How to Wash Bedding the Right Way

Clean bedding isn’t just about comfort; it plays a significant role in supporting better health. Sheets and comforters naturally collect dirt, oils, and allergens, and without proper care, these can build up and affect your sleep quality.

Regular washing also keeps fabric soft and extends its life, so you don’t have to replace bedding as often. Whether you’re doing laundry at home or using a commercial washer for larger loads, following the proper steps ensures your bedding stays fresh, comfortable, and durable.

Preparing Bedding for the Wash

Getting bedding ready before it goes into the washer makes the rest of the process easier and more effective. Small steps at this stage prevent damage, improve cleanliness, and save you time later.

Check Care Labels First

Care labels are the simplest way to know how each piece of bedding should be washed. They give specific directions on water temperature, cycle type, and whether special handling is needed.

• Look for fabric-specific instructions: Labels might say “cold wash only” for delicate fibers or “warm wash” for stronger materials. Ignoring these can shorten the life of your bedding quickly. By following the exact guidance, you ensure that every wash protects the material instead of weakening it. Even if labels seem minor, they are designed to prevent common laundry mistakes.
• Understand fabric differences: Cotton bedding usually tolerates warm water, silk requires gentle handling, and microfiber often calls for a mild cycle. Each fabric reacts differently to heat and agitation, so these details matter. Knowing these distinctions also helps you choose the right products, like detergents made for delicates. The result is cleaner bedding that still feels soft and lasts longer.
• Prevent shrinkage and damage: Following the instructions avoids surprises like sheets that no longer fit or fibers that lose their softness. Shrinkage is especially common if heat is used incorrectly. Damaged fibers can make bedding uncomfortable and harder to care for in the future. Labels essentially serve as a built-in guide to protect your purchase.

Pre-Treat Stains Before Washing

Tackling stains early helps bedding come out of the wash cleaner. Pre-treating is simple but makes a big difference in how fabrics look after a cycle.

• Spot-treat stains gently: Use a mild detergent or stain remover on the affected area before washing. This allows the cleaning agent to focus on the problem without affecting the rest of the fabric. Applying it before the wash gives the solution time to work. It reduces the chance of stains reappearing after drying.
• Apply with care: A soft brush or gentle dabbing works better than rubbing, which can weaken fibers. Rubbing spreads the stain and can drive it deeper into the fabric. Gentle movements lift the stain from the surface instead of grinding it in. This minor adjustment makes the fabric last longer.
• Stop stains from setting: Handling marks before the wash keeps them from becoming permanent. Once stains go through heat or long cycles, they are far harder to remove. Pre-treating gives you a much higher chance of restoring the fabric’s original look. It’s a simple step that saves frustration later.

Wash Bedding Separately

Washing bedding on its own helps it get the thorough cleaning it needs. Keeping it apart from clothes or towels also prevents unnecessary problems.

• Avoid mixing with other laundry: Large bedding pieces can twist and tangle with smaller items, leading to uneven cleaning. Clothes may end up balled inside sheets, coming out still dirty. Separating prevents wasted time on rewashing. It also keeps smaller items from wearing down delicate bedding fabrics.
• Get a more even wash: Without other fabrics in the drum, water and detergent can circulate properly through all layers of the bedding. This means dirt and oils are removed more thoroughly. The wash cycle becomes more efficient because the machine doesn’t have to work as hard. Ultimately, this saves both energy and water.
• Prevent color transfer: Light-colored bedding can pick up dye from darker fabrics if mixed. Even a single dark item can tint lighter sheets permanently. Separating by color ensures whites stay bright and colors stay true. This preserves both the look and feel of your bedding over time.

Washing Bedding Correctly

The washing stage is where most people make mistakes that shorten the life of their bedding. Using the correct settings and methods ensures sheets, comforters, and pillowcases come out clean without losing softness or shape.

Choose the Right Water Temperature

The temperature you pick has a significant impact on both cleanliness and fabric care. Warmer water helps kill dust mites and bacteria, but it should only be used if the care label allows it.

• Use warm water for deeper cleaning: When safe, warm or hot water removes oils, sweat, and allergens more effectively. This keeps bedding hygienic and healthier to sleep on. It’s especially helpful for people with allergies or sensitive skin. Always double-check care labels before using higher temperatures.
• Cold water protects delicate fabrics: For silk, microfiber, or brightly colored sheets, cold water is the safer option. It prevents fading, shrinking, and damage to fragile fibers. Washing delicate bedding in hot water can cause irreversible wear. Cold water is gentle but still effective when paired with quality detergent.
• Extend fabric life with proper temps: Choosing the right water temperature avoids unnecessary stress on fibers. Consistent care helps bedding retain its softness and shape over time. This means you won’t have to replace it as quickly. A little attention at this stage saves money in the long run.

Pick the Best Wash Cycle

Different fabrics require different cycle strengths. Matching the cycle to the material ensures a thorough clean without harming the bedding.

• Gentle cycles for most bedding: A delicate or gentle cycle reduces agitation, which protects fibers. This is especially important for softer fabrics like microfiber or silk. Even cotton sheets benefit from reduced wear over time. Gentle washing keeps bedding comfortable longer.
• Heavy-duty cycles for tougher fabrics: Stronger materials like thick cotton or linen can handle heavy-duty cycles. These cycles give extra agitation to remove dirt and oils embedded in the fibers. They’re best reserved for items that can withstand rougher handling. This way, bedding gets clean without unnecessary damage.
• Match durability to the cycle: Think of it as “gentle for care, strong for durability.” Using the right cycle reduces mistakes like frayed edges or worn spots. It also ensures fabrics get the right balance of cleaning and preservation. Choosing carefully helps bedding stay both clean and intact.

Use Gentle Detergent Wisely

Detergent plays a big role in how bedding feels after washing, and choosing the right laundry supplies helps keep fabrics soft and free of residue.

• Pick mild or fragrance-free options: Harsh detergents can leave behind chemicals that irritate skin. Mild or fragrance-free choices are safer for everyday use, especially for sensitive sleepers. They also prevent buildup that can make sheets stiff. Choosing the right detergent keeps bedding both clean and comfortable.
• Avoid using too much detergent: More soap doesn’t mean cleaner bedding. Extra detergent often leaves residue that weighs down fibers. This can make fabrics feel heavy, rough, or sticky. Measuring carefully avoids these problems.
• Freshen with safe add-ins: Baking soda is a simple way to boost freshness without harsh chemicals. It neutralizes odors while being gentle on fabric. Adding it to the wash helps bedding smell cleaner for longer. It’s an easy upgrade that won’t harm delicate fibers.

Load the Machine Correctly

How you load bedding into the washer affects how well it gets cleaned. Proper loading ensures water and detergent reach every part of the fabric.

• Spread items out evenly: Bedding should be placed unfolded in the drum. This lets water flow through all areas of the fabric. When sheets or comforters are balled up, dirt and detergent can get trapped. Even spacing guarantees a more complete wash.
• Don’t overload the washer: Too many items in one cycle keep fabrics from moving freely. This means parts of the bedding may not be as clean. Overloading also puts strain on the machine itself. Keeping loads lighter leads to better results and longer-lasting commercial laundry equipment.
• Wash large items separately: Comforters, duvets, or heavy blankets should be washed one at a time. These items take up a lot of space and require ample room to move around in the wash. Washing them alone ensures water and detergent circulate properly. This prevents the need for repeat washes and protects the fabric.

Drying Bedding the Right Way

How you dry bedding is just as important as how you wash it. Proper drying prevents odors, shrinkage, and wrinkles while keeping fabrics soft and long-lasting.

Dry Promptly After Washing

Moving bedding out of the washer right away avoids problems like mildew or musty smells. Leaving it wet for too long can also cause stains to set more deeply.

• Transfer immediately after washing: Damp fabric sitting in a closed washer creates the perfect environment for mildew. Even a few hours can leave sheets smelling unpleasant. Getting bedding into the dryer or onto a line right away keeps it fresh. This one habit alone makes a big difference in cleanliness.
• Air-dry delicate fabrics when possible: For items like silk or lace-trimmed pillowcases, air-drying avoids damage from tumbling. Hanging them on a line or drying rack allows them to keep their shape. Air-drying also prevents wear from machine heat. It’s a gentler option that extends the life of delicate materials.
• Think of it as “don’t let it sit”: A simple rule is never to leave bedding balled up in the washer. Wet laundry quickly traps odors that are hard to remove later. Acting promptly reduces extra work and frustration. It also helps your laundry routine run more smoothly.

Use a Low-Heat Setting

Heat control is one of the most important parts of drying bedding safely. Lower settings protect both the fibers and the comfort of the fabric.

• Avoid damage from high heat: Intense heat can shrink bedding or weaken delicate fibers. This often results in sheets that no longer fit properly or comforters that feel stiff. Using too much heat can also fade bright colors. Lower heat reduces all these risks.
• Choose tumble-dry low or no-heat cycles: Modern dryers usually offer settings designed for safe fabric care. Low or no-heat cycles are effective for drying without overexposure. They may take slightly longer, but they protect your bedding. In the end, it’s a small trade-off for longer-lasting fabrics.
• Make bedding last longer with careful drying: Consistent use of low heat reduces stress on fibers over time. This helps fabrics stay soft after many washes. Bedding that avoids heat damage also holds its shape better. Choosing the safer option pays off in durability.

Remove Slightly Damp to Prevent Wrinkles

Timing is key when it comes to avoiding wrinkles in bedding. Taking sheets or comforters out just before they are completely dry makes them easier to manage.

• Take bedding out while still a little damp: Removing items before they fully dry leaves them soft and pliable. This prevents creases from setting in. It also reduces the need for extra ironing. Dampness makes the fabric more flexible for finishing touches.
• Dry sheets on the bed itself: Laying slightly damp sheets directly on the mattress helps smooth out wrinkles. As they finish air-drying, they naturally tighten. This creates a neat, crisp look without extra effort. It’s a quick shortcut to hotel-style bedding.
• Stretch and fit with less struggle: Sheets that still hold a touch of moisture are easier to stretch into corners. Completely dry sheets often resist fitting snugly. A slight dampness provides the flexibility needed for a smoother fit. This makes bed-making simpler and less time-consuming.

Make Bedding Laundry Easier with Our Support

Washing bedding correctly takes time, care, and the right tools, and at Ace Laundry, we help make that easier. If you want your bedding to come out cleaner, fresher, and to last longer, our machines and services are built for the job.

With our Machine Sales options, you can get high-performing washers and dryers (like Huebsch, Maytag, Wascomat) that are designed for comforter loads and delicate fabrics, as well as robust items. Our On-Premise Laundry (OPL) solutions give you the control to wash bedding whenever you need it, without delays or scheduling hassles.

We also offer Full-Service Laundry Room Management, where we help you plan, install, and maintain machines so they’re always in top shape, with less guesswork, fewer breakdowns, and safer clothes for you. 

If you’re ready to improve bedding care with reliable equipment, expert advice, and consistent performance, contact us or check out our Machine Sales and On-Premise Laundry pages to see what fits your needs.

Read Also: Essential Maintenance Tips for Commercial Laundry Machines