Look After Your Linen: How To Clean Bed Sheets, Properly!

How often should bed sheets be changed? This has been a hotly contested topic in recent years, especially with the rise of sleep hygiene. The question that lies on everyone's lips: is it once a week, every fortnight or every month? Behind the answer is one simple truth: hygiene. Without consistent washing, sweat and dead skin cells can plague bed sheets, quilts and bed linen, made especially worse during those hot summer nights. On top of that, when you don't regularly wash your bed linen, dust mites can build up and fester! It can also affect those who suffer with asthma, acne and allergies, as accumulating dust and dirt can trigger bad reactions.

So, the answer is pretty clear: the not-so-secret secret to a perfect night's sleep is a set of fresh, clean sheets that allow for comfortable airflow and a cool, calm sleeping environment.

Quick Links

• Types Of Bed Linen
• How Often Should Bed Sheets Be Changed?
• Refresh, Rejuvenate, Replace: How Often Should Bed Sheets Be Replaced?
• Keeping Them Clean: How To Wash Bed Sheets
• A Few Reasons Why Bed Sheets Need To Be Washed More Often
• How To Remove Stains From Bed Sheets
• Organise Your Home: How To Store Bed Linen

Types Of Bed Linen

Quality bed linen is essential for a good night's sleep. With so many different types and categories, we'll talk you through three of the most important kinds of bed linen.

Fitted Sheets

Also known as a bottom sheet, fitted sheets feature an elastic border and sewn corners that essentially stretch and "fit" over your mattress. Fitted sheets such as our KOO Washed Linen Fitted Sheet offer an additional layer of mattress protection as you are meant to sleep on top of these sheets.

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Flat Sheets

Also known as a top sheet, flat sheets are one of the most common kind of sheets. They are designed to be used as a barrier between you and your doona cover. They provide an additional layer of warmth in the colder months but can also be used as a lightweight bedding option on those warmer summer nights. They are usually rectangular in shape and are finished at the edges with no other built-in elastic or sewn in corners.

You can find a range of patterns and designs of sheet sets including our KOO Washed Linen Flat Sheet, available in a variety of colour options to complement your existing decor or quilt cover.

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Pillowcases

Pillows need protecting too! Our KOO Washed Linen Standard Pillowcase fits snugly around most standard sized pillows and helps to prevent a build-up of dust, oil and other allergens on your pillow. Pillowcases can also be used to elevate your bedding arrangement. Pair your pillowcase with coordinating to create a lively arrangement on your bed.

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So, How Often Should Bed Sheets Be Changed?

The number of times bed sheets need to be washed may vary depending on your home and work life, but experts suggest that they should be washed (at best) as regularly as once a week or (at worst) every two weeks. This is mainly because your bed is used every single night, providing ample opportunity for dirt, dust, sweat, body and hair oil and dust mites to settle into the bed and bed linen. Also, the feeling of fresh bed sheets is something nobody can resist! So put in the effort and enjoy clean bed linen which also benefits overall sleep quality and health.

Refresh, Rejuvenate, Replace: How Often Should Bed Sheets Be Replaced?

Ideally, you should be replacing bed sheets with a new set every two years. However, if looked after properly, bed linen can last up to five years. It is easy to judge when bed sheets need to be replaced, if there are severe stains, rips, the elastic has given up or if the fabric is thinning and scratchy - it is time to get a new set. Don't forget to replace kids' bed sheets every 1 to 2 years, especially if kids are prone to accidents and bringing toys into bed.

How To Wash Bed Sheets

When thinking about how often to wash bed sheets, don't forget to read the product labels very carefully - the fabric may change the way sheets need to be washed. Cotton sheets are traditionally washed in the machine in 30 degrees or cold water. Exceptions, such as blended sheet sets and individual sheets can be washed on a warmer cycle, but be wary of bright colours fading in the warmer wash. Linen blends and 100% linen sheets also traditionally require a cold wash due to the delicate composition. However, Egyptian cotton blends can be washed in warmer water. Polyester blends are also customarily washed on a warm, gentle cycle. Flannelette sheets are great at keeping a warm and cozy bed, but it is best to wash them on a cooler cycle to avoid shrinkage.

Always use a gentle detergent and potentially opt for a fabric softener as well. Either air dry your sheets or tumble dry on low heat. Items such as a silk or velvet pillowcase will require some extra care and a cold hand wash to keep the delicate fabric thriving. In order to keep your sheets extra fresh between washes, try to have a shower before bed, keep pets out from under the covers, don't eat or drink in bed and remove all make-up before hitting the pillow.

A Few Reasons Why Bed Sheets Need To Be Washed More Often

In addition to making sure your bed sheets are kept clean, there are several other reasons why your bed sheets should be washed, including:

• Wash your sheets at least once a week if there are pets sleeping in the bed, pets can add to the dust and bacteria that ends up in the bed.
• If excessive sweating is an issue, definitely invest in bed sheets with cooling properties and wash the sheets often.
• As previously mentioned, allergy, eczema and asthma sufferers will want to wash sheets very regularly to curb the development of allergens.
• Other reasons include eating in bed, and going to sleep naked or going to bed without washing away your makeup or showering off the day. In summer it is also beneficial to wash your sheets more regularly due to sweating and humidity.

How To Remove Stains From Bed Sheets

Speaking of wearing make-up to bed - is there anything worse than spotting a mascara stain on your luxurious silk pillowcase, or perhaps an accidental dozing off and spilt morning coffee on white sheets?

A quick and easy way to get rid of stains fast is to make a paste with water and baking soda. Gently rub it into the stain before letting it air dry. Once dried, brush off any excess paste and wash the sheets as per the product label instructions.

Dishwashing detergent is also another life hack that works wonders on oil stains from make-up! The key is to tackle the stain as quickly as possible, letting the stain dry up will lessen the chances of it being removed.

Organise Your Home: How To Store Bed Linen

Start with a clean, ventilated and clear cupboard space - definitely avoid any moist or damp environments that might cause a musty smell or attract moths. Another option is to store fresh linens in a fabric bag (which is easy to wash).

Make sure all bed linen is completely dry before putting anything away, storing damp items will result in mildew. Avoid plastic tubs or containers, as this can be a breeding ground for mould, which thrives in contained, warm environments. Ensure that the bed linen is folded neatly for storage, shoving them into a cupboard will result in them becoming wrinkled and hard to use.

Fun Storage Tip!

To avoid any stale smells or a moth infestation, use dried lavender or cedar blocks. Both are great in creating lovely smelling linen while also eliminating any creepy crawlies.

Always Have Spare Bed Sheets On Hand

When thinking about your bedroom space, ensure that it is a calming and tranquil space which is clean. An excellent way to foster this is with a clean set of well-washed sheets. We recommend having a few additional sheet sets (especially during the winter when it's too cold to air dry) - that spare set can really take the pressure off if you're feeling the pinch in laundry land and make regularly changing your bed sheets a breeze! It is also great to have spare kids bedding on hand for those bedtime accidents and spills.

Create a Refreshing, Clean Bed and Shop Quality Bed Sheets Online at KOO

Ensure the best sleep possible by properly washing bed sheets and maintaining a clean bed. If you've been sleeping on bed sheets that are 10 years old, stained or not in the best shape, it's time to stock up on fresh sheets that will wash and wear beautifully for years to come. Shop the complete range of bed linen, quilt covers, individual sheets and bed sheet sets now!

Whether you're updating your bedroom or setting up the perfect guest bedroom, create a bed that is not just hygienic and great to sleep in, but one that is comfortable and looks great. Discover the Love of Home with KOO and join the KOO Club for exclusive updates and benefits.

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