How to Wash Bed Sheets the Right Way

Most of us spend more time in our beds than we probably realize—about a third of our life, in fact. So, it's important that our sheets remain clean and soft. But if you wash your sheets incorrectly, you could cause premature wear and tear; things like choosing the wrong water temperature or wash cycle can have consequences on the longevity of your bed linens.

We spoke with laundry experts to learn the right way to wash bed sheets plus how often you should be doing it (hint: probably more often than you think!).

How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets

It's personal preference but our experts recommend washing your sheets weekly to remove dust mites, skin cells, and body oils. "You might consider washing them more frequently if you sweat heavily or have allergies, further enhancing the comfort and hygiene of your bed," says Daniel Feliciano, co-founder of on-demand laundry service Clothslyne.

Tools You'll Need

• Washing machine
• Gentle laundry detergent
• Stain remover or white distilled vinegar
• Dryer
• Dryer balls (optional)
• Clothesline or drying rack (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Read the Care Label

Sheets come in a variety of different fabrics, weaves, colors, and textures, so it's important to read your sheet set's care label first to know how to wash them without damaging them. "This label provides essential information such as the recommended wash temperature, cycle type, and any detergents or additives to avoid," says Feliciano. "Following these instructions ensures that your sheets are treated with the utmost care, extending their lifespan and preserving their quality."

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

You'll want to do a once-over on your sheets before tossing them in the wash to check for any potential stains. "Thoroughly examine your sheets for any stains that might need a special pre-treatment before washing and treat them accordingly," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean.

If you find stains, use a stain remover or a natural alternative, like baking soda or vinegar, to pre-treat any set-in stains. If you're concerned about damaging your sheets, test a small area first with your stain remover before going forward. "For stain removal, you can use natural solutions, such as white vinegar with water or baking soda mixed with water," says Sokolowski. "Alternatively, pre-treat the stains with water and mild detergent before washing them."

Step 3: Add Detergent

Add your detergent—using mild detergent is recommended by both of our experts. Be careful to add the correct amount though; you don't want to overdo it. "Using the recommended amount helps to avoid residue, keeping your sheets clean and soft," says Feliciano.

Step 4: Load Sheets in the Washer

It's recommended to wash your sheet set on its own and avoid overloading your washer with other bulky items like bath towels; this can lead to uneven washing and wear, according to Feliciano. If your sheets are balled up, now is the time to separate them as you'll want to load them in loosely to prevent them from clumping together, says Sokolowski. "Make sure they have enough space to move freely around during the wash cycle," she says.

Step 5: Choose Your Water Temperature and Wash Cycle

This is a step where you will want to consult the care label—generally, choosing warm or hot water is the best option as that will kill bacteria and dust mites and help remove stains and oils. But, if your sheets are made from a more delicate fabric, you might want to choose a cool temperature. "Warm water helps remove body oils and stains from cotton sheets, while cooler temperatures are suitable for more delicate fabrics to prevent shrinkage or damage," says Feliciano.

If you're washing sheets made from cotton, microfiber, polyester, or a blend, a regular wash cycle should be fine. But if your sheets are made from silk or linen, choose the delicate or gentle cycle option.

Step 6: Dry Your Sheets

You have two options for drying your sheets—air drying them or machine drying them. Both have their advantages. "To preserve the quality of your sheets, it's best to air dry them," says Feliciano. "You can hang them on a line or lay them flat." This method takes longer, but its eco-friendly and doesn't subject your sheets to possible heat damage in the long run. To air dry, pin your sheets up on a clothesline or hang them over a drying rack.

You can also throw them in the dryer, too. Choose a low or medium heat setting, gentle tumble cycle, and add some wool dryer balls to the mix. "The balls will help to aerate and separate your laundry, reducing the drying time and preventing clumping," says Sokolowski. "Remove the sheets promptly from the dryer after the cycle to prevent overheating and potentially damaging the fabric."