How to wash sheets the right way, according to laundry pros
Learn how to wash sheets properly to keep cotton, linen, visocose and silk bedding fresh, soft and stain- and odor-free.
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You probably don’t think much about your sheets beyond how soft they feel. But how clean they are is just as important. A survey by Sleep Advisor found that the average person swaps out their bedding only about once every three weeks — far less than the recommended weekly wash.
If your sheets and blankets aren’t washed often enough or the right way, you’re sharing your bed with far more than just your partner or pets. Every night, your linens collect sweat, body oils, dead skin cells and microscopic debris. Humans shed about 1.5 grams of skin flakes each day, and dust mites feed on them in your sheets, producing droppings that can irritate allergies or asthma. Gross, we know.
But washing sheets properly doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right technique and frequency, you can keep your bedding fresher, healthier and more comfortable night after night.
Check the care label and sort by fabric
Before anything goes into the washer, check the care label. Washing instructions vary by fabric and color, and following the manufacturer’s guidance helps prevent shrinking, fading or damage, says Alicia Sokolowski, co‑CEO of Aspen Clean.
In general:
Cotton sheets are the most durable.
Rayon and viscose (sometimes billed as "bamboo") require gentler handling.
Linen softens over time but weakens with excess heat or agitation.
Silk needs the most protection.
Don't forget to pre-treat stains
Pre-treating stains and lingering odors is key for protecting fabrics while removing buildup without damaging the fibers, says Sokolowski.
Sweat and body oils: For cotton or linen, soak sheets in warm water with an oxygen-based bleach for 30 to 60 minutes. For viscose or silk, soak in cold water with ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda per gallon of water to gently lift oils.
Odors: Add ½ cup of baking soda to the wash or ½ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize smells.
Molly's Suds
Oxygen bleach works by breaking down the molecules that cause stains, gradually lifting them over time, says Sokolowski. For best results, soak your garments in hot water — ideally above 140°F — with some powdered oxygen bleach overnight, then wash as usual.
Choose the right water temperature
For most regular washes, cold or warm water gets sheets clean without unnecessary wear, says Mary Gagliardi, Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert.
Cold or warm water is best for routine washing and most fabrics.
Hot water should only be used occasionally for deep cleaning or after illness, and only for durable fabrics like cotton or linen if the care label allows.
Delicate materials like viscose, silk or blends should never be washed in hot water — even for deep cleaning. If you need extra disinfecting power without heat, you can add a laundry sanitizer to the wash. This type of product is designed to kill bacteria and viruses at lower temperatures and can be used with cold or warm water, making it safe for most fabrics.
Sometimes, detergent alone can’t eliminate lingering odors or kill bacteria after illness. Laundry sanitizers, like this bestseller from Lysol, target the bacteria and viruses that cause smells.
Don't overload on detergent
When washing sheets, experts recommend using a gentle, unscented detergent. For most queen- or king-size sheet loads, one to two tablespoons is enough, says Sokolowski. Using too much can leave residue behind, making sheets feel stiff and even trap odors in the fibers over time.
Fabric softener isn’t generally recommended, either. It coats fibers and reduces both breathability and absorbency. Instead, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or use wool dryer balls to naturally soften sheets without chemicals, says Sokolowski.
In our tests of the best laundry detergent, this one effectively removed everything from olive oil and ketchup to red wine, dirt and makeup. It's also free of dyes and perfumes, so it’s a good choice for sensitive skin and babies. And despite its effectiveness, it's a budget-friendly pick at just about 20 cents per load.
Handy Laundry
Dryer balls help maintain softness and allow air to circulate more efficiently, which can reduce drying time and prevent clumping. Made from tightly felted New Zealand wool, these durable balls can last for over 1,000 loads while gently separating bulky items.
Select the gentlest cycle possible
Choosing the right wash cycle helps protect your sheets while still getting them clean, as over-agitation can wear sheets out faster, especially if you’re washing them frequently, says Sokolowski.
A normal cycle works well for durable fabrics like cotton and cotton blends.
Gentle or delicate cycles are ideal for more fragile fabrics such as viscose, linen, silk or lightweight weaves.
Avoid an extra-hot dryer
Cotton sheets generally tolerate machine drying well, while air drying is preferred for delicate fabrics like linen and silk. High heat can make linen brittle and cause silk to lose strength and sheen, says Sokolowski. When using the dryer, choose low heat and avoid overloading the drum, which can prevent proper airflow and lead to uneven drying.
Once dry, shake sheets out and smooth the fabric by hand before folding or putting them on the bed. This helps reduce wrinkles and maintains the softness and longevity of your sheets.
How often should you wash sheets?
Keeping a regular sheet-washing schedule is key for hygiene, comfort and overall sleep quality, but exactly how often you wash your bedding depends on your lifestyle and household conditions, says Sokolowski.
Weekly is the gold standard, though you may want to wash every three to five days if you sleep with pets, have allergies, sweat heavily or have acne-prone skin. During illness, experts recommend washing sheets every other day.
Meet our experts
Mary Gagliardi, scientist and cleaning expert, Clorox
Alicia Sokolowski, co‑CEO, Aspen Clean