1. Wash sheets once a week
Your sheets can get pretty dirty in a short amount of time by accumulating skin cells, hair and body oils, dust mites, dust mite droppings and bacteria. According to a 2018 study by Dreams, over half (52 per cent) of the adults surveyed know that you should be changing the sheets weekly yet surprisingly almost 70 per cent don't do this.
2. Don’t use fabric softener
According to The Good Sheet, fabric softener works by coating the fibres in sheets. It reduces the breathability of the fabric and can degrade the fibres over time.
3. Wash your make-up off before bed
Stop your sheets from staining and yellowing by washing your face before bed.
4. Don’t overload your washing machine
Avoid trying to cram all of your bedding in to your washing machine. Sheets need space to circulate so they get clean properly.
5. Pre-treat any stains
Use a stain remover to treat any stains on your sheets.
6. Check the settings on your washing machine
Read the label on your sheets and adjust the temperature and cleaning cycle accordingly. Choose the maximum temperature recommended as more germs are killed in hotter water, which should be around 60C.
7. Iron your sheets
If you want perfectly smooth sheets – like the ones you’ll find in a hotel – take them out of the dryer while they are still damp and iron them with a hot iron. Save time by ironing them while they are on the bed. According to Starch company, Niagra: “If you choose to iron on the bed, keep movements quick and light”. Avoid ironing sheets on memory foam or latex mattresses.
8. Use starch
If you like that smooth and crisp feeling, wash your sheets with starch. Prefer soft sheets? You might like to try this trick.
9. Make your bed every day
Avoid leaving your bed in a crumpled mess every day. According to Good Housekeeping’s cleaning lab director, Carolyn Forte, making your bed keeps your bedding looking newer for longer.
10. Make sure sheets are dry before putting them away
According to Martha Stewart, storing slightly damp sheets can cause mildew to grow.
11. Store sheets in a cool and dry place
Your linen cupboard should be cool and dry. Martha Stewart recommends lining shelves with acid-free tissue paper, “which helps keep fabric from yellowing”. You should also avoid storing sheets in plastic containers, which can trap moisture and promote the growth of mildew.
12. Use a spray bottle
To remove the deepest of creases, Linda Ajdari, the director of housekeeping at New York City’s The Marlton Hotel recommends spraying an almost-made bed with plain tap water. Then, shake the top layer until the creases start to diminish. Then use the hospital corner fold to pull it all into place.
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