There’s something about fresh cotton sheets that makes sleep feel better.
Whether you’ve just bought a new set or it’s part of your weekly laundry, the right wash keeps them soft, clean, and inviting.
Key Takeaways
- A few simple steps such as checking for stains, pre-treating marks, and choosing the right wash cycle can keep cotton sheets soft, fresh, and in shape for longer.
- Adjust your care routine for Egyptian, Pima, or 100% cotton to protect their unique feel, colour, and durability.
- Wash weekly for comfort and hygiene, avoid common mistakes like using too much detergent, and choose the right water temperature for the best results.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to wash cotton sheets step-by-step. From quick pre-wash checks to the best washer settings, drying tips, and care for different types of cotton.
Jump to a section:
- How To Wash Cotton Bed Sheets
- Other Cotton Sheets
- How Often Should You Wash Cotton Sheets
- Common Mistakes of Washing
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
How To Wash Cotton Bed Sheets
View Transcript
All right, today I’m going to show you how to wash bed sheets.
The first thing you want to do is take the bed sheets off of your bed. That’s what I’m doing now. I’ll take off the pillows, the pillowcases, and then gather everything up in order to wash.
Once you’ve taken the bed sheets off, make sure you separate them. Don’t put them all in a tight ball, because they won’t wash properly that way. What I’m doing is separating them and bunching them up individually.
It’s important to read the label on the sheets because your particular sheets may have a specific washing process. In general, though, this is what you do. I’ve separated the top sheet, pillowcases, and the fitted sheet that goes over the bed.
Now, let’s go to the washing machine. I have a front-loading washing machine. Rule of thumb: put the detergent in first. If you have powdered detergent or liquid detergent, you can put it in the compartment. If your machine has a drawer for pods, put the pod there. If not, place the pod directly inside the drum.
So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m putting the pod inside the drum so it can dissolve properly. After that, if you’re using any other detergent boosters, like Oxi Clean instead of bleach to keep the sheets white, add that to the drum as well.
Now I’ll add the sheets. Don’t overstuff the machine — if you do, the sheets won’t wash or rinse properly. Give them room to move around. Once they’re inside, close the door.
For the cycle, I usually select “Cotton Normal.” Some machines also have “Heavy Duty” or even an option for “Bedding.” If you’re not sure, “Cotton Normal” is a safe bet.
Next is temperature. This is important. If you have coloured sheets, hot water may not be ideal. Warm or cold water is better for colours or delicate fabrics. Cold and warm washes may not clean as deeply, but they protect the fabric.
For my sheets, they’re sturdy white cotton, so I’ll use hot water. This machine also has an “Extra Hot” option, so I’ll select that.
Spin speed: I keep it high because sheets can handle it. I’ll also choose an extra rinse cycle, since sheets go directly against my body and I want all the detergent rinsed out thoroughly.
Some machines have a pre-wash option. You can use it if you like, but I’m skipping it this time.
Once everything is set, I press start — and that’s how you wash bed sheets.
Thanks a lot for watching. Washing. Watching and washing.
Washing cotton sheets isn’t complicated, but a few small habits make a big difference.
Here’s a routine you can follow every wash day:
Prep Before You Wash
Air the room, then strip the bed in order.
Pillowcases first, followed by the flat or fitted sheet. Give each piece a light shake to lift dust and hair. Keep matching colours together.
Need a room refresh first? See our practical guide for cleaning your bedroom.
Check for stains
Before any wash, do a quick scan in bright light to catch marks early.
✅ Lay the sheet flat across the bed or a table.
✅ Scan in order: pillow area, middle, foot, corners, hems.
✅ Look for makeup, skincare marks, body oils, and tea or coffee specks.
✅ Flip the care label so it faces out. Keep it handy at the machine.
Pre-treat stains
Before loading the machine, treat visible stains now so the main cycle can do its job.
✅ Test stain products on a hidden corner.
✅ Fresh marks: blot with cold water.
✅ Oily spots: tap in a tiny drop of washing-up liquid, wait 5 to 10 minutes.
✅ Sweat or yellowing: pat on a bicarb-and-water paste, rest, then rinse from the back.
✅ Tea or coffee: soak 15 minutes in cool water with a little oxygen bleach, then rinse.
✅ Makeup: work in a small amount of liquid detergent, then rinse.
Remember to blot and lift using a clean, absorbent cloth or towel. Press gently to draw the stain out of the fibres rather than pushing it deeper.
Avoid scrubbing, as this can damage the weave, cause pilling, and even spread the mark to clean areas of the fabric.
Washer Settings for Cotton
Once your sheets are ready to go in, the right settings will help them come out fresh, soft, and in shape.
✅ Detergent: Choose a mild liquid or powder. Skip bleach as it can weaken cotton and alter colours. Use a little less than the recommended amount to avoid residue. If you are worried about suds, add an extra rinse.
✅ Cycle: Check the care label first. Most cotton sheets do well on a Cotton or Gentle cycle. Keep Heavy Duty for heavily soiled loads only.
✅ Temperature: For Ecosa cotton sheets, we recommend washing at 30 to 40°C on a gentle cycle. This keeps the fabric in great condition and helps it last longer. You can go up to 60°C for whites or when washing after illness, but very hot water every time can lead to fading or shrinkage.
Always check the care label for the correct temperature setting.
✅ Load size: Fill the drum halfway to three-quarters full. This gives sheets room to move so dirt and detergent can rinse away.
✅ Spin speed: 800 to 1000 rpm is a safe range for most cotton. Drop to 600 to 800 rpm for sateen to reduce creasing.
✅ Additives: Skip fabric softener as it coats fibres and reduces breathability. For brighter whites, use oxygen bleach occasionally. In hard-water areas, a water softener can help.
✅ Prep in the drum: Close zips, unbutton covers, and smooth sheets as you load to reduce twisting.
Drying and Ironing
Getting the wash right is only half the job. How you dry and press your sheets makes a big difference to how they feel and how long they last.
✅ Tumble drying: Stick to low or medium heat. High heat can shrink cotton and leave it feeling rough. A gentler setting keeps fibres smooth.
✅ Line drying: One of the best ways to protect cotton’s strength. Hang coloured sheets in the shade to prevent fading, and whites in light sun for a natural brightening boost. Peg along the edges to keep marks to a minimum.
✅ Damp finish: Remove sheets from the dryer while they are still slightly damp. This small step cuts down on deep creases and makes ironing quicker.
✅ Shake and smooth: Give sheets a light shake before hanging or folding. This helps them dry evenly and settle into shape.
✅ Ironing: If you love that crisp, hotel-style feel, iron while the sheets are still a touch damp. Use a medium cotton setting with steam, and keep the iron moving to avoid shiny spots.
✅ Steam refresh: For a quick smooth between washes, use a garment steamer on a made bed. It is an easy way to lift wrinkles without a full laundry day.
Once your sheets are completely dry, fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place. For more tips, see our guide on how to store bedding.
Other Cotton Sheets
Egyptian, Pima, and 100% cotton all share the same natural breathability, but each has its own texture and finish that respond differently in the wash.
A few small tweaks to your routine can help each one stay soft, hold its colour, and keep its fit.
How To Wash Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Egyptian cotton’s long, silky fibres give it that smooth, luxurious feel.
✅ Cycle: Gentle settings protect the weave and prevent fraying.
✅ Water temperature: Cool to warm (30–40°C) helps maintain softness and colour.
✅ Detergent: Mild formulas avoid breaking down the fibres.
✅ Drying: Low dryer heat or line drying while slightly damp reduces wrinkles and shrinkage.
If you’re curious how it compares to bamboo fabric, our guide on bamboo vs egyptian cotton sheets breaks down the differences in softness, breathability, and care.
How To Wash Pima Cotton Sheets
Pima cotton is strong and smooth, making it a favourite for everyday use.
✅ Cycle: Normal or gentle, depending on the weave.
✅ Water temperature: Warm (around 40°C) to lift dirt while protecting fibres.
✅ Detergent: A mild detergent keeps colours bright and fibres soft.
✅ Drying: Low to medium heat in the dryer, or air dry for a smoother finish.
Many Pima cotton sheets come in a high thread count that adds to their silky feel and durability. If you want to learn more about how thread count affects comfort and longevity, see our guide on thread count for sheets.
How To Wash 100% Cotton Sheets
Pure cotton sheets are breathable and comfortable, but they can shrink if overheated.
✅ Cycle: Gentle for lighter weaves, normal for sturdier ones.
✅ Water temperature: Cool to warm (30–40°C) to prevent shrinking.
✅ Detergent: Mild formulas keep the fibres fresh and absorbent.
✅ Drying: Low heat in the dryer or line dry. Remove while slightly damp to help keep their shape.
Ecosa’s 320-thread count Australian cotton sheets are crisp, soft, and breathable. Our durable percale weave holds up beautifully in the wash, so they stay comfortable and colour-rich over time.
How Often Should You Wash Cotton Sheets
Cotton sheets collect more than just dust. Sweat, skin oils, and the odd crumb can build up faster than you think, especially in warmer months when bed bugs are more active in parts of Australia and New Zealand.
✅ Weekly: For most people, once a week keeps your bedding fresh and comfortable. This routine also helps prevent allergens like dust mites from settling in.
✅ Every 3 to 4 days: If you have allergies, sweat a lot at night, or share your bed with pets, a midweek change can make a big difference in comfort and hygiene.
✅ Fortnightly: In cooler months, or if you rarely use that bed such as in a guest room, you can stretch it to every two weeks. Just remember to air the bedding out between washes.
✅ After illness: A hot wash after a cold or flu helps keep germs from lingering.
Fresh sheets are not just about the feeling when you get into bed. Regular washing keeps the fibres healthy and extends the life of your set.
Common Mistakes of Washing
Even with the best intentions, a few small missteps can wear out cotton sheets faster than you expect.
❌ Using too much detergent: More is not better. Extra soap can cling to fibres and make them feel stiff. Stick to the recommended amount or slightly less, and add an extra rinse if needed.
❌ Washing on hot every time: High heat can cause colours to fade and fibres to weaken. Save hot washes for illness or heavy soiling, and keep everyday loads at a cooler setting.
❌ Skipping the pre-treat: Tossing stained sheets straight into the wash often sets the mark in place. Take a minute to treat stains first for a better result.
❌ Using fabric softener: It coats fibres, reduces breathability, and can affect absorbency. If you want a softer feel, try dryer balls or line drying in a light breeze.
❌ Drying on high heat: It speeds up shrinkage and roughens the fabric. Choose low to medium settings or finish on the line.
Final Thoughts
Fresh, well-cared-for sheets make every night more comfortable. By following these tips on how to wash cotton sheets, you can keep them soft, breathable, and inviting for years to come. Small changes in your laundry routine help preserve their colour, feel, and fit.
Explore Ecosa’s wide range of bedding, from crisp Australian cotton sheets to plush pillows and stylish cushions. Each piece is made to complement your comfort and bring a touch of quality to your bedroom, night after night.
FAQs
How often should I wash bed sheets?
For most people, once a week is ideal. If you have allergies, sweat a lot at night, or share the bed with pets, you might want to change them every 3 to 4 days. In cooler months or for rarely used beds, you can stretch it to every two weeks.
Should I wash bed sheets with warm water or hot water?
Warm water (around 40°C) works for most washes, as it cleans well without putting too much stress on the fibres. Save hot washes (up to 60°C) for whites, after illness, or if you need a deeper clean.
Can I use cold water for washing sheets?
Yes, cold water is gentle on fibres and helps preserve colour. It’s great for lightly soiled sheets or dark colours you want to keep vibrant. Just use a detergent designed for cold washes.
Do I need to split my lights and darks?
Yes. Washing darks, lights, and whites separately keeps colours bright and avoids unwanted dye transfer. Even high-quality cotton can bleed slightly in the wash, especially when new.
Should I iron my sheets?
It’s up to you. Ironing gives a crisp, hotel-style finish, but it’s not essential. Removing sheets from the dryer while slightly damp and smoothing them by hand can minimise wrinkles without an iron.