Fact: Although there are few better feelings than buying new, collapse-into bedding, you shouldn’t have to replace your sheets every year. If you make a habit of washing them with care, the threads will stay strong without roughening or fraying for five to seven years. If not, well, that’s why we’re here.
Do not wash sheets in hot water.
Why? Cotton (even when preshrunk) will shrink a bit in high heat. Choose warm or cold temps on all cycles.
Do not use fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
Why? The chemicals in these additives break down threads, causing premature fraying. Tip: When washing, use half the recommended detergent dose.
Do not let sheets dry completely in the dryer.
Why? The second fabric overheats, it becomes brittle – i.e. goodbye, coziness. Partially dry on your machine’s lowest setting, then hang to finish.
By Julia Ivins, Staff Writer
