How To Wash Sheets: 4 Steps

Considering most of us spend about one-third of our lives sleeping in our comfy beds, it’s easy to imagine how dirty and worn our bedding can get over the years. Regularly washing your sheets is crucial in maintaining sleep hygiene, and some approaches to washing sheets are more effective than others. 

Below, we’ve asked Jacqueline Stein, a professional cleaner and the owner of Home Reimagined in Austin, Texas, for her best tips on how to properly wash your sheets every time. 

Before Getting Started

Special Considerations for Different Types of Sheets

Each fabric and garment has its own care needs, and sheets are no exception. According to Stein, cotton sheets can handle higher temperatures, which helps kill germs and dust mites. “Microfiber sheets require cooler water to prevent damage and pilling,” she says. “And microfiber needs to be washed separately to avoid fuzzies sticking or picking up hair.”

Specialty fabrics like linen and silk need extra care, typically involving gentle cycles and cold water to maintain their integrity and softness. Or bring them to the dry cleaners if you’re able to. 

Recommended Water Temperature for Washing Sheets

For most sheets, warm water is ideal—it’s effective at cleaning without causing too much wear. “However, for cotton sheets, hot water can be used occasionally for a deep clean,” says Stein. “Delicate fabrics like silk and linen should always be washed in cold water to preserve their quality and ensure a long life.”

Tips for Separating Sheets from Other Laundry Items

Wash sheets separately to avoid tangling with other items and ensure a thorough clean. This also prevents lint transfer and excessive wrinkling, according to Stein. If you must mix, pair them with similar materials and colors. “But remember, it is always best to wash them separately when able to,” she suggests. 

Precautions for Heavily Soiled Sheets or Stains

For heavily soiled sheets, pre-treat stains before washing. Stein recommends soaking them in a mixture of water and a bit of laundry detergent or stain remover. “You can always use a commercial stain remover at this stage too,” she says. “Consider a longer wash cycle or an extra rinse to ensure all the grime is washed away.” Some stains may require different treatments (blood, urine, etc.) than others, so it depends on the stain.

Health and Safety Concerns

Always handle detergents and stain removers with care, as some can cause skin irritation. Ensure good ventilation if using bleach or strong chemicals. “Regularly washing sheets helps reduce allergens and dust mites, promoting a healthier sleeping environment,” says Stein. “And ensure you are not allergic to any detergents you plan to use—try a mild or sensitive wash if so.”

What You’ll Need

• Laundry detergent
• Washing machine
• Dryer or clothesline
• Optional: Stain remover or bleach (if necessary)
• Optional: Fabric softener or dryer sheets

How To Wash Sheets

Step 1: Preparing the Sheets for Washing

Start by removing any pillowcases or duvet covers. Give the sheets a good shake to get rid of loose dirt or debris. Check for any stains and treat them accordingly before loading the sheets into the washing machine. “This is also the step to assess which material the items are (or to check care tags) so they can be cleaned appropriately,” says Stein. 

Step 2: Pre-Treating Stains

For stains, apply a commercial stain remover or a bit of liquid detergent directly to the spot. You can even use a bar of Dial soap with a toothbrush to saturate the stain, suggests Stein. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to break down the stain. For stubborn stains, gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge before washing.

Step 3: Washing the Sheets

• Recommended water temperature for different fabric types – Use warm water for cotton, cold water for delicate fabrics like silk and linen, and cool or warm water for microfiber. Some fabrics will have info on the care labels, so always check that first. 
• Selecting the appropriate cycle on the washing machine – According to Stein, some washing machines offer a “sheets” setting. “This is great for cotton sheets or thicker fabrics,” she explains. “If you do not have this, use the normal cycle for cotton and microfiber sheets. For delicate fabrics, opt for the gentle or delicate cycle.”
• Using a high-quality laundry detergent – Choose a detergent that’s suitable for your water type (hard or soft) and fabric type. “As with any laundry, avoid using too much detergent to prevent buildup,” says Stein. “Remember that more detergent does not mean your clothes will be cleaner—it’s actually the opposite, as it will create build-up in your washer and on the clothing, making it harder to clean and reduce the life of your fabrics.”
• Adding fabric softener or vinegar – Some people like using fabric softener to keep sheets soft and reduce static, but Stein does not recommend this. “Fabric softener will only create a film or build up on the fabric, making it harder to wash, reducing the life of the fabric, and destroying your machine over time,” she warns. “If you must use something, use half a cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle for a natural softening effect.”

Step 4: Drying the Sheets

• Choosing the right drying method (line drying or machine drying) – Line drying or air drying is the best option for preserving the life of your sheets and reducing energy use, according to Stein. Considering line drying or air drying isn’t always the most practical or convenient method, Stein suggests tumble drying your sheets on low heat. 
• Setting the appropriate temperature on the dryer – Use a low to medium heat setting to avoid shrinking and damage. Delicate fabrics should always be dried on the lowest setting (or no heat) if you use the dryer, but preferably hang dry these.
• Adding dryer sheets or wool dryer balls (optional) – Dryer sheets can reduce static and add fragrance, but much like fabric softener, Stein isn’t a big fan. “I think they are a bad idea because they will cause build up and damage overall,” she says. “Wool dryer balls are a great natural alternative that helps reduce drying time and even reduce some static.”
• Checking for dryness and removing promptly – Once the sheets are dry, or just before they are, remove them promptly to prevent wrinkles. Shake them out and fold them or put them back on the bed right away for a crisp look. If taken out of the dryer just before they’re fully dry, let them air dry for the last few minutes and immediately put them on the bed. “This will reduce the static and wrinkles,” suggests Stein. 

Tips For Washing Specialty Fabric Sheets

For linen, use cold water and a gentle detergent. Avoid bleach and opt for air drying to maintain the fabric’s texture. For silk, Stein recommends hand washing or using a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. “I like using a ‘silk’ detergent that will not damage [the sheets], or I even dry clean my silk pillowcases,” she says. “Avoid wringing out silk; instead, gently press out excess water and lay flat to dry.”