There is nothing like slipping between freshly washed sheets to fall asleep in minutes. So, what is the best way to care for your beds linens to prolong their lifespan and, most importantly, ensure a good night’s sleep?
Following our tips will guarantee that your sheets remain in immaculate condition and that they last as long as possible. Begin implementing these changes today!
Launder Often, But Not Too Much
Any sheets, pillowcases and blankets that directly touch your skin should be washed weekly. However, coverlets and other textiles that do not come into frequent contact with the epidermis can be laundered every few weeks, once a month at most. This will help them stay in good condition for many years. Regular trips in the washing machine, while important, wear out and discolour textiles.
Here’s a tip: you can space out the weekly wash to every two weeks if you prefer to shower at night before going to bed. This longer interval will keep your sheets looking beautiful longer.
Select the Right Cycle and Choose the Right Detergent
This may seem counterintuitive, but pouring too much detergent into the washing machine drum can damage your sheets. Soap may leave a residue, which can build up and stiffen the fabric (and nobody wants scratchy sheets!) as well as lead to an unpleasant musty smell. Use a small quantity of laundry detergent instead (preferably an ecofriendly, and therefore textile-friendly, formulation) and select a cold-water wash cycle or your washer’s recommended bedding cycle.
The best thing to do when faced with stubborn stains is to follow the tag’s instruction. Treat stains before you put the sheets in the washing machine. This is even more essential prior to transferring them to the dryer as the heat may set the stains in permanently.
Freshen With Essential Oils
Keep your sheets feeling fresh longer by spritzing them with essential oils between washes. The most popular essential oil for the bedroom remains lavender because of its calming properties. Alternatives you might equally like include eucalyptus, cedar, and citrus. Commercial fabric fresheners are another option. Be mindful, however, that some of them are very strongly scented and could give sleepers a headache.
Let Nature Lend a Hand
Sometimes, it’s a little fresh air and sunshine that can make all the difference. On nice days, hang the sheets on the clothesline to dry. The sun’s rays have the power to make whites whiter. You’ll be amazed! You can likewise maximize the washer’s refreshing power by adding a few drops of lemon juice to the cycle before you put the sheets outside to dry. They will smell as impeccably clean as they look.
Buy a Second—Or Third—Set of Sheets
Each bed in the house should have at least two separate sets of sheets: one in use and the other either waiting to be washed or folded away. If you have enough storage space, consider buying three: one on the bed, one in the laundry basket and one in the closet. By rotating between the three sets, they will all wear out less quickly.
Moreover, this tip will help you maintain a coherent laundry routine. Knowing that you always have fresh sheets and pillowcases on hand, you won’t have to worry about sleeping on a bare mattress because your bedding is in the wash.
Be Extra Gentle With Luxury Linens
To protect your bedding’s superior quality, avoid harsh liquid and powder detergents, fabric softeners (liquid or sheets) and whiteners as they weaken natural fibres. Opt instead for gentle soaps and dryer balls on which you will have taken the time to pour a few drops of essential oils. Additionally, be careful when transferring damp sheets from the washer to the dryer. Because of their large size wet sheets are heavy, and you may inadvertently stretch out the fibres if you pull too aggressively.
By following our advice, you will maximize your chances of sleeping in soft, fresh, and long-lasting bedding for many years to come.