How often should you actually wash your bed sheets? Article from RTE.ie

How often should you actually wash your bed sheets?  RTE.ie interviewed Ludovic Blanc, CEO of eco-friendly dry cleaners Blanc, about just how often we need to wash our bed linen.  The short answer is, “we regret to tell you, is probably more often than you think.”

How often should you actually wash your bed sheets?

Let’s be honest, washing, drying bed linen and remaking the bed is a bit of a pain, especially if you’ve a lot of beds to change, but Ludovic tells us a weekly wash and change of bedding is essential for a healthy sleeping environment.  He goes on to say…

“What many people do not know is that skin irritation, as well as acne breakouts, are often a result of unwashed bed linen.  When we sleep, we tend to sweat and shed dead skin cells, which can turn your duvet into a breeding ground for bacteria.”

That all sounds pretty nasty.  We think this message applies a little more to cotton sheets and bedding, as polycotton blends tend not to absorb quite as much of the sweat.  Also, polyester/cotton bed linen is much easier to wash and dry, making the weekly job a little easier.

• Cotton vs Polycotton - Cotton vs Polycotton - which is best?  That's a difficult question and all depends on what you want.  Cotton is more expensive, but polycotton is way more durable and long-lasting.  Cotton tends to be softer, but polycotton brings a crisp and clean feel to your bedding.
• How Often Should Cotton Sheets be Washed? - How Often Should Cotton Sheets be Washed?  Keeping white cotton clean and bright is essential, but over-washing can cause permanent damage to the cotton fibres.  Washing on a gentle cycle and using a mild detergent is vital to keep your cotton sheets & pillowcases look as good as new!
• How to Wash Cotton Sheets - How to Wash Cotton Sheets - Simply, Often and with Great Care.  It's true to say that 100% cotton needs a little more attention than polycotton blend bedding, but with a little care, you can wash your 100% cotton bed linen and keep it in great condition.

Polyester/Cotton Blend Bedding, Easy Care, Easy Wash

Cotton vs Polyester/Cotton Blend?  It’s a very common question.  And one that there’s no real ‘right answer’ to.  Polycotton bedding is certainly easier to maintain and wash and the makeup of the fabric is a little more resilient to the wear and tear your sheets will experience while washing and drying.

Polycotton is longer-lasting, easier to care for and considerably better value.

Of course, the length of time your bedding last depends on how it is treated, but generally, polyester/cotton mix fabrics will last longer as they are considerably more durable, due to the strong nature of polyester.  They can also be washed at higher temperatures without any shrinkage – cotton will shrink if washed at higher temperatures.  Ironing polyester/cotton sheets is a lot easier than cotton.  A lot!  Cotton can easily crease after machine washing, making ironing a bit of a pain, frankly.  Polyester/cotton blend fabrics need very little ironing to maintain their ‘crisp’ feel.  If you want to iron your polycotton sheets, make sure you set your iron to a cooler temperature. Polyester/cotton blend fabrics also hold their shape better.

Cotton is more expensive than polyester, and polyester/cotton materials last longer.  Many people equate cotton with ‘luxury’, however this isn’t a fact, just an opinion.  Polyester blend sheets and bedding a much better value for money, no question.

Washing Cotton Bed Linen

Keep the Washing Machine on a Low Heat.  Washing your cotton sheets & pillowcases in overly hot water for every cycle will harm the fibers of the cotton and cause the sheets to discolour and shrink a lot faster.  The problem is, lower temperatures cannot guarantee that germs are properly killed.  Some people will recommend an occasional, high-temperature wash (60°), just to make sure germs are properly removed, but these higher temperatures will damage the cotton fibres.  Make sure you carefully follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions and most will recommend a 30° cycle.

Use a Gentle Wash Setting and a Very Mild Detergent.  Most modern washing machines will have a gentle cycle, more suited for cotton and a mild detergent, while not cleaning your sheets quite so well, will do significantly less damage to the cotton.  Many people swear by the ‘add-on’ whiteners, added to or after your normal wash.  They can certainly help reduce stains and brighten your sheets.

One or Two Recommended Detergents for White Cotton Sheets

Another tip for washing cotton sheets is to try to add just under the amount of detergent recommended for the load.  Too much detergent can make your white cotton sheets & pillowcases harder to properly rinse out, creating a coating on the fibres that catches and traps the oils and dirt you’re trying to wash out. An extra rinse cycle is always a good idea.

How to Wash Cotton Sheets – Tumble Dry Only on Very Low Heat and Try to Hang Out on the Line

Try to use the tumble dryer as little s possible with white cotton sheets.  If possible, dry outside in the sunshine as the sun has a bleaching effect and also the breeze will not cause creases, making your sheets much easier to iron.  Of course, here in Kerry, that isn’t always an option.  Use the tumble dryer on a cooler setting for a short period of time, just to remove the excess water, then let the sheets dry flat if you can.

High drying temperatures will do unspeakable damage to the fibres of the cotton – especially higher grade cotton, such as Pima and Egyptian Cotton.

100% Cotton Bed Linen, 100% Value

Cotton Fitted Sheets from KerryLinen.ie.  Premium quality, 100% cotton fitted bed sheets at great prices!  Order online for speedy delivery throughout Ireland.  Our 100% upland cotton sheets are a beautiful quality.  Soft on the skin and very durable, these flat sheets will last a long time, if properly cared for.

Article Source: https://www.rte.ie/lifestyle/living/2021/0118/1190359-how-often-should-you-actually-wash-your-bed-sheets/