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How to Wash Bed Sheets

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 5, 2024

Washing bed sheets might seem easy, but it’s more than just tossing them in the machine. Clean sheets help with a healthy sleep environment and keep your bed looking fresh. This article covers everything you need to know about how to wash bed sheets.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets

The frequency of washing a bed sheet depends upon several factors. 

General Washing Time

  • Bed sheets should be washed at least every week normally, but if you have pets, you can wash them twice a week. 
  • If you or someone in your home sweats a lot or has any allergies, it should be changed more frequently. 
  • Bed sheets should be changed every day if someone is ill.  
  • Another factor to consider is the material of the bedsheet. Fabric like wool catches dirt quickly so it is proper to clean them more frequently. 

Washing Time Based on Other Factors 

  • If you live in a humid area, washing more often can prevent mildew. High thread-count sheets may also benefit from gentler, frequent washing to maintain fabric quality. 
  • During allergy season, more frequent washing can help remove pollen and allergens. 
  • If you frequently eat in bed, consider washing twice a week to remove food particles and prevent bacteria growth. 
  • Sensitive skin types may benefit from weekly washing with mild detergents to avoid irritation from dirt buildup.

Things to Consider Before Washing

Here are a few simple steps to take before washing to ensure sheets are cleaned properly.

Separate by Color

White sheets should be separated from colored ones. Sheets that leave color while washing should be kept separate or the color will be mixed while washing.

Separate by Fabric

Different fabrics need different types of washing, including temperature of water and drying technique.

Tip

Remove any hard stains, such as food stains, before washing, using any detergent and scrubbing them with a brush gently but if the fabric is more delicate, use your hands to rub the stain away. This will make the stain go away easily when you wash them in the machine later.

Caution

Always read care instructions regarding the type of fabric that you are washing. 

How to Wash Bed Sheets

Now that your bed sheets are prepped, it’s time to wash them. Follow these steps to ensure your sheets come out fresh and clean: 

Water Temperature

A table of fabric and it’s temperature

Different fabrics require specific water temperatures or they can get damaged. Make sure to use the right temperature, whether washing by hand or in a machine. It's also a good idea to soak the bed sheets for a few minutes before adding detergent.

This table tells the appropriate temperature for some common bed sheet fabrics.

Caution

Do not overload the washing machine, as sheets are bigger than normal clothes, they need more space to move around in order to get cleansed. 

Detergent

  • Do not use a detergent that is strong in odor, as it might ruin the bed sheet. 
  • If you have any allergies, make sure to keep in mind while buying the detergent. 
  • Do not use too much detergent as it is required. 
  • Use a nice fabric softener 5 minutes before the last rinsing cycle is done to give it a nice and fresh smell. Not all fabrics need fabric softener. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for it. (optional)

Tip

If you are using a washing machine, it is better to use a gentle or delicate cycle rather than a fast cleaning cycle. This will make the fabric last longer.

Tip

It is better to hand-wash wool as it is very delicate. The washing machine can ruin it and make the fibers come out. It can also damage the machine by leaving wool or fur balls inside. 

For White Bed Sheets

Knowing how to bleach white sheets properly will keep them bright, but be sure to limit bleaching to maintain the fabric’s strength. 

  • White sheets have to be separated along with light-colored sheets.  
  •  Use chlorine bleach for cotton and oxygen bleach for more delicate materials like linen fabrics, microfiber or bamboo. 
  • Let the sheets soak in the solution for about five minutes, then run a regular wash cycle.

Drying the Bed Sheets

Proper drying is just as important as washing to keep your sheets soft and in good condition. 

  • Air drying is the best option for delicate fabrics like linen or silk. Hang your bed sheets on a clothesline or drying rack in a well-ventilated area. If drying outdoors, avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading, especially with colored sheets. 
  • If you’re using a dryer, set it to a low heat setting to prevent damage to the fibers. High heat can shrink or weaken the fabric over time.  
  • Once the sheets are dry, you can iron them according to the heat setting given on the care label, especially if you prefer crisp, smooth sheets.

Additional Tips

  • Put your bed sheets, like cotton ones, out in the sun to allow proper air circulation.  
  • Apply a stain remover before washing if the detergent does not work. It can be wine or coffee stains. 
  • Make sure to store your bedsheets in a cold and dry place, which will minimize bacterial growth due to less moisture in the place. 
  • Replace the bed sheet if you see the fabric going thinner or if there is wear and tear around the edges or in the sheet itself. 

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