Do you know how to wash your bed sheets?
You may be surprised to find out; almost half of the people that wash their sheets at home, are doing it incorrectly! This is either because they don’t know which type of sheet set they have, or the instructions on the tag are too complicated.
The good news is that there’s a straightforward way to tell if your sheets are delicate – and it won’t cost you anything but a few minutes!
In this article, I will explain the difference between Delicate and Non-Delicare sheets and provide you with five tips to wash your delicate sheets at home!
What are Delicates?
Delicates are a type of fabric that have a low thread count, or they’re made from soft, thin materials like silk or chiffon. Delicate sheets aren’t very durable and can be tricky to wash at home with a standard washing machine.
But it’s also important to know that not all types of bed sheets are considered to be delicate. So how do you tell if your sheets are delicates or not?
Are My Bed Sheets Delicates?
The quickest way to know whether your sheets are delicate or not is to check the tag. Look for the materials used in making the bed sheets and the care instructions that follow.
The most common materials that are considered delicate include:
- Silk Sheets
- Organic-Linen Sheets
- Wool Blankets
- Chiffon Sheets
- Sheets with Lace Trim
If your sheets have any of these materials listed, you probably have a delicate sheet set.
Bed Sheet Materials that are NOT Delicates
There are way too many different fabric blends and materials to list every single one that’s not delicate.
Here is a list of the most common non-Delicate bed sheets:
- Cotton Sheets
- Egyptian Cotton
- Bamboo Sheets
- Microfiber Sheets
- Eucalyptus Sheets
You can safely wash your sheets if they are made with any of these materials at home using a standard washing machine.
However, for more expensive sheets, such as bamboo or Egyptian cotton, there are several additional steps you can take to help them last longer.
How to Wash My Delicate Bed Sheets at Home?
If you want to wash your delicate bed sheets at home, here are a few helpful tips:
Hand Wash vs. Machine Wash
Before washing, check the tag on your bed sheet for any special instructions. Some delicate sheets may require you to wash them by hand rather than in a machine! If your washing machine has a particular setting for “delicates,” be sure to use it. Otherwise, use the lowest possible setting available.
Check for Rips or Tears
Make sure there are no rips or tears along the seams of your silk, chiffon, or lace-trimmed sheets before throwing them into the washer. Otherwise, they could get worse.
Detergent Type Matters
Choosing the right detergent type is really important when you’re washing delicate bed sheets. Use a gentle laundry soap that won’t contain bleach or strong chemicals to get rid of stains and keep your sheets looking good as new for longer!
Use a Pillowcase or Laundry Bag
It’s always a good idea to wash bed sheets separately, even if they aren’t delicate. This will help avoid discoloration and lint transfer from other items. However, you can take an extra step and use a pillowcase or laundry bag to ensure no other fabrics get caught up in your expensive sheets.
Drying Your Delicate Bed Sheets
If your sheets are made from silk, chiffon or lace-trimmed material, don’t use a hot dryer! Be sure to air-dry them instead. The heat of the machine will make these delicate materials shrink and become damaged much faster than it would cotton sheets.
Conclusion
Almost all types of bed sheets are non-delicate, but some types will require additional care when washing at home. If you want to wash your delicates in a machine, be sure to check the tag for any special instructions and use gentle laundry soap without bleach or other chemicals. Air-dry them if they’re made with silk, chiffon, or have lace trim.
If you have any additional questions, let us know in the comments!
