According to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ longtime housekeeper, Kathy McKeon, Jackie requested clean bed linens daily. To be honest, if I was the equivalent of American royalty, I’d do the same. For me, nothing is better than getting into a freshly made bed with clean sheets—especially when hospital corners are added. I smile just thinking about it.
How do you get the cleanest sheets possible, so you achieve that heavenly feeling with every wash? I spoke to an expert to get her top tips for getting the job done well and right.
Lainey Hollis is the SVP of Product Creation for Boll & Branch, an organic cotton bed linen company with stores in Houston, Dallas, Boca Raton, and Atlanta.
Before Getting Started
Be Aware of the fabric: When it comes to cleaning sheets, the first order of business is to know what kind of fabric you are working with. To find this information, locate your care tag which is usually on the bottom left corner of your sheet set (Pro tip: This is a great way to know which corner goes where on your bed, too!). “Certain fabrics, particularly with the organic materials like we use at Boll & Branch, may require cooler temperatures to prevent damage or fading,” says Hollis. “Each type of bedding has its own specific washing instructions that should be followed.”
Be mindful of load size: Beyond the care instructions, consider too the appropriate soil level and load size. For a basic, everyday wash, choose the normal cycle. For stains, you’ll want to opt for the heavy-duty setting. Remember not to overload your washing machine either. While more time-consuming, one set of sheets per load will give you optimal results because they will have plenty of room to move in the machine without getting tangled.
Laurey W. Glenn; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller
What’s The Difference Between Hot Water And Cold Water?
Interestingly, your water temperature for cleaning sheets depends on fabric needs.
Hot water is generally recommended for killing germs and bacteria, but warm temperatures can be too harsh for some high-quality materials.
“Cold water is still very effective at killing germs, especially when combined with a good quality detergent,” says Hollis. Cold water also reduces the risk of colors fading or bleeding, particularly for sheets with vibrant colors.
She continues, “Washing sheets in cold water can be effective at removing stains and preventing them from setting. While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.”
How Often Should I Wash My Sheets?
While you don’t have to wash your sheets as often as Jackie O, you should consider changing your bed linens weekly. “Since we use our sheets every single day, they accumulate body oils, sweat, dead skin cells, dirt, and dust over time. This can cause skin irritation, help harmful bacteria grow and spread, and may trigger or worsen allergies,” says Hollis. Make changing your sheets a part of your weekly routine. If you have one set you particularly can’t live without, invest in a second, so you always have one available on laundry day.
How Can I Prevent My Sheets From Fading In The Wash?
Even if you stick to white sheets only, Hollis recommends avoiding bleach because it can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric over time. Instead, rely on cold water on a gentle cycle which helps preserve the integrity of the colors and minimizes wear and tear, keeping your sheets looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
