Do I Need To Wash New Bedsheets?

Let’s be honest - buying new sheets is akin to a pampering session. When you invest in good quality sheets, there’s nothing like slipping into a fresh, new set. Bedsheets hold the key (alongside your mattress) to a great night’s sleep. The crisp, soft feel of new bedsheets is enough to want to throw them on your bed and dive right in. As such, if you’ve just bought new sheets – you’re probably wondering: “Do new bedsheets need to be washed?”

The short answer is no; you do not need to. However, should you? Absolutely!

Washing bed sheets before use will remove any residue that might be left on the sheets from the manufacturing process. Many sheet makers are starting to reduce the number of chemicals used in the process of whitening sheets. However, it is still beneficial to wash sheets before use, for peace of mind. There are many steps sheet fabric goes through before making it able to be woven and turned into lovely sheets. Even natural fibres can be exposed to potential irritants in the manufacturing process, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Luxury sheets are an investment. As we spend a third of our lives sleeping, investing in quality bedding is always worth considering. But the rewards of quality sheets come with their extended lifespan, and to ensure this, you need to take proper care of your bedding.

• Washing your sheets before you first sleep in them is a great way to start a pattern of adequately caring for them to get the most from your investment.

• The first wash of your new sheets is vital to help them maintain their softness and breathability (this is especially true for bamboo sheets).

• Avoid unpleasant allergic reactions or irritations from anything used in the manufacturing process.

It is essential to familiarise yourself with effective washing procedures that fit the sheets you want to wash. Pay special attention to the care instructions on the label on your sheets to see how best to clean them.

Most modern washing machines will have a pre-programmed cycle to wash bed sheets. Opt for a standard, gentle cycle if your model does not have this feature. If you use a heavier cycle, it will tangle the sheets and damage the fibres.

Washing new bedsheets is just the same as washing sheets at any stage of their life. Most fabrics can be washed at a warm temperature of 40 degrees, as this helps to fully break down: dirt, stains, natural body oil, and removes germs on the fabric.

Luxury sheets like those made from bamboo fibres should be washed at a much lower temperature (no higher than 30 degrees) and washed separately from other clothing or bedding. It is better to use a liquid detergent to wash sheets. Even if the sheets are new, never use fabric softener as part of a wash, as it will compromise the integrity of the bamboo weave.

Drying sheets correctly is a crucial part of the washing process, and anyone questioning “Do I need to wash new bedsheets?”, should take special care when drying their sheets as well. Most sheets can be tumble dried, although this method should be used sparingly and in combination with air drying. Not only is air drying much better for the environment, but also better for the fabrics. What’s more, exposure to fresh air and sunlight can help protect the sheets from odours. Using the sun in the summer months to wash and dry your new sheets is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.

Linenly sheets are certified with Oeko-Tex Standard 100, which means they are entirely free from chemicals harmful to humans and the environment. When you buy a new set of Linenly bed sheets, you can be assured no toxins were used in the manufacturing process.

However, some sleepers are reluctant to the “new sheet” feeling. Washing your sheets straight away and letting them dry outside in the fresh air will help eliminate any rigidness from the packaging and allow them to begin to soften up properly. Drying in the sun will also help eliminate anything causing odours.

So, the answer to “Do you have to wash sheets before using them?” is a strong yes. But what about other bedding?

Pillowcases, throws, blankets and more will all benefit from a wash when they are brand new. Ensure that you're not overloading your washing machine when you are washing a new set of bedding. Wash like materials together and ensure there is enough space in the machine for it to soak through everything inside thoroughly.

Still wondering, “Do I need to wash new bedsheets”? Washing brand-new sheets before you use them is always a good idea, even if it is not essential. Every time you sleep on your sheets, especially the first time, you want them to feel the best they can. Freshly washed, clean sheets always feel (and smell) much better than straight out of their packet.

Linenly’s silky, comfortable bamboo sheets and other bedding like pillowcases  are all produced with 100% organic bamboo. As luxury bedding, you must take the utmost care for them throughout their long life. When brand new, you should opt for a machine wash on cold with a gentle or delicate cycle. For more tips, see the Linenly laundry guide.