Do I have to wash new sheets?

There are two essential reasons why it is advisable to wash new sheets before using them for the first time on your bed. The first of them is linked to the manufacturing of the product. And all the textiles manufactured go through a series of quality controls, thus complying with standards before being put on sale.

During this manufacturing process, the fibers are subjected to different preparation, printing, dyeing and perfecting processes to enhance their properties with the aim of achieving more refined touches and finishes.

For this reason, it is necessary to gently wash new sheets, duvet covers and any other textile accessory purchased for the home before using it for the first time in order to, in this way, eliminate microparticles from its preparation.

The second reason why you should wash new sheets is linked to softness. The texture of the sheets changes depending on their fabric (you will find natural ones such as silk, cotton or wool and synthetic ones such as nylon, polyester or acrylic), as well as the density of the threads used to make them.

Based on the weave and thread count, new sheets have a softer or rougher feel. In this sense, if you want to get a more pleasant feeling at FoxWiki we recommend that you wash the bedding before using it for the first time, since this way you will eliminate possible roughness that the fibers may have after the manufacturing process.

Generally, it is good to wash the sheets at least once every two weeks. Some people prefer to wash them once a week, while others do it every two to three weeks. It’s a personal decision, but if you have sensitive skin, your partner or children, you may need to wash them more frequently.

Also, if you have small children or pets it is also recommended that you wash the sheets often, because they can transfer dirt and hair to the bed. Even if you are allergic, you should wash them more frequently to remove any accumulated dust or pollen that may be trapped in the fabric of the sheets.

However, and as stated above, a good frequency of washing sheets can be set at least once every two weeks.

If you have decided to wash your new sheets before using them for the first time, at FoxWiki we give you the following tips so that the washing is correct:

1. First of all, you can put them in the washing machine, that is, you don’t have to wash them by hand. Use a mild detergent and above all, avoid bleach because it can damage the fabric of the sheets. If you want them to be very soft, you can add fabric softener in the wash.
2. Then, do a wash by selecting a delicate cycle and using cold water to prevent the sheets from shrinking. It is important that you wash them separately from the rest of your clothes, since the dyes in the new sheets could fade and transfer to other clothes during washing. It is also important that you separate the white sheets from the rest of the colors.
3. Lastly, be sure to dry the sheets in a tumble dry low or air dry before giving them the first use. Damp sheets are much more likely to attract mold, which is why it’s important to make sure they are completely dry before making the bed.
4. If you are looking to have an unbeatable feeling when sleeping, as you sometimes have with hotel beds, you can choose to iron the sheets. This way, they will be well stretched when you put them on the mattress.

If you have any questions about washing your new sheets, consult the care instructions included with them.

Now that you know if new sheets need to be washed, you may also be interested in these articles on How to make the perfect bed and How to disinfect a mattress.

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