How to wash bedsheets? A quick guide from Familyrollo

Freshly scented bed linen improves sleep comfort and has a positive effect on mood. However, these are just some of the reasons why it is important to change your bedroom duvet covers regularly. Do it systematically also to prevent the growth of bacteria. How should you wash your bedding so that it retains its original appearance for a long time? Which detergents should be used and which should be avoided? We explain!

Frequent washing of bed linen - why is it so important?

Washing bedsheets regularly is important for at least several reasons. Systematically wash your bed linen to:

• Eliminate dust built-up on pillowcases - it is a good idea to wash bed linen frequently, if only to remove dust mite build-up.
• Reduce exposure to germs - washing bed linen more often also means less risk of bacterial and fungal growth, and therefore skin diseases and infections.
• Have scented bedding - fresh bedding will help you relax after a hard day and have a positive effect on your mood. Not only that: it can also improve your sleeping comfort.
• Keep it looking beautiful - systematic washing of bed linen improves its lifespan. If you wash your bedding regularly and care for it properly, you will remove stains and erase the traces of use visible on it.

How often should I wash my bedding? How often do bed linen need to be washed?

The frequency with which bed linen should be washed depends on several factors. A general rule is to replace the pillowcases with fresh ones every 1-2 weeks. This is sufficient to keep it clean.

Remember, however, that bed linen needs to be washed more often:

• After or during illness - if you are or have been ill, change your bedding even daily. This will minimise the risk of the infection recurring.
• During heat waves - high temperatures promote perspiration, so wash bedding more often in summer.
• Allergic - are you prone to allergies? Change your bed linen at least once a week. You can also buy anti-allergenic bed linen, which has properties that nullify dust mites.
• People with skin problems - are you struggling with acne or another dermatosis? Remember that bedding used by people with skin problems also needs more frequent washing. Change them at least once a week.

You may be interested in: What bedding to choose for your bedroom?

How to wash bed linen?

Systematic care of bedding is the key to keeping it looking nice and lasting for years. How to care for it? Remember to select a washing programme that suits the fabric of your bedding. Following the same principle, choose the optimum temperature. Last but not least, do not use any strong detergents, which have a negative impact on the quality of the fabric.

On which programme should I wash my bedding?

The best solution is to choose a special programme for washing cotton bedding, delicate fabrics or anti-allergenic fabrics. Remember that not every bedding set can be washed in the same way. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions in this regard.

At what temperature should bedding be washed?

The washing temperature of the bed linen should be matched to the fabric from which it has been sewn. Different bedding fabrics require slightly different treatment:

• Cotton bedding - when washing cotton bedding, set the washing machine to 60°C.
• Cotton satin bedding - cotton satin sets are better washed at a lower temperature, preferably 40°C.
• Satin bedding - wondering how many degrees to wash satin bedding in? This material does not like high temperatures. Therefore, wash pillowcases made of it at 40°C.
• Flannel bedding - also wash flannel bedding at 40°C. Higher temperatures negatively affect the softness of such material.
• Linen bedding - linen bedding can be washed at a higher temperature. Set your washing machine to 60°C, but do not use strong washing powders and liquids. The substances they contain could damage the linen fabric.

Washing of bedding and detergents

You already know at what temperature to wash your bedding, it's time to choose the right detergent. Decide on gentle detergents that do not contain strong chemicals. These could damage the fabric. If you want, add a softener to the wash, but check the instructions of the bedding manufacturer before using it. This is important because such a detergent could reduce the absorbency of the fabric. Read more about choosing the right laundry detergent in the guide: How to wash curtains in the washing machine.

Washing new bedding

Wondering if you need to wash new bedding? Of course! Do it before you use it for the first time. This way you can remove the germs and residues from the production process that have accumulated on the fabric. Washing will also make your new bedding softer and fluffier.

Before putting it in the washing machine drum, check the manufacturer's recommendations and wash it in the way they recommend.

Other important rules for washing bed linen that are better not to forget

The durability of your bed linen depends on how you look after it! If you want the bed linen you buy to serve you for a long time, keep the following rules in mind:

• Turn bed linen inside out before washing - putting pillowcases in the washing machine drum any other way will cause bed linen to fade. By turning your bed linen inside out, you will preserve its colour.
• Fasten your zips and buttons - it's a good idea to do this before washing your bedding to avoid tangles in the fabric.
  Check whether the bedding can be spun - remember that not every fabric can be spun. Do not use it, for example, if you are washing woollen bedding.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations - although the general rules for washing bedding are similar, read the manufacturer's information on the label before placing a particular set in the washing machine drum.
• Avoid overloading the washing machine - don't fill the drum of the washing machine to the brim or the linen will not wash thoroughly.
• Don't wash coloured and white bedding at the same time - light-coloured bedding should not be combined with coloured and patterned sets. Before you start washing, sort your bedding.
• Don't iron your bedding - you don't need to iron your bedding! Just hang it up in the air, preferably in a warm but shady place. Do not expose it to direct sunlight, as this can cause the bedding to fade.

You now know how to wash your bedding!

Richer with the tips from our guide, you know at what temperature to wash your bed linen and which detergents to use. Remember not to put coloured and white linen in the drum of the washing machine at the same time. Also, do not wash it with other textiles. This will ensure that your bed linen will last for years and look impeccable. And if you want your bathroom towels to look just as good, read another article by Famillyrollo: How to wash towels to keep them soft.