Introduction: There is no feeling that can substitute the pleasure and relaxation you get when you sleep on clean and tidy bed sheets. And to maintain bed sheets crisp and clean is a never ending job. But with proper regime in place and by understanding the way to maintain the bed sheets clean, you will enjoy accomplishing the task of washing your bed sheets regularly. You will be glad that you washed your sheets when you lay your aching bones on the bed covered with freshly washed bed sheets. The smell and the crispness would give you the much wanted comfort you desire.
Complexity Level: basic
Time required: 25-35 minutes
Resources required:
1. A Washing machine with dryer
2. Detergent
3. Bed sheets to be washed
Instructions:
1. Read washing instructions. : Ensure that you read the washing instructions given on the bed sheet before putting them in the washer. Few would be meant only to be dry cleaned but most of them can be washed at home.
2. Isolate bed sheets and do not wash them together with rest of the laundry. : While you put your bed sheets for wash in the washing machine it is preferred that you do not put any other clothes in the washer. Only wash the pillow cases and the sheets together. Sheets may have fluff and snags and hence it is best to avoid washing of other stuff along with the bed sheets.
3. Open up sheets before putting them in the machine. : While placing the bed sheets in the washing machine, shake out and put each sheet separately in the washer as by opening sheets you would ensure as much flow of water as possible to the entire bed sheet.
4. Attempt to remove stains before you wash. : If your bed sheet is stained, use a stain removing spray or any other technique you use and then place it in the washing machine.
5. Use warm water washing. : For best results, use warm water along with a good detergent for washing bed sheets. Avoid hot water as there would be chances that the fabric fibers may break down. To protect the fabric set the washer on the gentle cycle mode.
6. Use right amount of detergent.: While using detergent read the instructions carefully and put only the right amount required. If excess detergent is put in the washer, chances are high that detergent may remain in the sheets and can cause skin irritation and may also leave spots on the sheet to your dismay.
7. Distinguish according to colors. : Separate sheets based on color. If you have a doubt that a particular sheet may bleed color, it is advisable to wash it separately and not mix with the others.
8. Dry washed bed sheets in the sun. : Once washed, at any slightest possibility dry the sheets out in the sun. This way any germs that may be present would get killed. If your time or the weather does not permit then tumble dry your bed sheets with fabric softener.
9. After drying fold the sheets to minimize creases. : When the sheets dry, first fold them so that wrinkles would be minimized. You may use a dash of lavender oil on the bed sheets for fresh smell. However, some oils may leave stains. Make sure you test before trying.
Frequently asked questions:
1. How to wash cotton bed sheets?
As cotton sheets would be crumpled after washing, it is advisable to iron the bed sheets. You can follow the same procedure as mentioned above.
2. How can I prevent bleeding of color out of my bed sheets?
You could soak your bed sheet in one cup of white vinegar mixed with quarter cup of water solution about 24hrs before washing your bed sheets. This will help the color to set in the material and the chances of the fabric to bleed color are reduced.
Tips:
1. For enjoying softness on the sheets, use vinegar which acts as a softener.
2. Do not put your sheets on the floor as they may attract dust, fleas etc.
3. Wash your bed sheets every week. Washing many times may weaken the fabric and washing once in a while would leave bad odor and germs in your sheets.
Things to watch out for :
- It is advisable that you do not use bleach to wash your bed sheets as it has a tendency to break-down the fibers of the sheet thus reducing the life of your sheets.
- Use the recommended amount of detergent only for your bed sheets. Use of it in excess may result in strong smell from the sheets.
