Should You Wash New Sheets Before Using Them?

03 Mar Should You Wash New Sheets Before Using Them?

One of the first questions many people ask when they purchase new fabrics for any kind of purpose is whether these should be washed before they’re put into use. There are several great examples here, and one of the most common in a home setting is for new bed sheets that have recently been purchased.

At 2 Brothers Mattress, we’re here to not only offer a wide range of mattresses for clients in SLC, Provo, American Fork and other parts of Utah, but also to provide vital accessories like bed sheets, pillows, protectors and more to ensure you get an optimal sleep. Should bed sheets be washed before first use? The answer is almost always yes – here are some of the reasons why, plus some best practices for doing so and some words on other bedding accessories.

Why Should New Sheets Be Washed?

There are a few main reasons why it’s a good idea to wash new sheets before they’re put into use. First and foremost, the fabric may come with its own traces of chemicals – usually from production or from shipping in certain climates. Washing them will help remove these residues and ensure you get a better sleep experience.

Secondly, washing helps make the material softer – this is especially true for cotton sheets and other natural materials. This gives you a softer feel that can improve your sleep experience, as well as eliminate any potential roughness or itching from the material.

Finally, washing before first use helps remove any lint or dust particles that may be in the fabric – this not only makes it look better but also helps create a more comfortable sleeping experience.

Best Practices for Washing Sheets

When washing sheets, it’s important to make sure you’re following best practices as much as possible. Firstly, be sure to use cold water and a mild detergent – this will help prevent fading or other distortions of the fabric that could occur with warm water. Also, remember to be gentle when washing and avoid any harsh scrubbing or other physical agitation of the material – this can help preserve its shape and color for a longer period of time.

We also recommend keeping sheets separate from other clothing items during these first few washes to ensure they come out looking their best. After two or three washes, it’s usually safe to mix the sheets with other items without fear of damage.

Drying

It’s important not to forget about proper drying when cleaning sheets. Both dryer methods and air-drying methods may be suitable, but it’s a good idea to try air-drying the first few times – this is usually gentler and will help maintain shape and color.

This isn’t always possible for those in colder climates, however, and the dryer can be used. In this case, use a low-heat setting to ensure that the material isn’t exposed to too much heat – again, this helps keep it looking its best for longer.

Washing Frequency After the First Time

How often you should be washing your sheets after this first time will depend on a few factors. These include how often you use the bed, as well as any allergies or sensitivities that you may have. Generally, sheets should be washed at least once every two weeks – or more if needed.

What About Other Bedding Accessories?

What about other important bedding accessories like pillows, mattress protectors and more? Many of these items can be washed in a similar fashion as sheets – however, some may require special care.

For example, memory foam pillows usually shouldn’t be washed with water at all – it’s best to spot clean them using cloth and mild detergent if needed. Mattress protectors can usually be washed in a similar way as sheets, but you’ll need to check the product label to make sure.

It’s always a good idea to wash new bed sheets before their first use. This helps remove any chemicals or residue from production, soften natural fabrics and also remove lint and dust particles. Follow best practices such as cold water, mild detergent and gentle washing to ensure they come out looking their best. Remember to also factor in washing frequency – usually at least once every two weeks – as well as any special care instructions for other bedding accessories like pillows or mattress protectors.

By following these tips, you can make sure you get the most out of your sheets and other bedding items. For more here, or to learn about our wide selection of mattresses and other bedding accessories for Provo, SLC and American Fork clients, speak to our staff at 2 Brothers Mattress today.