Should you wash new sheets before using them?

Have you ever wondered if you should wash new sheets before using them? Many people skip this step, but new sheets can carry residues, dyes, or chemicals from the factory. Washing them before the first use helps remove these substances, softens the fabric, and ensures a cleaner, more comfortable sleep.

Let's delve deeper and explore why washing new sheets before snuggling in might be a good idea.

Do I Need to Wash New Bedsheets?

Should you wash new sheets? Absolutely yes! Even though brand-new bed sheets may appear clean, it's a good practice to wash them before using them. Despite being fresh from the store, they have likely come into contact with dust, allergens, and possibly residual chemicals from the manufacturing process during their journey from factories to warehouses and then to retail shelves. Following the care label instructions for washing your bedsheets will guarantee a fresh and comfortable sleeping experience from the very first night.

Benefits of Washing New Sheets

Remove Residue:

Fabrics undergo extensive processing before they reach your bed. Washing helps remove any leftover chemicals, sizing agents, or dust that might have accumulated during manufacturing or storage. These residues can irritate your skin, so a pre-wash ensures a gentle first touch.

Reduce Allergens:

Natural fibres can accumulate allergens such as dust mites or pollen as they make their way from the factory to the store. Washing these fibres can effectively remove these potential irritants, leading to a cleaner and more hypoallergenic sleep environment. This is particularly crucial for individuals with allergies or sensitivities.

Improve Feel:

New sheets sometimes feel stiff due to the sizing used to keep them crisp in stores. Washing can soften them and make them more comfortable, similar to how your favourite t-shirt gets softer after a few washes. This lets you experience the full comfort and luxury of your new bedding right from the start.

Set the Stage for Good Habits:

Starting with a clean wash sets a good precedent for regular sheet washing, which is crucial for maintaining hygiene and a fresh sleep environment. Just like that first satisfying clean of a new pan encourages you to keep it sparkling, washing your new sheets right away gets you into the habit of regular sheet changes. This ensures a clean and healthy sleep space, night after night.

How Should I Wash New Bedsheets?

Read the Care Label:

This is your golden rule! The care label provides specific washing instructions for your particular sheets, ensuring you clean them properly without causing any damage. Remember recommended washing temperatures, spin cycles, and any warnings about bleach or fabric softeners.

Separate by Colour and Material:

When washing your new sheets, it's important to keep in mind that similar colours and materials should be washed together to prevent any colour bleeding or shrinkage. For example, wash dark-coloured sheets with other dark colours and light-coloured sheets with other light colours. It's also a good idea to separate sheets by material, such as washing cotton sheets with other cotton items and linen sheets with other linen items. This helps prevent damage that can occur when fabrics with different washing requirements are washed together.

Choose the Right Detergent:

When washing your new sheets for the first time, it's best to use a mild detergent. Strong detergents can be too harsh and may remove natural oils, causing the sheets to feel coarse. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a fragrance-free detergent for this initial wash.

Select the Proper Wash Cycle:

When washing new sheets, it's best to select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. Depending on the care label instructions, use warm or cold water to ensure a thorough cleaning without causing any unnecessary wear and tear.

How to Dry New Sheets

Drying new bed sheets properly is essential to maintain their softness, prevent damage, and keep them looking fresh and wrinkle-free. Whether you prefer air-drying or using a dryer, following the right techniques can prolong the life of your sheets and enhance your sleeping comfort.

Methods to Dry New Sheets

Air Drying Method

• Remove sheets from the washer and smooth out to reduce wrinkles
• Fold lengthwise into a narrow strip
• Hang on a drying rack, clothesline, or bannister
• Takes 24-28 hours but yields wrinkle-free, soft sheets

Partial Dryer Method

• Tumble dry on low heat for up to 15 minutes to remove excess moisture
• Hang to finish drying naturally
• Prevents heat damage and reduces wrinkles and tangling

Drying in a Dryer Tips

• Dry sheets one at a time to prevent tangling and speed drying
• Use dryer balls or clean tennis balls to keep sheets separated and fluffier
• Dry in intervals of 20-30 minutes, untangling sheets between cycles
• Remove sheets promptly when dry to avoid wrinkles

Outdoor Drying

• Dry on a clothesline in sunlight when the weather permits
• Use clothespins to secure sheets
• Provides natural, fresh scent and is energy efficient

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

In general, it’s recommended to wash your sheets about once a week. Bedding that isn’t cleaned regularly can develop odours and become a breeding ground for allergens and bacteria, which may trigger asthma, skin breakouts, or other reactions.

The frequency of washing may vary based on individual health needs and lifestyle. You might need to wash your sheets more often if you sweat heavily, have allergies or sensitivities, eat or drink in bed, or are recovering from an illness.

If you share your bed with a pet, washing your sheets every few days can help remove fur, dander, and dust, keeping your sleep environment cleaner and healthier.

Ideally, wash your fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases together on the same schedule. Keeping at least one extra set of bedding makes it easier to maintain a consistent routine and ensure all your bedding stays fresh.

Conclusion

Achieving the ultimate sleep sanctuary starts with fresh sheets, but the journey doesn't end there. Delve into the world of luxury by carefully selecting the perfect sheets. Take into account the fabric – cotton offers breathability while linen provides a cooling sensation. Consider the weave – opt for percale for a crisp, embracing feel or sateen for silky softness. Additionally, pay attention to the thread count – higher thread counts result in smoother sheets. Ultimately, the best sheets are the ones that make you feel like royalty, so choose wisely for your own comfort and luxury.

Find your perfect fit with our Copper Clothing Bed Sheet with Pillowcases, and get ready to drift off to dreamland. Sweet dreams!