Helpful Sheet Care Tips

This blend. That thread count. Supima or Egyptian Cotton.

With all the choices available in sheets today, it can be confusing. And once you do find and invest in personal favorites, you want to be sure to get the most out of them when it comes to care. Here are some tips on just how to do that:

To begin with, stock up on a total of three sets of sheets for every bed in your home - one for the bed, one that will be in the laundry, and one waiting in the linen closet. It saves in wear on your sheets - not to mention your time.

Pillowcases, like washcloths, are worth purchasing a couple extra of. They tend to wear and stain faster than the rest of the sheet set.

Laundering

Cold or warm water wash is suitable for all sheets; go easy on detergent and use bleach sparingly. Sheets are rarely heavily soiled, and treating them gently will extend their life. Remember - hot water fades colors, and bleach breaks down fibers.

Launder new sheets before use to remove surface dyes. Just purchased printed sheets and sheets with higher thread counts will continue to soften after each wash.

When it comes to drying, less is more. Tumble dry on medium heat. And removing your sheets when barely dry will mean less wrinkles - folding promptly will keep them even smoother. If wrinkles have become a little too "baked in", simply run sheets in the dryer a bit longer with a damp washcloth.

If need be, give pillowcases and the top hem of a crinkled flat sheet a quick press to tidy up a bed's look.

Change and launder sheets and pillowcases once a week. Rotate sets to allow for even wear.

Storing

Be sure to store sheets and other bed linens in a cool, dry place. Place a dryer sheet between stacks to keep things smelling fresh. Storing by set and by "room" will make finding what you need while on the go so much easier than digging.

Follow these helpful hints, and your sheets will provide many a handsome and restful night's return on your efforts!