Gorgeous Bedsheet Designs Decor That Feels Effortless

Wash sheets and pillowcases every one to two weeks, blankets and comforters about once a month, and check the care label before anything goes in the machine. That covers most of it. The rest is detail: water temperature, detergent amounts, and what to do about yellowing.

Good bedding looks best when it's clean, so this is where a beautiful bed starts. Here's how to do it without shrinking, fading or flattening anything.

Save

How often should you wash your sheets?

Purdue Extension says bedsheets and pillowcases should be washed at least every two weeks. The same page advises washing blankets (including weighted ones) and comforters monthly.

If a dog or cat sleeps on the bed, I'd lean toward weekly. Pet allergens are easily spread: the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes they can circulate in air and remain on carpets and furniture for months. Fabric on the bed holds them too, so frequent washing helps.

Read the care label first

The tag tells you the maximum water temperature, whether you can tumble dry, and whether bleach is safe. Cotton percale and sateen usually take warm or hot water. Linen prefers gentler cycles, and down or specialty fills often have their own rules. If the tag is gone, wash on a gentle cycle in cool or warm water.

How to wash bed sheets in a washing machine

1. Strip the bed and shake out crumbs and pet hair outside or over a bin.
2. Wash sheets separately from towels and jeans. Rough fabrics pill the sheets and the lint sticks.
3. Don't overfill the drum. Sheets need room to move, or detergent stays in the folds.
4. Use the recommended amount of detergent, not extra. Too much leaves residue that dulls fabric.
5. Choose the warmest water the label allows. Hotter water cleans better; cooler water protects color and fibers.
6. Dry on low to medium heat, or until just dry. Over-drying makes wrinkles and wears fibers.

Put the fitted sheet on while it's slightly warm and the corners will go on with less wrestling.

Save

How to wash a comforter and duvet

Check that your washer is big enough. A bulky comforter needs a large-capacity machine, or it won't rinse properly. If yours is small, a laundromat's front-loader is a better bet than forcing it in.

• Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and an extra rinse.
• Dry on low heat. Add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls to break up clumps in the fill.
• Make sure it's fully dry before using it. Damp filling can smell musty.

A duvet cover is simple: wash it like a sheet. The insert inside needs washing less often, and a cover protects it. Any item that's too big or says dry-clean only should go to a professional.

How to wash pillows

Many polyester and down-alternative pillows are machine washable. Wash two at a time so the drum stays balanced, use a gentle cycle, and run an extra rinse. Dry on low until no damp spots remain, which can take more than one cycle. Memory foam pillows usually can't go in the washer, so spot clean them and follow the label. A pillow protector under the pillowcase helps all types.

Save

Why do sheets turn yellow?

Yellowing usually comes from body oils, sweat and skin cells building up in the fabric, plus detergent residue and heat from the dryer. Lotions and night creams add to it. Sleeping in the bed regularly means it happens gradually, so you notice it only when you compare to a fresh set.

How to get dingy sheets white again

1. Wash with less detergent and an extra rinse, since residue traps dirt.
2. Soak in warm water with an oxygen-based bleach, following the product directions.
3. Use a hotter wash if the label allows it.
4. Dry in the open air when you can. Sunlight is a mild natural brightener for white cotton.

Skip chlorine bleach on anything but sturdy white cotton, and never mix bleach with other cleaners. If sheets stay gray after a couple of rounds, the fibers may simply be worn out.

How to clean a mattress

Sheets are only part of the story. Every few months, strip the bed and vacuum the mattress surface with an upholstery attachment. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda, leave it for a few hours, and vacuum again to lift odors.

For a stain, blot (don't rub) with a cloth dampened with mild soap and water, then let it dry fully. Use as little liquid as you can, because a soaked mattress takes a long time to dry. For pet accidents, enzyme cleaners are the usual choice. For cat urine specifically, Ohio State's Indoor Pet Initiative warns to never use ammonia or ammonia-based products, since the smell may draw the cat back to the spot.

Save

Remake the bed so it stays fresh

Let the mattress air for a bit before putting on clean sheets. A mattress protector is worth having, and it's easy to wash with the sheets. Rotating two sets of sheets means one is always ready. If you want the bed to look as good as it feels, bedside lighting is the next thing to sort out.

Save

Frequently asked questions