with crease-free, fragrant sheets. But achieving that ‘hotel fresh’ feeling is actually easier than you might think – starting with your laundry schedule.
Skins cells, dust mites and bodily secretions begin to accumulate quickly on your sheets, even if you’re a regular showerer before bed. By washing them once a week, you can keep them feeling fresh and hygienic for longer. And investing in two or three sets of high-quality sheets and rotating them further prolongs their lifespan.
Store your clean, folded sheets in a dry, dust-free space, to keep them fresh when not in use.
Follow the washing instructions
It’s important to always check your sheets’ care label before washing – many will state the ideal temperature setting. But typically, cotton sheets should be fine on a warm wash (around 40°C) – hot enough to kill bacteria but gentle on fibres.
Use the bedding specific setting on your washing machine, or at least avoid heavy-duty cycles, which can cause excessive wear. Gentler detergents and fabric conditioners should be used, to preserve the colour and feel of your sheets. And by avoiding harsh chemicals, you’ll protect the sheets’ fibres, meaning they’ll feel softer for longer.
Treat stains immediately
For white sheets in particular, treat any stains immediately with a gentle spot cleaner (not bleach), rather than waiting until washing day. This is particularly important if you enjoy breakfast in bed, or snacks while watching TV – or especially if you allow pets on the bed.
Pre-treating spills or other marks as soon as you see them, makes it more likely that your sheets will come out the wash spotless again.
Drying and ironing
If you can, air dry sheets outdoors in a breeze, for a gentler, fresher feeling result. But if you do use a tumble dryer, opt for a low-to-medium heat and remove them while still slightly damp in order to minimise wrinkles. Ironing sheets at this point ensures extra crispness, provided you use the recommended heat setting and keep your iron moving to avoid scorching.
Crisp, clean and comfortable
By following these simple steps and regularly airing out your bedroom to reduce dust settling, you’ll prolong the life of your sheets. Invest well in high-quality bedding sets, then treat them with the same amount of care and you’ll enjoy fresher sheets for longer.