There are a few things in this world that can make you feel quite refreshed after a long day. A hot shower, a cold drink, and freshly laundered bed sheets. But why do clean sheets feel so different from dirty sheets? It’s actually quite simple – when bed sheets are dirty, they accumulate oils and sweat from our skin, which makes them feel stiffer and less comfortable. When they are washed and dried, the fabric softeners and detergents used in the wash remove these oils and residues, leaving behind softer, more comfortable sheets!
Why Do Bed Sheets Feel Different After Washing?
We’ve all experienced it – the feeling of fresh, clean sheets after they’ve been washed. But why do they feel so different from dirty sheets?
It’s actually quite simple – when bed sheets are dirty, they accumulate oils and sweat from our skin, which makes them feel stiffer and less comfortable. When they are washed and dried, the fabric softeners and detergents used in the wash remove these oils and residues, leaving behind softer, more comfortable sheets!
Body Oils
When we sleep oils from our skin rub off onto our bed sheets. If you don’t wash your sheets often, these oils will build up and make the fabric feel stiffer and less comfortable.
Sweat
In addition to body oils, sweat can also make bed sheets feel uncomfortable. When we perspire during the night, our sweat is absorbed by the fabric of our sheets. This can leave behind a salty residue that makes the fabric feel less soft.
Washing Your Sheets
When you wash your bed sheets, the detergent and fabric softener help to remove these body oils and sweat residues, leaving behind softer, more comfortable sheets! So next time you’re wondering why your clean sheets feel so different from your dirty ones, just remember – it’s all in the wash!
Remember, if you can not handle washing your bed sheets, or you feel that you just can’t get them to the point where you want them, there are always professional dry cleaners that would easily make your sheets feel great too, there are an abundance of companies that will provide this service for you.
How To Properly Wash Bed Sheets So They Feel Amazing?
Washing your bed sheets regularly is the key to keeping them feeling soft and comfortable. But how often should you wash them? And what’s the best way to wash them so they come out feeling amazing? Here are a few tips to keep your sheets feeling amazing!
Wash Your Sheets At Least Once A Week In Warm Water.
Remember to wash your sheets regularly, at least once per week, to keep them feeling soft and comfortable, washing your bed sheets regularly can loosen the fibers which in essence allows the fabric to relax.
Wash your sheets in warm water, not hot. Hot water can cause the fibers to tighten and become less comfortable.
Use a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Harsh chemicals can damage the fabric and make it less soft.
Add a fabric softener to the wash cycle to help keep your sheets feeling softer for longer.
Tumble dry your sheets on low heat or air dry them if possible. High heat can damage the fibers and make them feel less soft over time.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your bed sheets will always feel amazing! Try washing them this way next time and see for yourself! You’ll be sure to notice the difference!
Add A Fabric Softener To The Wash Cycle For Even Softer Sheets.
As mentioned above, make sure to add some fabric softener to your wash when you are washing your sheets, most of the time when you’re thinking how certain hotels are able to provide soft, fresh smelling sheets, the trick is to add a small amount of additional fabric softener towards the end of of your washing cycle, make sure to pause your wash during the rinsing stage and add a little more fabric softener, this ensures that the softener remains on the fabric.
Use Gentle Detergents That Won’t Damage The Fabric.
Remember, all detergents are not equal, just like all hair shampoos are not the same and some shampoos can actually damage a persons hair.
The same goes for laundry detergents, there are some harsh chemicals that can actually damage the fabric of your sheets and make them feel less soft. It is best to use a milder, delicate fabric wash when you are washing your bed sheets.
Tumble Dry On Low Heat Or Air Dry If Possible.
High temperatures from the dryer can actually damage the fibers of your sheets and make them feel less soft over time. If you have the option, it is best to either air dry or tumble dry on a low setting so that you don’t damage the fabric.
Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine
This can prevent the sheets from getting properly clean.
Remove Your Sheets From The Washing Machine As Soon As The Cycle Is Finished
Removing your sheets from the wash as soon as the cycle is finished prevents bacteria growth, if you leave your sheets in your washer once it is finished, it can easily begin to grow bacteria as the washer is normally damp and dark, a perfect breeding environment for common types of bacteria, although these are harmless, it can leave a damp smell that lingers on your bed sheets..
Also, removing all types of clothes or bed sheets/fabrics straight away, lessens the chances of wrinkles.
Hang Your Sheets Outside To Dry Whenever Possible
The sun is a great natural disinfectant and will also help to remove any lingering smells from your bed sheets. If you can, hang them outside on a clothesline or drying rack to dry in the fresh air and sunshine.
Why Do Sheets Feel Different After Washing?
Typically, bed sheets are made from cotton which is a very absorbent fabric in itself, The longer you sleep on your bed sheets without washing them, the longer the cotton will absorb all of your body oils and sweat, when cotton absorbs these oils, the fabric becomes stiff and can retain some nasty smells over time.
What Else Can Make Sheets Feel Different After Washing?
After you have washed your sheets, used a friendly-to-fabric detergent and also used a fabric softener, as well as drying your sheets outside in the sun (for best results, but can be dried in a dryer on a low heat setting too!), there is one more thing you can do to make your sheets feel different after washing and that is to iron them, or press them.
Ironing your bed sheets can be the difference from the feeling of sleeping in your bed at home to sleeping in a 5 star hotel, by pressing your sheets, you ensure that all the fibers that have been washed, are brushed in one direction, which makes your sheets feel even more “crisp”.
Pressing also makes sure there are no wrinkles in your sheets which allows the sheet to better fit your mattress, resulting in a cool, crisp base.
Conclusion
Washing your bed sheets regularly, using a mild detergent and fabric softener, as well drying them in the sun or on a low heat setting in the dryer are all great ways to make sure your sheets feel different after washing.
One final way to make your sheets feel even softer and more luxurious is to press or iron them after they have been washed and dried, this will help to keep all of the fibers aligned and smooth, resulting in crisp sheets that fit snugly on your mattress!
Why do bed sheets feel different after washing? There are a few reasons why clean sheets might feel different from dirty ones? If you follow all of the steps in the article, you will have clean, crisp amazingly fresh bed sheets forever more!