How to Wash and Care for Your Linen Sheets Like a Pro
Most of us think that washing bed linens, duvet covers, pillowcases, and other bedding items is as easy as putting them all together in the washing machine with loads of detergent and fabric softener. But washing bedding and especially bed linens is not as simple as it looks to be.
Bed linens and other bedding items need to be washed with utmost care and you must need to thoroughly go through the care label before washing it off. Moreover, bed linens are expensive compared to cotton ones. Therefore, bed linens need extra care while washing.
In this article, we will be going to discuss some amazing tips, tricks, and ways to wash your bed linens with extra care, while making sure it looks fresh and well-cleaned.
Best Way to Wash Bed Linens – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Read Care Label:
Before starting washing your bed linens, always go through the care label and understand the fabric type and all the precautions that need to be taken care of while washing. The washing and drying cycles all depend upon the fabric type.
Step 2: Pre-treat Stain Before Washing:
If your bed linen has any sort of stain then it is extremely important to pre-treat the stain either with a stain remover or any home remedy. If you don’t have a stain remover then all you can do is take baking soda or vinegar it over the stains leave it for a minute or two and wash it off as usual.
Note: If your bed linen is colored then avoid using vinegar or baking soda, as both of these ingredients have
Step 3: Load Bed Linen and add Your Favorite Detergent:
Bedding, towels, and other things should be cleaned in separate loads from sheets. The formation of extra lint and pilling on sheets might result from washing them with towels. To prevent bunching and tangling, spread the sheets equally throughout the washing machine.
To balance the load in top load versions, scatter sheets loosely around the impeller or agitator. Try not to attempt to wash too many sheets at once to achieve the best cleaning. Also, try to use an eco-friendly mild detergent for your bed linens, as it is the safest option for your expensive bed linens.
Can you put bed linen in the dryer?
Yes, it is completely safe to put bed linen in the dryer. Bed linen, including sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers made from materials like cotton or linen, can generally be safely dried in the dryer. However, it’s essential to follow some guidelines to ensure proper care and maintain the quality of your bed linens.
Here are some tips for drying bed linen in the dryer:
Use a Low to Medium Heat Setting: To prevent excessive shrinkage and damage to the fabric, opt for a low to medium heat setting on your dryer.
Remove Promptly: Once the drying cycle is complete, promptly remove the bed linen from the dryer to prevent wrinkles and creases from setting in.
Shake Out Before Drying: Before placing the bed linen in the dryer, give it a gentle shake to remove any tangles and help reduce wrinkles during drying.
Don’t Overload the Dryer: Avoid overloading the dryer with too many bed linen pieces. This ensures that the items have enough space to tumble freely for even drying.
Avoid Over-Drying: It’s best to slightly under-dry the bed linen and remove them while they are still slightly damp. This prevents over-drying, which can lead to stiffness and damage.
How to whiten linen sheets?
White bed linens, pillowcases, and other bedding items turn yellowish after a few uses. Therefore, to keep them white and fresh as new you must need to follow a few tips that will really help to whiten linen sheets. Here are the top 3 ways that you can follow while washing your bed linens in the washing machine.
Use Baking Soda: Baking soda is a renowned ingredient that is most commonly used in laundry. Baking soda has lightening, brightening, and anti-odor properties that can help to whiten your bed linens while also removing odor from them. Take a cup of baking soda, mix it with your detergent, and use this mixture in every wash. This mixture will make your bed linen smell fresh as new.
Use Vinegar: Vinegar has natural bleaching properties and it can brighten up your bed linens up to two tones. Take a tub of water, add a cup of vinegar, and soak your bed linen in this mixture. Let it sit for an hour or two and wash it off as usual.
Use Lemon Juice: Like baking soda and vinegar, lemon also has immense properties that will lighten up your bed linens and make them whiten in just one wash. Take a cup or two of lemon juice and add it to your wash cycle. This will not only whiten your bed linens but also make them smell fresh.
Use Bleach: If you are not into natural remedies then you can opt for bleach. Bleach is known for its brightening and lightening properties. Take a quarter cup of water and add it to a bucket full of water, soak your white bed linens and other bedding items for an hour. After an hour, wash the bed linens with your favorite detergent and fabric softener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I machine wash linen sheets?
Absolutely! Linen sheets can endure machine washing on a gentle cycle.
Should I use fabric softeners on linen sheets?
No, refrain from excessively using fabric softeners to maintain optimal absorbency and preserve the fabric’s color. Just use a small amount while washing your bed linens.
Can I iron my linen sheets?
Yes, you can iron your linen sheets while slightly damp using the steam setting for a pristine appearance.
How should I store my linen sheets when not in use?
Store your linen sheets in a cool, dry space, away from direct sunlight, to prevent any discoloration or fading.
Can I bleach my linen sheets to remove stains?
Avoid using bleach on linen sheets directly as it may weaken the fibers and cause damage. You can dilute it in water and soak it for a while for optimum results.
