How to Care for Your Bed Linens

This post on how to care for bed linens was updated in August 2022.
If you’ve leafed through a health and fitness magazine, you probably know just how important the quality of your sleep is to your overall health and happiness. Studies also show that creating a pleasing and soothing sleep environment is not merely a luxury, but essential to getting a good night’s sleep.

According to a recent Bedroom Poll by the National Sleep Foundation, clean sheets are a huge factor in relaxation: More than three fourths of people said they are more excited to go to bed when the sheets have a fresh scent, and an equal amount of people say they get a more comfortable night’s sleep on sheets with a fresh scent.

So follow our tips below to make your bed a clean and inviting place to sleep. Besides, after spending so much time choosing our bed linens, why not keep them in great condition?

Sheets:

1. Change sheets weekly to keep your bed fresh. You may want to change pillowcases twice a week, since cosmetics and face lotions can rub off.

2. Wash linens in cool or warm water (hot water can shrink fibers) on the gentle cycle. Choose a gentle laundry detergent that has a pleasing smell to you, or no scent at all. To treat stains, use oxygenated bleach or even lemon juice. Brighteners and chlorine bleach can discolor linens.

3. Dry linens on low heat to avoid shrinkage, and take them out as soon as they are dry and fold right away. A wrinkled, disheveled-looking bed doesn’t exactly foster a restful atmosphere! If your sheets are left too long in the dryer, throw a wet washcloth in with the sheets and dry for 10 more minutes.

4. Buy an extra set of linens and rotate sheets weekly to promote even wear. See our tips on how to organize your linen closet.

Comforters, Duvet Covers and Quilts

1. In general, your comforter, duvet cover or quilt will only need to be laundered monthly.

2. Wash and dry your bedding according to the care label. If your washing machine can’t fit your bulky comforter, cover or quilt, take it to a laundromat to use an industrial-size machine. If you choose to use a professional cleaner, make sure harsh chemicals aren’t used in the cleaning process.

3. Store your out-of-season comforter, cover or quilt in a large storage bag to keep it from getting dusty. To refresh bedding before using again, hang outside on a clothesline. You can also fluff your comforter in the dryer. Watch our video to see how to stuff a duvet neatly and quickly to get it back on your bed.

Browse all of our bedding collections and find more bedroom inspiration from these helpful posts below:

• How to Pick the Best Mattress
• 10 Ways to Place Your Bed in Front of a Window
• 10 Unexpected Bedside Tables
• 11 Cozy Bedroom Ideas for Fall

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