Whether you sweat in your sleep, share the bed with a furry friend, or enjoy breakfast-in-bed, our sheets go through a lot. They collect dust, dirt, crumbs, hair, dead skin, and oil. So, it's important to know how to wash your sheets and how often to do so.
We've spent hours washing and drying sheets as part of testing for the best sheets. Many of these sheets have different cleaning requirements. While most bedsheets like cotton can withstand high temperatures, others, like our picks for the best linen sheets and best bamboo sheets have different care instructions. Even if you're sure your sheets are cotton, you'll want to read the care label before washing them. They may have coatings or other properties that don't work well with high heat, bleach, or ironing.
We talked to laundry and cleaning experts to learn more about the best procedures for washing your sheets. Read on for instructions on washing cotton sheets, linen sheets, and bamboo sheets.
How often should you wash your sheets?
All the experts we spoke with said you should wash your sheets once a week for a variety of reasons.
"Even if you are a very clean person and shower every day, after a few days your sheets become soiled with dead skin cells, sweat, body oils, and other gross stuff," said Jessica Samson, cleaning expert with The Maids.
Dust mites, microscopic spider-like pests, live on dead skin cells often found on bedding. "If you are sensitized to dust mites, and you have nasal allergies or asthma or eczema, you do benefit from dust-mite-avoidance measures," said Dr. Maya Jerath, an allergist-immunologist with the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. That includes regularly washing sheets, comforters, and stuffed animals and encasing mattresses and pillows in protective covers.
"If someone is sick in bed or prone to accidents (potty training children or pets, for example), you'll want to wash your sheets more frequently, and as soon as possible after any accidents," said Corinna and Theresa Williams, co-founders and co-CEOs of the eco-friendly laundromat Celsious, in an email.
Can you wash your sheets with your clothes?
Wondering if you can wash your sheets in the same load as your clothes or your towels? "Technically, yes," the Williams sisters said. Just be sure that you're not washing your sheets with anything that could snag or catch on the sheets, like bra closures or zippers.
How to wash sheets without bleach
Both Samson and the Williams sisters said there are ways to fully clean sheets without bleach. "First, you want to treat all stains before washing the sheets," said Samson.
She said most cotton sheets don't require special care and can be washed in hot water, but you should still read the labels.
"We're big proponents of not using chlorine bleach," said the Williams sisters. "It's harsh on fabric, which isn't good for longevity and can contribute to yellowing over time." Instead, they recommend an oxygen booster to treat stains and keep whites bright.
Bleach is harsh on sheets. Pretreating stains and using an oxygen booster can help keep them clean and bright. Oxygen boosters usually include sodium percarbonate and should be color-safe.
How to wash sheets in cold water
Washing bed sheets in hot water is important if you have dust-mite sensitivity. Dr. Jerath said to wash sheets once a week in water hotter than 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Always use the hottest water that your sheets can handle, and always read the label before cleaning your sheets," said Samson.
However, Corinna and Theresa Williams acknowledge that many people prefer to wash laundry in cold water to save energy. "If you like, add ¼ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help flush out odor," they said, and run a warm or hot cycle monthly. Washing clothes at 140 degrees Fahrenheit will help kill viruses and bacteria.
How to dry sheets
To dry sheets, the Williams sisters recommend using the lowest heat setting possible. This will make your sheets last longer.
To avoid wrinkly sheets, be mindful of how you're drying your sheets. Move sheets to the dryer immediately after washing, the Williamses said. "Give them enough space in the dryer (do not fill more than half full), add dryer balls and take them out of the dryer to fold as soon as they are dry."
How to wash cotton sheets
"Your everyday sheets should not have complicated care instructions, and the material should be able to withstand warm or hot washes for hygienic reasons," said the Williams sisters.
They suggest looking at care instructions before buying sheets, then washing them on the warmest setting they can withstand.
The Williamses also recommend drying the best cotton sheets on low heat for longevity. You should also avoid fabric softener, which coats fibers and can affect sheets' absorbency.
How to wash linen sheets
"Linen sheets are prone to shrinking in the wash if you use the hottest setting," said Samson. She and the Williamses said to use lukewarm or cold water.
To keep linen soft, the Williams sisters add a ¼ cup of white vinegar to the washer's fabric softener compartment and use dryer balls in the dryer. You should also dry linen sheets on low, they said.
If you don't like linen's natural wrinkles, you can use a steamer or warm iron, the Williams sisters said, as long as the label doesn't caution against it.
How to wash bamboo sheets
"Despite a lot of information circulating online about the durability of bamboo sheets, they are quite delicate and their lifespan can be significantly reduced if they are not cared for properly," the Williams sisters said. They recommend washing bamboo sheets on the cold or delicate cycle, and then drying them on a low setting.
Also, you'll want to avoid washing bamboo sheets with other colors. "Bamboo fibers tend to very easily absorb color dyes from other items in your load," the Williamses said, "so we only recommend washing with items the same color."
As is good practice before washing anything, be sure to check the care label before washing your bamboo sheets. Different brands have different care instructions, so always read the care label before washing.
The bottom line
Washing sheets is a balance between making sure they're actually clean and ensuring they last as long as possible. To get your bedsheets really clean, it's best to use hot water, over 130 degrees Fahrenheit to get rid of dust mites, and over 140 degrees to help kill viruses and bacteria.
However, some bedsheets don't withstand high temperatures well. You'll want to read the label for specific care instructions. Using bleach and fabric softener will negatively impact your sheets, as can drying them on high heat.
