You've invested in quality bed sheets, but without proper care, even the finest Egyptian cotton or luxurious linen can deteriorate quickly. On the flip side, well-maintained sheets can last years longer, becoming softer and more comfortable with age. Whether you're dealing with everyday cotton, delicate silk, or textured linen, this guide covers everything you need to know about keeping your bedding in pristine condition.
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
The general recommendation is to wash bed sheets every one to two weeks. During summer months or if you sweat heavily at night, weekly washing is advisable. Here's why regular washing matters:
- We shed approximately 500 million skin cells daily, many ending up in our bedding
- Dust mites thrive in bedding and feed on dead skin cells
- Body oils, sweat, and lotions accumulate in fabric
- Bacteria can multiply rapidly in warm, moist environments
If you shower before bed, don't have pets in your room, and don't sweat much at night, you might extend this to every two weeks. However, pillowcases should ideally be washed weekly regardless, as they accumulate facial oils that can contribute to breakouts.
Having two sets of sheets per bed makes maintaining a regular washing schedule easier. While one set is in the wash or drying, the other is ready to go on the bed.
Universal Washing Guidelines
While different materials have specific requirements, these general principles apply to most bed sheets:
Before You Wash
Always check the care label first. Manufacturers test their products and provide specific guidance for a reason. When in doubt, follow the label.
Wash new sheets before first use. This removes manufacturing residues, excess dyes, and any chemicals used in packaging. It also softens the fabric for a more comfortable first night.
Separate colours. Wash whites with whites and darks with darks, especially for the first several washes when dyes may still release. Even after many washes, dark sheets can transfer colour to lighter fabrics.
Don't overload the machine. Sheets need room to move freely for proper cleaning and to prevent excessive wrinkling. Wash sheets separately from towels and other heavy items.
Washing Best Practices
Water temperature: Warm water (30-40°C) works for most sheets and balances cleaning power with fabric care. Hot water can damage fibres over time, while cold water may not remove body oils effectively. Use hot water only when sanitising is necessary (illness recovery, for example).
Detergent: Use a mild, liquid detergent. Powder detergents can leave residue in fabric fibres. Avoid using too much—excess detergent builds up in fabric and attracts more dirt. About half the recommended amount usually suffices for sheets.
Skip the fabric softener. This is crucial. Fabric softeners coat fibres with a waxy residue that reduces absorbency, traps odours, and breaks down natural fibres over time. For softness, try adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle instead—it softens without leaving residue.
- Wash every 1-2 weeks; pillowcases weekly
- Use warm water and mild liquid detergent
- Never use fabric softener on natural fibres
- Don't overload the washing machine
- Dry completely before storing
Material-Specific Care Instructions
Cotton Sheets
Cotton is forgiving and easy to care for. Wash in warm water with a gentle detergent on a normal cycle. For white cotton, occasional washing in hot water can help maintain brightness, but don't make it routine. Tumble dry on medium heat or line dry. Remove promptly to minimise wrinkles, and iron while slightly damp if desired.
Egyptian and Pima cotton benefit from extra care. Use the delicate cycle and avoid high heat drying, which can weaken long-staple fibres over time.
Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo requires gentler handling than cotton. Wash in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners entirely, as they break down bamboo fibres. Tumble dry on low heat or line dry in shade—bamboo can be damaged by prolonged direct sunlight.
Bamboo sheets may wrinkle more than cotton. A quick tumble in the dryer with a damp towel can help release wrinkles without ironing. If you must iron, use low heat and iron while damp.
Linen Sheets
Linen actually benefits from washing—it gets softer with each cycle. Wash in cool to warm water on a gentle cycle. Like bamboo, avoid bleach and fabric softeners. Linen can be dried on low heat but air drying is preferable. Some wrinkling is inherent to linen and considered part of its casual charm.
For new linen sheets, wash several times before judging their feel. The initial stiffness will transform into relaxed softness within 5-10 washes.
Never wring linen sheets when hand washing, as this can damage fibres. Instead, gently press out excess water and lay flat or hang to dry.
Silk Sheets
Silk requires the most careful handling. Hand washing in cool water with a silk-specific detergent is ideal. If machine washing, use a mesh laundry bag, cold water, and the most delicate cycle available. Never use bleach, fabric softener, or regular detergent.
Never tumble dry silk—lay flat on a clean towel away from direct sunlight. Silk dries quickly and can be ironed on the lowest setting while still slightly damp if needed.
Microfibre Sheets
Microfibre is low-maintenance. Wash in cold or warm water on a normal cycle. Avoid high heat drying, which can damage synthetic fibres and cause pilling. Microfibre dries quickly on low heat or air dry. Unlike natural fibres, microfibre can handle fabric softener, but it's still not recommended as it can reduce breathability.
Drying Tips for All Materials
How you dry sheets matters as much as how you wash them:
Line drying is gentlest on all fabrics and saves energy. In Australia's climate, sheets dry quickly outdoors—but avoid direct sunlight for coloured sheets to prevent fading.
Tumble drying is convenient but use the appropriate heat setting. Over-drying causes shrinkage, weakens fibres, and increases wrinkling. Remove sheets while slightly damp and let them finish air drying on the bed.
Don't over-dry. Sheets should feel dry but not hot when you remove them. Residual warmth from the dryer continues the drying process.
Storing Sheets Properly
Proper storage extends sheet life and keeps them fresh:
- Always store completely dry sheets—any dampness leads to mould and mildew
- Store in a cool, dry place with good air circulation
- Avoid plastic containers, which trap moisture; use breathable cotton storage bags or simply fold on open shelving
- Place a sachet of dried lavender or cedar blocks nearby to deter moths and add freshness
- Refold sheets occasionally to prevent permanent crease lines
For long-term storage, wrap sheets in acid-free tissue paper to prevent yellowing.
Dealing with Stains
Act quickly on stains for the best results. Blot (don't rub) fresh stains with cold water. For common stains:
Blood: Cold water and salt, then enzyme-based stain remover
Sweat/yellowing: Paste of baking soda and water, left for 30 minutes before washing
Food/drink: Dish soap applied directly, then cold water rinse
Makeup/oils: Dish soap or enzyme cleaner before washing
Always test stain treatments on an inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate or coloured fabrics.
For more bedding advice, check out our guide on choosing the right sheet material for your needs.