Washing bed sheets may seem like the easiest task, but there are quite a few mistakes that come with this laundry task.
According to the bedding experts at Epitex, it is often the case that sheets “smell bad after a wash cycle”, “colours fade” or that the “fabric is damaged”.
To avoid this happening, the bedding gurus have shared some advice on “how to wash your sheets properly”.
Bed sheet washing mistakes
1. Using unsuitable detergent
Cotton bed linen does not need a particular detergent except for a baby’s sheets whose skin is more fragile.
On the other hand, textiles such as silk, satin, and linen should be cleaned with a mild detergent that protects the natural fibres. The experts warned: “If you use an aggressive detergent, the fibres may become rough.”
Households are urged to avoid using bleach on their sheets and should also skip the fabric softener which can “damage the fabric and reduce its absorbency”.
For those who have found that their bed sheets have discoloured, turned rough or accumulated bad smells, white vinegar and baking soda are “excellent” to use.
The experts explained: “It brightens fabrics and gives them more suppleness, perfect for white sheets. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on your bedding. It will revive colours and remove bad smells.”
2. Washing too hot
A common rumour persists that bed linen should be washed at least at 60 degrees, otherwise all the germs would not be killed. However, this method is considered “obsolete”.
Modern washing machines manage to completely clean laundry even at low temperatures. It all really depends on the material of the fabric.
As cotton is a fairly resistant material, it is “best to wash it between 40 and 60 degrees”. For coloured and black bedding, it is a maximum of 40 degrees.
It is recommended to look at the label of your bed linen before use. According to the professionals, it is “useless to wash your sheets at 90 degrees” as this is “very bad” and “weakens your fabrics”.
3. Mishandling bedding
It’s best to put your bedding set together in the washing machine. This way the colours match and you wash everything at once.
It is also important to turn your bedding inside out before washing it. The colours and patterns will be protected this way and the sheets “won’t fade as quickly”.
Also, remember to always close the zipper (or buttons) of your duvet cover, otherwise, it can happen that all the bed linen gets caught inside during washing and becomes a heavy ball of fabric.
4. Not drying properly
Households can also make mistakes when drying, as not all bedding can be put in the dryer. The experts recommend that it is best to air dry coloured bed linen so that it does not lose its lustre as well as your linen sheets.
Although air drying takes a little longer, it won’t damage your bedding unlike a tumble dryer can.
