I think the answer is yes. We talked about how often to change your bedding sets in a previous post, and today we'll continue to answer the question, “Should I wash my new sheets before I use them?” I have four compelling reasons why it's wise to wash new sheets.
Why You Should Wash New Sheets Before Using Them
New sheets should always be washed before use. Washing new sheets helps to remove chemicals, dyes and dust that accumulate during the manufacturing and packaging process. In addition, it ensures that the sheets are clean and fresh, providing a more comfortable and hygienic sleeping environment.
1. Remove Spray Starch and Sizing
New sheets often look crisp and perfect in the store due to the application of spray starch or sizing during manufacturing. These substances give the sheets a smooth finish and help them look appealing on the shelf.
However, they can cause skin irritation or itchiness for some people. Washing your sheets before use removes these chemicals, making the fabric softer and more comfortable against your skin. This initial wash helps ensure that your first night’s sleep on new sheets is as pleasant and irritation-free as possible.
2. Eliminate Potential Contaminants
The journey from the factory to your home is long for new sheets. They spend time in various environments, including warehouses and retail stores, where they are exposed to dirt, dust, and possibly even insects. These packages are not always airtight, allowing contaminants to settle on the fabric.
By washing new sheets before using them, you can eliminate these potential contaminants and ensure a cleaner sleeping surface. This is especially important for those with allergies or sensitivities, as it helps reduce the risk of exposure to irritants.
3. Get Rid of Factory Smells
Residual factory or chemical smells can linger on new sheets, even after they are packaged. These odors can be unpleasant and may trigger allergic reactions or respiratory issues, particularly in individuals with sensitivities. Washing your new sheets before use helps remove these smells, leaving the fabric fresh and clean.
This step is crucial for creating a more comfortable and health-friendly sleeping environment, especially in households with children or those prone to allergies.
4. Enjoy the Smell of Sunshine
The smell of freshly washed sheets is incredibly enchanting. Washing new sheets before first use ensures that they smell clean and inviting, improving your overall sleeping experience. The fresh linen scent and warm sunshine smell can induce relaxation and well-being, making your bed a more pleasant place to relax.
How to Wash New Sheets?
Start by reading the care label on your new sheets. This will provide specific washing instructions including water temperature, drying methods, and any special care requirements. Sheets are made from a variety of fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, linen, lace, and some combinations of fabrics that are great for today's hot weather. Different fabrics are cared for differently. So it's wise to check the label for instructions.
Related read: Best fabric for hot humid weather
- Wash in separate colors: Wash your new sheets separately from the rest of your laundry, especially if they are brightly colored. This helps prevent colors from bleeding into other fabrics.
- Use a mild detergent: Choose a mild, fragrance-free detergent for your sheets. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach, which can damage fabrics and irritate skin. Some experts even recommend adding a cup of baking soda when pre-washing new sheets and then a cup of white vinegar during the rinsing process to make new sheets softer.
- Set the water temperature: Wash sheets in cold or lukewarm water (to keep colors vibrant), as recommended on the care label. Hot water can cause some fabrics to shrink and become damaged.
- Gentle cycle: Use the gentle cycle of your washing machine to protect fabrics and maintain the quality of your sheets.
- Avoid overloading: Don't overload the washer. Give sheets plenty of room to move freely to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Dry properly: After washing, dry your sheets according to the instructions on the care label. If using a dryer, select a low or medium-temperature setting. Alternatively, hang the sheets outside or inside on a drying rack to air dry.
- Iron if necessary: If the sheets are wrinkled after drying, iron them at a low temperature to make them smooth and clean.
(Breathable Cotton Gauze Modern Style Sheet $78.00)
Where to Buy Best New Sheets?
Choosing the right retailer is crucial to ensure quality and satisfaction when buying new sheets. The best sheets should be free of strong perfume smells and any unpleasant factory or packaging odors.
Ownkoti is an excellent choice for high-quality home goods. We offer a wide range of bedding sets, including sheets, comforters, blankets, and pillowcases.
Why Choose Ownkoti?
Extensive Variety: Ownkoti provides a wide selection of bedding sets in various styles, colors, and materials to suit any preference and decor.
Quality Assurance: Every Ownkoti product undergoes strict quality control to ensure you receive the best. The materials are carefully chosen to provide comfort, durability, and a luxurious feel.
Safe and Hygienic: Our products are free from strong perfume smells and factory packaging odors. However, we still recommend washing all new bedding before first use to remove any residual dust or dirt from the manufacturing or packaging process.
Sustainable Materials: All our products are reusable, biodegradable, sustainable, natural, non-toxic, and made from recycled materials. By using recycled polyester fibers in our fabrics, we reduce the need for new raw materials, minimize environmental impact, and give existing materials a new life.
Customer Satisfaction: Ownkoti is committed to providing excellent customer service. If you have any questions or concerns about your purchase, our customer service team is always ready to assist you.
FAQ
How Often Should you Realistically Wash your Sheets?
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don’t sleep on your mattress every day, you might be able to extend this to once every two weeks.
What Happens if You Haven't Washed Your Bedsheets in Months?
If you don’t wash your sheets regularly, they can accumulate dirt, skin cells, dust mites (which feed on those skin cells), and mold. This can lead to a variety of health issues, according to allergist and immunologist Dr. Purvi Parikh.
Can You Wash Bedsheets and Towels Together?
While it might seem convenient, it’s not recommended to wash bedsheets and towels together. Washing these two different materials together can cause lint from the towels to stick to your sheets. Additionally, the colors from the towels can cause light-colored sheets to fade or yellow more quickly. For the best results, wash sheets and towels separately.
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