Nothing feels better than climbing into bed on clean sheet day. (We're relaxed just thinking about it!) There’s just something about the cool, crisp feeling of clean sheets. If those clean sheets are on a Leesa mattresss, even better—you’re bound for bliss. You love your bed (and clean sheets), so we're talking all about how to keep your bed sheets clean and comfortable for long-lasting comfort.
How Often Should I Wash my Sheets?
There are a few camps of people when it comes to washing sheets. Maybe you're a weekly, without-fail sheet washer. Maybe your sheet-washing routine is more like every two weeks. Do you wash your sheets once a month? But how often should you actually wash your sheets?
Now, this is a no-judgment zone. When it comes to sleeping (or not sleeping), reading, binge-watching Netflix or eating in bed, it’s all about personal preference. The same can be said for your sheets. After all, you're the one who has to sleep in them every night, not us. That being said, most experts recommend laundering your sheets every one to two weeks and more often if you're a drooler or sweaty sleeper. If you only change your sheets once a month, that may seem like a lot, but think about it. Sheets catch sweat, dead skin, dust mites, cracker crumbs and whatever else they come in contact with, so it’s not a bad idea to clean them once a week, or at least every two weeks.
Beware: if you're a once-a-month sheet changer, your dirty sheets may impact your health. Not only will sheets that go too long without being washed smell, they can cause infections. (Yuck!)
Speaking of cleaning things more often, when was the last time you cleaned your foam mattress? Even if you have a mattress protector (you're so smart!), you should clean your mattress at least once a season with a vacuum attachment. That gets any dust, dirt and skin cells deep in your mattress and can greatly extend the life of your mattress.
How to Wash Sheets
When it comes to choosing the right bed sheets, you should consider thread-count and price, as well as how they feel to the touch. Ultimately, sheets are up to your personal preference. If you're a hot sleeper, you may want lightweight, cotton sheets. If you're usually cold at night, go for something thicker and warmer.
Whether you prefer a mega-luxe, high-thread-count sheet, the warmth and coziness of flannel sheets or like the lightweight feel of cotton or poly blend sheets, keeping your sheets clean and comfortable is important and easy to do. Here are out sheet-cleaning tips:
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Don’t overcrowd your sheets in the washing machine with towels and other laundry. Give them room to move freely in the washer and dryer. By doing this, you preserve the quality and feel of the fabric and your sheets will last longer.
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Wash sheets in cool to warm water (depending on your sheets) with mild detergents. Cold water helps retain shape and color if you have brightly dyed sheets.
- Every once in a while, run your sheets in a super-hot wash cycle, especially if you or your partner has been sick.
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Try not to use bleach, which can dry out and damage the weave of your sheets. Trying alternatives to bleach, like lemon juice, which can be just as effective.
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Dry your sheets on a medium setting. Again, it's important not to overcrowd your dryer so your sheets have plenty of room to fluff and dry.
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Remove and fold your sheets promptly. This will keep them as wrinkle free as possible. If you’ve left them in the dryer and they’re a wrinkled mess, toss a damp towel in the dryer and run it on a short cycle to refresh them.
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet
Folding a fitted sheet can be infuriating. But, you can do it! (We promise.) It just takes a bit of practice to master the art of folding a fitted sheet.
Remember, a folded fitted sheet is perfectly optional. It’s also OK to get frustrated and not fold it up. You could also opt for the strip, wash, dry, replace method, the casual almost-fold method, or the no fold, no worries method. Again, personal preference. However, if you are striving for the perfect Instagrammable closet, here’s how we like to fold our fitted sheets:
1. Take the fitted sheet out of the dryer as soon as the cycle ends to prevent wrinkles.
2. Shake the sheet as flat as it gets and place it on a flat surface.
3. Take the two corners on one of the longer sides of the sheet and fold over to match the other size, cutting the size in half lengthwise (like a hot dog, not a hamburger!)
4. Tuck one corner into another, like a pocket. Repeat on the other end.
5. Fold in half lengthwise again, tuck the spare edges into the pocket.
6. Fold in half, then in half again. Voila! You’ve got a folded fitted sheet (and an organized closet).
If your clean, crisp sheets just aren't cutting it, it's time you refreshed your bedroom sanctuary. Leesa has the mattresses, pillows, bases and sleep accessories to help you get better, deeper rest every night.