We wash our sheets regularly but not always in the right way. Here are the mistakes to avoid.
Doing the laundry looks so easy: you throw a few pieces in the drum, add the product, choose a program and you're done. The result ? A soft, scented, crease-free and clean cloth. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes the laundry feels bad after washing, the colors fade or the fabric is damaged. This is sometimes the case especially with bed linen. How to cure it ? We explain how to wash your sheets properly.
Mistake # 1: Washing too hot
There is a rumor that bed linen should be washed at least 60 degrees. Otherwise, not all germs would be killed! This method is considered obsolete. Modern washing machines manage to completely clean the laundry, even at low temperatures. It really depends on the material of your fabric.
- Cotton is a fairly resistant material, it is best to wash it between 40 and 60 degrees. For colored and black bedding, it is maximum 40 degrees.
- Polyester: 50 degrees maximum
- Linen: 40 degrees maximum.
- Satin is a delicate textile. The recommended temperature is 30 degrees.
It is however recommended to look at the label of his bed linen before use. Good to know: it is useless to wash your sheets at 90 degrees. It weakens your fabrics, it is very bad for the environment and for your wallet!
Mistake # 2: Cleaning your sheets too rarely
Unlike the socks or below, you can easily forget to wash your bed linen. However, this material comes into contact with our skin for about eight hours a day. As we lose body fluids, hair and scraps of skin overnight, the bed sheets are quickly contaminated. Our body heat and night sweats also create a hot, humid climate, which promotes the growth of bacteria and germs. Dust mites also find a suitable breeding ground there.
How often should you change bed linen?
In general, it is recommended to change the bed sheets every two weeks. In some cases, it is better to switch to a weekly rate:
- Your pets sleep in the bed with you;
- You sweat profusely.
- You are sick or recovering.
- You have an allergy to household dust.
- You smoke or if you are often in a smoky environment.
- You work in the catering sector.
- You sleep undressed
Mistake # 3: Unsuitable detergent
Cotton bed linen does not need a special detergent except for the sheets of your baby whose skin is more fragile. In this case you can turn to an organic detergent for example. On the other hand, textiles such as silk, satin, and linen must be cleaned with a mild detergent that protects the natural fibers. If you use an aggressive detergent, the fibers can become rough.
Above all, do not use bleach for your sheets. Also ignore the fabric softener which can damage the fabric and reduce its absorbency. Which can be problematic if you sweat a lot at night. White vinegar is an excellent natural softener. It discourages fabrics and gives them more flexibility, perfect for white sheets. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on your bed linen. It will revive colors and remove bad smells.
Mistake # 4: Improper handling of bed linen
It is best to put your bedding set together in the washing machine. In this way, the colors are matched and you wash everything at once. It is recommended to wash the same fabrics together. We will avoid mixing for example his sheets with his jeans or mixing cotton and polyester sheets.
Good to know : It is also important that you put your bedding upside down before washing it. The colors and patterns will be protected and the sheets will not fade as quickly. Remember to always close the zipper (or buttons) on your duvet cover. Otherwise, it can happen that all the bed linen is taken inside during washing and becomes a heavy ball of fabric. The zipper, if left open, can also damage textiles. Do not load the machine to the maximum. Laundry needs to be shaken to be properly washed.
Mistake # 5: Not drying properly
You can also make mistakes when drying, because not all bedding can be tumble dried. It is best to air dry your colored bed linen so that it does not lose its shine as well as your linen sheets. Air drying takes a little longer and takes up space, but is environmentally friendly. If you use a dryer, choose a low temperature so as not to damage your textiles. In all cases, refer to the labels on your bed linen.