We're firm believers that your bed should be an oasis- a cozy safe space where you can escape the world- and having clean sheets is step one to making the most of this space. In this post, we're sharing how to wash bed sheets and towels properly so you can not only enjoy a clean and cozy bed but also extend the life of your bed sheets and towels.

It's not hard to launder sheets and towels properly, but it does require a few specific steps to get it right. Wash your sheets and towels properly and you'll be rewarded with soft sheets and towels that last for years!

How often should you wash your sheets and towels?

Before we look at how to wash your sheets and towels, let's talk about how often you should wash them.

For bedding, we suggest washing sheets every two weeks. If you're someone who spends a lot of time in bed or is a sweaty sleeper, or if it's cold and flu season, up that to weekly.

For towels, some people prefer to wash them after each use, but they are typically good for three to four uses. Hand towels should be thrown in the wash every two days, as they are used much more often than bath towels.

How to properly wash sheets

Washing your sheets properly doesn't just ensure that your sheets will be as clean as possible, but it also helps to extend the lifespan of your bed linens by reducing unnecessary wear and tear on them.

Every bed sheet set should come with a care label, so follow those instructions if you have them, but the following is a general guide to washing bed sheets.

Step 1: Use a pre wash stain remover

If you have any stains on your sheets, begin by using a pre wash stain remover and allowing the remover to sit based on the product's recommendations.

Step 2: Wash sheets in hot water

Unlike other sheet types, which do better with a warm water or cold water wash, cotton sheets should be washed in hot water. The fibres are able to handle the hot temperature, and it's the best way to deeply clean the sheets, remove dead skin cells and body oils, and kill dust mites.

We recommend using a natural detergent, particularly if you have organic bed sheets.

Step 3: Dry your sheets

We've got two options for drying sheets, and they come down to personal preference and what you have access to.

The first is to line dry your sheets outside in direct sunlight. This saves on energy, helps to further disinfect your sheets and, for white sheets, will help to naturally keep them white.

You can also put them in the dryer on a low heat setting. Avoid high heat, which will wear down the fabric faster. Use dryer balls in place of dryer sheets to minimize static without the use of chemicals.

How to properly wash towels

As with bedsheets, properly washing your towels helps to extend the life span of them, but as an added bonus, it also keeps them feeling like new, fresh, fluffy towels. Before washing, check to see if your towels come with their own washing instructions.

Step 1: Wash towels in hot water

As with our cotton sheets, you want to wash towels in the hot water to give them a good deep clean.

Two washing tips for keeping your towels fluffy: don't use fabric softener, and don't use too much detergent. Both can coat the fibres of your towels and make them feel rough and scratchy- not what we want in a towel!

Step 2: Natural cleaning tips to keep towels soft and clean

In place of fabric softener, you can add 1/4 cup vinegar to your wash every few washes to break down buildup and keep towels soft and fluffy.

If you're finding that your towels have a musty smell, even after they've been washed, try the following: add 1/2 baking soda (no detergent) to your wash, and once the wash cycle is done, wash them again, this time using detergent.

Step 3: Dry towels

As with our cotton sheets, you can choose to air dry or tumble dry your towels. Air drying towels will leave them feeling a little stiff, but you can throw them in the dryer for a couple of minutes to soften them up.

If you choose to tumble dry, dry them on a normal heat setting.

Washing sheets and towels properly isn't difficult and the results are so worth the small effort it requires!

Looking for fresh sheets and towels for the new year? Shop our collection of organic cotton towels and bedding.