So you’ve treated yourself to a nice set of sheets. Maybe you even splurged $100 on that luxurious queen collection.
Those premium sheets need laundering. Here’s the problem: Sometimes, after washing those nice sheets, you accidentally damage them and end up buying another set. Round and round it goes.
Want to stop that cycle? We consulted with specialists on the correct way to wash, dry and stow your bedding to protect your purchase.
Guidelines for Properly Washing Bed Linens
Use these approaches to help your bed sheets endure.
Water Temperature for Washing Sheets
Inspect the fabric label to be sure you’re using the right water temperature, recommends Nora Mitchell, editor-in-chief of Household Advice, a California-based online source that covers home repair, DIY and design.
Still, it can be complicated.
Higher temperatures are harsher on textiles because heat can weaken fine fibers. Yet you also need warmth to eliminate bacteria, grime and stains.
Generally, Mitchell advises using hot water for cotton sheets and warmer (not hot) water for more fragile fabrics. For example, never launder silk in hot water or you’ll risk harming the material.
Although cold water is gentler on fibers, it’s not as effective for cleaning.
“Avoid cold water, since it doesn’t properly clean sheets or remove dust mites,” she says.
Certain fabrics, like silk, should be laundered separately in a silk-only load with a gentle soap—so always follow the care instructions on the tag before washing.
Control Load Size When Washing Bed Sheets
When washing bedding, include only one full bedding set or a single duvet insert per load, advises Karin Sun, a textile authority and founder of Crane & Canopy.
“Doing this lets your bedding be cleaned thoroughly and evenly,” she says.
Keeping the load small also helps protect zippers on covers and extends the life of the fabric. Be sure to zip closures before washing or drying.
Best Detergent for Bed Sheets
Choose a gentle detergent—options such as Tide Free & Gentle, Dreft or Arm & Hammer Clean & Simple—because strong cleaners can wear down linen threads. Harsh formulas accelerate fabric breakdown. The aim is to prolong the useful life of your sheets.
Don’t place detergent directly onto the fabric when loading the washer, warns Emily Johnstone, founder of Best Mattress For You, a site offering sleep guidance and mattress reviews.
If your washer lacks a dispenser and you have a top-loader, add the detergent to the tub and let it dilute in the water before dropping in linens so the soap won’t concentrate on the fabric, Johnstone advises.
Use only about ¼ cup of detergent per sheet load to help protect fibers.
“This lessens wear on your sheets and stretches your detergent supply, so it’s a win-win,” Johnstone says.
When possible, select eco-friendly cleaners (Tide Purclean, Seventh Generation Free & Clear or Method 8X Free & Clear) that contain fewer harsh chemicals so you don’t damage delicate fibers, recommends Jane Wilson, a cleaning specialist and marketing manager for Fantastic Cleaners Australia.
“Any detergent with strong chemicals not formulated for sensitive fabrics is a big no,” she says. “Also avoid products with optical brighteners since they can easily alter fabric color.”
It may be tempting to use bleach on white linens, but chlorine bleach or leftover bleach from prior laundry cycles can cause discoloration and weaken fibers, shortening the life of your bedding, Sun of Crane & Canopy warns. If you do use bleach, opt only for a color-safe alternative to preserve whites and colors.
How to Wash Extremely Dirty Sheets
To spot-treat stains, home improvement blogger Geneva Aaron suggests mixing a small amount of liquid detergent with water and gently working it into the area. Use a mild soap such as Dreft, Ivory or, better yet, a dedicated linen wash like Le Blanc.
“If your sheets look dingy, wash them with ½ cup of white vinegar and skip the detergent to remove any detergent residue,” Aaron advises. “You might also add ½ cup of baking soda to each wash to keep sheets fresh and bright.”
This method is particularly helpful if pets share the bed or you often have breakfast in bed. Maple syrup, chocolate, and marinara sauce especially require extra effort to remove.
Avoid the Dryer When Possible
If you have the room and time, air-drying your sheets is preferable since dryers are abrasive. Line-drying helps them last longer and reduces wrinkles, Mitchell says. In warmer climates you can hang sheets outdoors year-round.
If you must use a dryer, choose a low or gentle heat cycle—delicate or permanent press—and remove sheets as soon as they’re dry to avoid overexposure to heat.
Store them in your linen closet, protected from dust. Iron them before putting them away; the iron’s heat adds another layer of sanitizing, Mitchell suggests.
If tumble drying, stick to a gentle low-heat setting and keep sheets away from items with zippers, which can snag and damage delicate materials, Wilson adds.
Proper Sheet Storage
Shield your linens by storing them in fabric bags or wrapped in cotton or muslin, away from direct sunlight. This keeps dust off and prevents yellowing.
Avoid placing sheets directly into plastic containers without wrapping them in cotton first, since contact with plastic can lead to discoloration over time.
“A common mistake is putting sheets away before they’re completely dry—especially fitted sheets that air-dry—which can cause mildew,” Johnston says.
Keep linens in a cool, dry location, out of direct sunlight.
It’s essential to avoid moisture because natural fabrics can quickly develop mold or mildew. So if your linen closet is in a bathroom, it’s best to store sheets elsewhere.
Also see our tips on how to do laundry and save money for more ways to keep laundering costs down while caring for your linens.
Savinly contributor Danielle Brooks is a Chicago-based writer focused on household goods and budget shopping. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Real Simple and more.
