Uncovering the Optimal Temperature for Laundering Bed Sheets
According to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' long-term housekeeper, Kathy McKeon, Jackie preferred clean bed linens daily. I'd do the same if I were a high-ranking figure. For me, there's nothing more delightful than sliding into a bed with freshly laundered sheets, particularly when crisp hospital corners are involved. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
How can you get the cleanest sheets with every wash to achieve that blissful sensation? I consulted with an expert for her best tips.
Lainey Hollis serves as the SVP of Product Creation for Boll & Branch, an organic cotton bed linen company with outlets in Houston, Dallas, Boca Raton, and Atlanta.
Before You Get Started
When it comes to cleaning sheets, it's crucial to know the fabric you're dealing with. Locate your care tag, usually found in the bottom left corner of your sheet set. Certain materials, especially organic ones, might require lower temperatures to prevent damage or fading. Each type of bedding has specific washing instructions that must be followed.
Be Aware of Load Size
Beyond the care labels, consider the appropriate soil level and load size. For regular washing, opt for the normal cycle. For stubborn stains, switch to the heavy-duty setting. Be cautious not to overload your washing machine, as a single set of sheets per load will grant you optimal results, allowing them plenty of space to tumble without getting tangled.
Hot Water vs. Cold Water
Your water temperature depends on the fabric type.
Hot water is excellent for killing germs and bacteria, but it might be too harsh for certain materials.
“Cold water is still highly effective at eradicating germs, especially in combination with high-quality detergent,” Hollis says. Cold water also lowers the risk of colors fading or bleeding, particularly for vibrantly colored sheets.
She adds, “Washing sheets in cold water can be effective at removing stains and preventing them from setting. While hot water can help dissolve oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and prevents shrinking or fading, which is essential for maintaining the longevity of your sheets.”
How Frequently Should I Wash My Sheets?
Although you don't need to wash your sheets as often as Jackie O, consider changing your bed linens once a week. “Since we utilize our sheets daily, they accumulate body oils, sweat, dead skin cells, dirt, and dust over time,” Hollis explains. “This can aggravate skin irritations, foster the growth and spread of harmful bacteria, and aggravate or exacerbate allergies.” Make changing your sheets a weekly routine. If you're particularly fond of a certain set, consider investing in an additional one to ensure you always have a clean set on laundry day.
Preventing Sheet Fading During Washing
Even if you only use white sheets, Hollis recommends staying away from bleach since it can lead to discoloration and fabric damage over time. Instead, rely on cold water on a gentle cycle, which maintains the vibrancy of the colors and minimizes wear and tear.
Was this helpful? Kindly share your feedback! Tell us why!
After consulting with Lainey Hollis, the SVP of Product Creation for Boll & Branch, a company known for its organic cotton bed linens, she suggested using cold water to wash sheets to effectively remove stains and prevent them from setting, while also being gentler on fabrics and preventing shrinking or fading. To maintain the cleanliness of your sheets, Hollis recommends changing them once a week, as they can accumulate body oils, sweat, and dirt over time. For the cleanest sheets with every wash, it's essential to be aware of the fabric type and follow the care instructions on the care tag, as certain materials might require lower temperatures to avoid damage or fading.
