There really is nothing like sleeping in sheets that just came out of the dryer after being fully washed.  Soft to the touch and still having a magnificent scent, clean bed sheets can even let you get a goodnight’s sleep.  Now, if you’ve never washed your bedding before, chances are, you might be putting it off because it seems like a lot of work.  Actually, most modern washing machines make it easier than ever to clean your sheets with minimal effort.  Plus, Grab Green Home is here to offer a simple guide to washing your bedsheets to ensure that you get them clean without any confusion about washing them correctly, regardless of what type of washer machine you’re using.

How Often Should I Wash My Bedsheets?

Before going over the process of washing bedsheets, let’s talk about when you should wash them.  Basically, if you’re sleeping in the same bed each night, you should be washing those sheets – along with your pillowcases – once a week.  That may sound excessive to some but think about how much time you spend in them.  While you sleep, you might underestimate just how much sweat, while dead skin, and dirt is getting into the fibers of your sheets and pillowcases, as well as makeup or other creams and liquid formula residue.  Once a week washing generally prevents you from sleeping in excessively dirty bedding.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Bedsheets

If you still have questions, don’t worry, you’re not alone!  These steps below are simple to follow and can ensure that your bedsheets get washed properly.  Now, let’s get to washing,

Step #1: Read the Label

Bedsheets and pillowcases should have some sort of label that tells you how to wash them.  This should tell you what type of cycle to use and the temperature of the water that’s ideal.  If you have cotton or microfiber sheets, which most people do, and can’t find a label, assume they can handle a normal cycle using warm water and regular detergent.

Linen and silk sheets both require special care. 

• Silk requires cold water.
• Linen can handle warm water.

Both need a mild detergent, since these are more delicate fabrics.  Also, with these materials, you should hang-dry them rather than putting them into the dryer.

Step #2: Measure Out Your Detergent

Read the label on your detergent bottle to figure out how much detergent to use for sheets.  If you have a washing machine that doesn’t use a detergent dispenser, you’ll want to load the detergent into the washing machine’s drum before adding the sheets.  We recommend a gentle, natural detergent like the Grab Green’s 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Powder, 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods, or Delicate Laundry Detergent Pods to clean your sheets thoroughly without causing significant wear and fading.

A suggestion for stained sheets is just adding a cup of white vinegar into the load.  White vinegar can remove stains as well as odors, while even brightening up light colors.

Step #3: Load the Sheets and Pillowcases

Bedding should be washed alone, so if you have a large load of laundry to do, make sure you do your sheets and pillowcases separately.  We don’t recommend washing more than 2-sets of sheets at a time, because more would crowd the washing machine and make it hard for everything to get clean.

Step #4: Select Your Settings

Sheets should be washed with at least warm water, to kill germs and get rid of dirt, sweat and makeup stains.  If you’re getting over being sick, we recommend using hot water to kill germs, if the material of your sheets allows.  But, if your sheets are dyed, you might need to use cool water to prevent the color from bleeding/fading.  Many modern washing machines have a “sheets” or “bedding” cycle which you’ll want to select.  If not, use the “normal” setting.

Step #5: Time to Dry

Now that your washing cycle is complete, it’s time to dry.  Again, refer to the care label on your sheets to know how they should be dried.  Most sheets can take a normal cycle in the dryer, so go ahead and move them to the dryer and select your settings based on what the care label says.  Some sheets may require line-drying, so keep that in mind.  Also, make sure to use Grab Green’s Classic Laundry Dryer Sheets, Stoneworks Dryer Sheets, or Dryer Balls, as this will leave your sheets feeling dry and static-free/cling-feee.

Washing with Cold Water vs. Warm Water

A lot of people have a preference between cold water and warm water when washing their sheets. 

• Cold water can prevent colors from running and can be ideal for more delicate materials like silk.
• Warm water, however, is better at removing dirt, and is preferred when you haven’t washed your sheets in a while. It’s also recommended during cold and flu season, to help get rid of germs that can linger on your bedding. 

Note: We don’t recommend ever using hot water, which can wear down your sheets and cause them to fade.

For a Good Night’s Rest, Make Sure You’re Sleeping on Freshly Cleaned Sheets!

Washing your sheets doesn’t need to be a confusing and time-consuming process.  In fact, most laundry equipment makes it easier than ever to press a button and know that your sheets are going to come out soft and clean and ready for bedtime.  Selecting the proper set of sheets to get your normal 8-hours of sleep is an accomplishment in itself.  So, just make sure once again to take care of your sheets properly by learning how to wash and dry them.  Also, stick to a weekly schedule to avoid sleeping in dirty sheets and soiled pillowcases.