How To Care For Your Sheets

You’ve received your brand new set of sheets. Now how to keep them pristine for as long as possible while still using them to their fullest? Knowing the right way to clean, care for and store your linens is essential to creating a comfortable sleeping environment. Follow these six steps and you’ll be well on your way to sheets that look (and feel) dreamy for many sleeps to come.

1. Wash

Wash your sheets before first use - you’ll get them squeaky clean, and loosen the cotton fibers for the ultimate first-sleep experience (plus, they get better and softer after every wash). To achieve the deepest clean, toss them in the machine on the normal cycle in warm or cold water. Just stick to like colors and fabrics if your linen isn’t swimming solo.

2. Brighten

If your whites are starting to yellow, pre-soak them in oxygen bleach (Oxi-Clean is a good bet), and then wash them in hot water with a bleach or bleach alternative. You may need to repeat this process a few times if your sheets have gotten really dingy, but after a few cycles, they should come out looking good as new.

Image via @thelaundress

3. Dry

If you’re washing cotton sheets, choose a low heat and a low tumble cycle. Linen bedding can withstand tumble drying with high heat, but if you happen to have a laundry line (don’t worry, neither do we) hanging on the line to dry helps to preserve fibers, colors, shape and elasticity. You can iron or steam to remove wrinkles, or just let your bedding be. With linen sheets, a rumpled, lived-in look is part of the charm.

4. Soften

Softer sheets aren’t just ridiculously comfortable to sleep on—they’re also easier to iron and less likely to have static. Plus, using a softener can decrease drying time so you can enjoy clean-sheet heaven even more quickly. 

5. Store

Always store your sheets clean and unstarched. We recommend storing in a breathable cotton storage bag to keep the linen protected from spills, bugs, dust or anything else that might be of concern. Whatever you do, avoid storing in plastic! It encourages yellowing and traps mildew-causing moisture.

6. Freshen 

Change your sheets every week or so, alternating between sets to preserve quality. Ideally, sheet sets should be completely replaced every 2 years (or 6 months to 1 year for pillowcases) to continue enjoying the ultimate sleep experience.

Image by Brooklinen