Whether you make your bed or not, you’ll spend about a third of your life lying in it. If that sounds like a lot, it’s actually essential to your health. Failing to get sufficient shut-eye — seven to nine hours a night, according to the American Heart Association — has been shown to put you at greater risk of stroke, dementia, and obesity, to name a few of the diseases and ailments associated with lack of sleep. And clean, fresh bedding is vital to a cozy and welcoming bedroom environment.
The problem is that many traditional laundry practices often rely on harsh chemicals while consuming excessive water and energy — all of which can be bad for your skin, the planet, and your bedroom fabrics.
The good news is you can employ eco-friendly and effective options when washing your bedding. From switching to plant-based laundry detergent sheets to optimizing machine settings and incorporating sustainable practices, get ready to embrace a fresh and sustainable slumber. Here’s how to wash sheets, blankets, and other bedroom fabrics.
Prep your fabrics for cleaning day
Before laundering your bedding and blankets, give them a gentle shake outside to remove loose debris. This simple step helps minimize the amount of dirt that enters your washing machine, helping to prevent it from getting clogged. Starting with a clean slate sets the stage for a thorough and eco-friendly wash. How often should you wash your sheets? Experts recommend washing your sheets once a week, so you want to ensure you are following a sustainable routine to improve their longevity.
Check the label and wash accordingly
With your blankets and sheets prepped for wash day, you can take them to the laundry room. But remember, you might need to separate depending on the fabric type. So, you’ll need to check the label on each blanket, sheet, or fabric. The label will give you the best recommendations for setting up your laundry machine for the most effective cleaning. If your fabric doesn’t have a label or it’s been removed, read along for recommendations on how to wash bed sheets.
- How to wash cotton sheets: Wash on warm for the best results. If someone in your household has been sick, cotton is durable enough to be washed on hot. However, you can also dry it in the sun to kill any leftover germs or bacteria. Choose cycle regular, sheets, or casual — depending on what your machine offers.
- How to wash polyester sheets:Â If you have polyester sheets, wash them in warm or cool water. Choose the regular, sheets, or casual cycle.
- How to wash silk sheets or bamboo sheets:Â If you have the pleasure of having silk sheets, wash them with extra care. Set the temperature to cold and choose the cycle, delicate or gentle. Make sure you also use a mild detergent on silk, like Fragrance-Free laundry detergent sheets.
- How to wash flannel sheets:Â Flannel sheets are great for the colder months and can be washed on cold or warm for best results. However, the fabric is a bit delicate, and in to prevent pilling, choose the delicate or gentle cycle.
- How to wash linen sheets: An excellent pick for the summer months, wash your linen sheets in cold or warm settings. Choose cycle regular, casual, or sheets — depending on what your machine offers. Avoid washing with hot water while pairing your load with a gentler laundry detergent for best results.
Choose the best laundry detergent
Swap out traditional liquid or powder detergents for a convenient, eco-friendly alternative. Providing a gentler wash on your fabrics, SaltyLama laundry detergent sheets are compact, pre-measured, and biodegradable. Our plant-based formula uses coconut instead of corn starch for a superiorly soothing clean without residue. A single detergent sheet is composed of two strips. You’ll use one strip for your sheets and pillowcases. A bulkier load with a duvet or comforter will usually require two strips. These sheets clean effectively, reduce packaging waste, and eliminate the need for plastic bottles or bulky containers.Â
Don’t overcrowd your washing machine Â
Be mindful of how much bedding and blankets you load into your washing machine. Overloading can hinder proper cleaning and rinsing, leading to subpar results. Additionally, consider washing larger items like blankets separately to ensure thorough cleaning.Â
Use sunlight for a deep clean, and eco-friendly drying method
Sunlight can not only dry your bedding and sheets, but it naturally disinfects and deodorizes fabrics. So, dry your bedding or blankets on the line whenever possible to
allow fresh air and the sun to work their magic. You will also be reducing the energy consumption associated with machine drying. If outdoor drying isn’t feasible, consider using a low-heat or air-dry setting on your dryer. However, for delicate fabrics like silk, you will want to air dry these and keep them out of the dryer to avoid damage.
Store them properly
After washing and drying your bedding and blankets, practice mindful storage to maintain their freshness. Ensure they are completely dry before folding or storing to prevent mildew or musty odors. If you find yourself with extra bedding or blankets, consider donating them to local shelters or charitable organizations. By extending the life cycle of your bedding and blankets through mindful storage or donation, you contribute to a more sustainable and compassionate world.
Now that you know how to wash bed sheets and blankets most safely and sustainably for your fabrics, we hope your next laundry day will be less of a headache. Happy washing!