How to Keep Your Sheets Nice and Soft
We all want to crawl into an indescribably soft bed at night, especially after the end of a hard day. You may be wondering how you can maximize the softness of your sheets and get that “sleeping on a cloud-like feeling”.
Begin with High-Quality Sheets
First and foremost, begin with the basics. If you start with low-quality sheets, there is not much you can do to make them softer or maintain them at the maximum softness.
When shopping for new sheets, it is important to pay attention to thread count, ply count and fabric type. Many manufacturers will advertise a high thread count when, in fact, the threads are bound in into cords, or plys, rather than loomed individually. This does not have the same effect on softness or quality as a real high thread count does.
When it comes to fabric, cotton is always a safe choice. However, if you are looking for the softest sheets out there, bamboo sheets are an excellent choice. They are twice as soft as cotton sheets. An added bonus with bamboo sheets — they are eco-friendly.
While it sounds counterintuitive, try not to rely on touch when selecting sheets in the store. Manufacturers often treat the product with additives to make them seem softer. Ultimately these products are choking the fabric and disguising the low thread count.
Caring for Your Sheets
The first and best way to care for your sheets might shock you — use less detergent. According to laundry experts, you should use about half the suggested dose suggested by the detergent manufacturer. An excess of detergent does not get completely rinsed out of your wash and results in a residue that coats the fabric and leads to build-up. The build-up stiffens the fabric. Similarly, avoid fabric softener and bleach which also contribute to build-up and weaken the fibers of your sheets, respectively.
For similar reasons, do not overpack your washing machine. Wash your sheets alone. Overloading the machine means the detergent will not have the opportunity to be thoroughly rinsed from the sheets. Launder them at a hot water temperature to ensure oil and skin build up are properly removed. Additionally, pouring half a cup of vinegar in at the rinse cycle will help remove build-up. Don’t worry, the smell of vinegar will not linger in your sheets.
To dry your sheets, avoiding heavily over-drying. Dry heat deteriorates the fibers easier and faster than hot water does. Tumble dry at a medium heat with dryer balls (or clean tennis balls) and consider taking them out early. To finish drying, line dry them by stretching them out. This simultaneously dries the sheets at a gentle temperature and flattens them, contributing to the softness.
Wash and dry your sheets every 2-3 weeks to avoid heavy build up of dead skin, oils and insects that will stiffen and damage your sheets.
Following these tips, you should find your bed a heavenly cloud of fresh, fluffy sheets. Enjoy immensely and sleep well.
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