You’re probably washing your sheets wrong—here’s how to fix it
24th Mar 2025
Let’s be real, clean sheets are one of life’s simple luxuries. There’s nothing quite like slipping into a crisp, freshly made bed at the end of a long day.
But if your sheets aren’t feeling as soft, fresh, or long-lasting as they should, you might be washing them all wrong.
Yep, even the most well-intentioned laundry lovers make mistakes. But don’t stress, we’re here to help. Whether you swear by bamboo, love your flannelette, or stick to classic cotton, here’s how to actually care for your sheets properly.
How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?
If you’re waiting until your sheets look or smell dirty, it’s definitely already too late. Ideally, experts recommend washing your sheets once a week, especially if:
✔️ Sleep hot or sweat at night
✔️ Have pets that sneak into the bed
✔️ Eat in bed (absolutely no judgement, we all do it!)
✔️ Have allergies or sensitive skin
For those who don’t tick those boxes, you can get away with washing every two weeks, but any longer, and your bed becomes a bacteria party.
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The Biggest Mistakes Sheet-Washing (And How to Fix Them)
1. Using too much detergent
It seems logical–more detergent = cleaner sheets, right? Nope! Excess detergent can build up in the fibres of your sheets, making them feel stiff and scratchy.
How to fix it: Use a small amount of a high-quality liquid detergent, like Canningvale’s Signature Laundry Liquid all you need to get your sheets clean without overloading them with suds.
Pro tip: Opt for a liquid detergent to dissolve easily, and avoid fabric softeners at all cost! They build-up over time, leaving a waxy coating on fabric, which can cause your sheets to feel greasy and break down the fibres.
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2. Washing at the wrong temperature
Hot water might sound like the best way to kill germs and bacteria, but it can damage delicate fibres and cause shrinkage.
How to fix it: Check the care label! But, as a general rule:
● Cotton & flannelette: Wash in cold or warm water (30-40°C)
● Bamboo: Stick to cold water (below 30°C) to prevent damage
3. Overloading the machine
Shoving your sheets in with a full load of washing? That’s a no-go. Sheets need room to move for a proper clean.
How to fix it: Wash sheets on their own, or with lightweight items, if you have to cram them in to make them fit, your machine is too full!
4. Skipping the extra rinse
Ever had sheets that feel stiff or irritate your skin? Detergent residue is likely the culprit.
How to fix it: Run an extra rinse cycle to remove any pesky leftover detergent.
Pro tip: If double rinsing feels like too much, try a more gentle cycle that uses a bit more water to ensure a thorough clean without waste.
How to Dry Your Sheets the Right Way
Drying your sheets properly is just as important as washing them. Here’s how to do it:
● Line-drying: The best option! Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and keeps whites bright. Give your sheets a good shake to remove any wrinkles that have formed during washing and hang them out to dry the way nature intended.
● Tumble-drying: Use a low heat setting to avoid shrinkage.
Pro tip: If your sheets are coming out of the dryer all wrinkled up, try using wool dry balls.
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Special Care Tips for Different Sheet Fabrics
Bamboo Sheets
● Wash in cold water with a gentle detergent
● Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or optical brighteners
● Line-dry or tumble dry on low heat
Cotton Sheets
● Wash in warm water (unless otherwise specified on the care label)
● Use a mild detergent and skip fabric softeners
● Line-dry for freshness or tumble dry on low
Flannelette Sheets
● Wash in cold water to prevent pilling
● Avoid overloading the machine— flannelette needs space to prevent lint build-up
● Tumble-dry on low heat or line-dry to keep them soft and fluffy
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Washing your sheets the right way isn’t just about keeping them looking good—it also helps you sleep better, reduces allergens, and extends their lifespan.
Don’t forget the secret step to keeping them ultra-fresh: clean your washing machine monthly! Detergent and fabric softener build-up can transfer to your sheets, making them feel less soft over time.
So, if you’ve been making any of these mistakes, now’s the perfect time to fix them. Your future well-rested self will thank you!