If your cotton or microfiber sheets don’t have a care label, it’s likely safe to wash them on a normal cycle with cool or warm water.
Look for a laundry spot treatment at your local big box or grocery store. OxiClean is a popular option for getting rid of stains, or you can opt for a more gentle stain remover like distilled white vinegar or baking soda.
Read the instructions on your detergent pod pack to be sure you’re using them correctly. It’s said to be best to add the detergent to your washing machine before you add your load of laundry if you’re putting it directly into the washer drum (this is true for pods as well). Choose a mild detergent like The Laundress or Caldrea.
Never wrap your sheets around the agitator (the spindle that sticks up in the middle of the washing machine). It could cause them to tear. Wash sheets separately from other items like clothing so that they don’t get tangled in each other.
It’s a good idea to use a hot cycle during cold and flu season.
Using hot water takes much more energy than using cold water, making it more energy-efficient.
Avoid using “Heavy Duty” as this setting tends to be rough on your sheets.
If you use certain blankets very often, it’s best to wash them more than a few times a year.
Some materials like wool or silk shouldn’t go in the washer to avoid getting damaged. If your item says it needs to be professionally cleaned, follow these instructions to avoid messing up your bedding.
Leave the stain treatment on the item as you wash it. Use a natural spot treatment like baking soda or lemon juice, or purchase a gentle laundry stain remover from a big box store.
Look for detergents that are organic or say they’re best for sensitive skin. Some popular options include Mrs. Meyer’s Laundry Detergent or Seventh Generation Natural Laundry Detergent.
If you cram your large bedding item into the washer and there isn’t enough space, it’s not going to get clean.
Using warm, cool, or cold water will protect the fabrics and colors of your item.
Keep the extra rinse cycle on a cold or cool water setting.
You can also make your own dryer ball by putting a tennis ball in a sock.
Over-drying your sheets or drying them using high heat causes them to shrink and wrinkle, as well as damages the sheet’s fibers.
This method helps ensure the items dry evenly.
If you want to deodorize the bedding, add ½ a cup of baking soda at the beginning of the wash and ½ a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle. You can use steam when ironing to get wrinkles out faster. It works best with cotton and wrinkle-prone fabrics such as linen. Check the item’s label to know the correct temperature for ironing.
