It's finally happened: you've upgraded to a new bed set complete with linen sheets, duvet covers and delicate fabrics! You excitedly open the package and pull out the high quality sheets, only to realise that they're stiff as a board and covered in that weird plastic smell. What do you do? Don't worry, we're here to help. In this blog post, we will explain how to wash new sheets so that they're soft and fresh-smelling.
Why must you wash bed sheets that are new?
It's important to wash new bed sheets before using them, as they may be covered in chemicals or other residues from the manufacturing process. Washing sheets will remove these substances and help to make your sheets more comfortable. It's also a good idea to wash new sheets if you have sensitive skin, as they may contain allergens or irritants that could cause a reaction.
What are the different methods to wash sheets?
The best way to wash new bedsheets is by following the cleaning instructions on the care label. Usually, this will involve washing at a low temperature using a gentle detergent. If you're concerned about the fabric of your sheet set, you can also test a small area first to check for any adverse reactions.
There are three main methods to wash bed sheets- handwashing, machine washing and dryer sheet washing. We will cover each detail below:
1) Hand Washing: This is the traditional method of laundering fabric items, and it's best suited for delicate items or those with a care label that recommends hand washing. To hand-wash bed sheets, fill a basin or sink with water and add a gentle detergent and half a cup of baking soda (for a better clean). Soak the sheets for about 15 minutes, then gently swish them around before rinsing them in cool water. Squeeze out excess moisture and hang it for air drying.
2) Machine Washing: Most people choose to machine wash their bed sheets, as it's quick and easy. To machine wash your sheets, set your machine to the gentle wash cycle and use a low-phosphate detergent. Add fabric softener to the rinse cycle if desired. Be sure to check the care label on your sheets before laundering, as some fabrics may require special treatment.
3) Dryer Sheet Washing: This is a newer method of washing fabric items that uses dryer sheets to help soften and protect them during the laundry process. To wash your bed sheets with dryer sheets, place two or three sheets into the dryer with your damp clothes and run a normal drying cycle. The heat from the dryer will activate the ingredients in the dryer sheet, which will help to soften your fabric items and remove static electricity.
How to wash new cotton sheets and darker coloured sheets?
Cotton sheets, flannel sheets and other cotton bedding should be washed in warm water and should never be dried in a dryer. Cotton bedsheets are usually not machine dryable unless they have been treated with a special treatment called sanforizing.
On the other hand, darker coloured sheets can be washed in cold water. Darker coloured sheets can fade quickly and also darker coloured sheets tend to fade over time if dried in your dryer. Use the delicate cycle for darker bedsheets as darker colours will often bleed or run when laundered together with other items.
Conclusion
If you have just bought new bedsheets from a bedsheet Singapore store, it is important to wash them before you use them. You can hand wash, machine wash or dryer sheet wash your sheets depending on the material of your sheets and the care label provided by the manufacturer.