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.

How to Wash Cotton Sheets

Simply… often and very gently.  After just a few days (a week at most), your cotton bedding will absorb all sorts of oils and liquids from your body, and these can lead to decolouration and ‘foisty’ smells. It can also be difficult to completely remove.  Don’t let things build up, wash cotton bedding at least once – maybe twice – each week on a gentle setting on your machine, using only very gentle detergent.

Egyptian Cotton Bedding

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.

Our 100% Cotton Sheets, Pillowcases & Duvet Covers will be in stock very soon!

And just finally… if cotton isn’t too important for you, polycotton sheets & pillowcases are significantly easier to wash and care for.  They may not have the softer feeling of 100% cotton, but are much less expensive and can be washed at 60°.  The choice is, of course, yours though!