Do you believe that washing your organic bedsheets would make them coarser? Think again. With the proper maintenance, this kind of bedding can last for many years and even get softer. The issue is that many people don’t know how to properly care for this. So, we’ll share our insider information with you.
Here’s a closer look at how to wash bedding made of organic cotton.
Cleaning Advice for Organic Bedsheets
At night, a bed made of organic cotton sheets is delightfully and seductively soft. They are therefore highly suggested for individuals seeking to make their bedroom a sanctuary for this reason, they need good care in return.
If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s how we’ve outlined it :
Pre-Care Tips
When you purchase sheets for the first time, they may be a little too loose for your bed. This is so that organic cotton won’t shrink when it’s washed. To achieve a flawless fit, we advise washing your bed sheets before using them.
Laundry tips
Without any issues, organic cotton may be laundered in a washing machine. There are a few important considerations to make in order to get the most comfort possible from your sheets.
- Place your new bedding in the washing machine after separating it from the rest of your laundry. By doing this, any pilling produced on by rubbing against other materials will be avoided.
- To protect the natural fibres of your 100% organic cotton sheets, avoid using high heat while washing them.
- The best wash for organic cotton is at a cool 30° or 40°C. Some individuals think that bacteria are killed more effectively at higher temperatures. This is untrue; germs may be killed at 40°c! Anything higher merely causes harm to the cotton fibers and causes the fabric to shrink even more.
- Use only half the amount of laundry detergent you would typically use for a full load and set the machine to the mild, hand wash, or delicate cycle. Your linens can be cleaned with half as much detergent as usual, which will minimize fibre damage.
- Avoid using bleach or bleach substitutes to prevent discoloration.
Since cotton is a natural fibre, it generally softens by itself throughout the washing process, negating the need for fabric conditioner. Natural softening occurs with use, water, and washing of organic cotton. Using a fabric conditioner, however, might only result in the fabric losing its lustre.
Post-Care Tips
To ensure your comfort at night, keep in mind that there are some recommendations to keep in mind even after your sheets have been removed from the washing machine.
- To avoid creasing, take your sheets out of the washer right away.
- Always try to air dry your linens outside because it preserves the fabric’s strength and minimizes wrinkles. The majority of the creases are removed thanks to the weight of the cotton.
- Of course, while it’s ideal to air dry your sheets, this is not always practical, so you can tumble dry. However, avoid placing them directly in the sunlight as this will cause your sheets to discolour. The lowest temperature is preferable since strong heat might harm and cause the fabric to shrink further.
- After washing, shake sheets as they are drying to reduce creases.
The care process is then complete for some of us, and all that’s left to do is sleep on them.
Instructions for Ironing Organic Cotton Bedding
Like having perfectly pressed sheets to sleep in? Be aware that organic cotton wrinkles quite quickly. The fabric isn’t treated with anti-wrinkle chemicals like regular cotton is. In fact, if your cotton bedding rarely wrinkles, it has likely been chemically treated. Pure organic cotton will always be wrinkle-prone.
Once your bedding has dried and is wrinkle-free to your liking, all that’s left to do is dress your bed! However, ironing can help you achieve a clean, polished look if that’s what you prefer. Ironing organic cotton is completely safe.
Using a warm temperature iron is the best method because it will make it simpler to remove wrinkles. If at all possible, use a steamer to achieve the crisp hotel look and quickly iron out the crinkles.
Products to Use and Avoid
Good care will only go so far if you’re utilizing the wrong items. So what are the dos and don’ts when it comes to organic cotton?
Products to Avoid
Never use bleach or detergents containing bleach as this weakens and destroys cotton fibers. Additionally, bleach has a propensity to turn white bedding yellow.
Additionally, keep in mind that no chemicals are used in the production of organic cotton. Why add them afterwards?
Read the label is another thing to keep in mind! Avoid detergents that contain:
- Heavy fragrances
- Phosphates
- Phthalates
- Paraben
- Stabilizers
- Brighteners
- Cleaning agents (surfactants, diethanolamine)
All of these hazardous components in detergents can irritate the skin, lead to dermatitis, create respiratory issues, and even harm the liver or kidneys. These toxic compounds damage organic fibers, making them less durable and losing their natural softness and texture, in addition to having negative health impacts. Furthermore, a fabric softener/conditioner frequently just clogs the pores of organic cloth, making it lose its lustre.
Useful Ethical Washing Powder Products
Laundry can be done in an environmentally responsible manner! Why stop there if you’ve been a responsible consumer and purchased sustainable cotton bedding? We advise using a non-bio detergent made by a trustworthy company that only makes use of natural components and substitutes derived from vegetables.
Choose companies like Bio D whose products are healthy for people with allergies and the environment. Alternatively, Living Naturally has only ethical, environmentally friendly solutions that are great for removing stains. For sensitive materials, try using a liquid ethical/organic detergent. Before adding your sheets, carefully dissolve any powder if using.
Your Own Homemade Laundry Products
Want to approach things somewhat differently? One of the finest methods to assure your ethical behavior is to make your own items! Using natural components like washing soda, borax, and an unscented soap bar, you may make your own laundry detergent at home.
If you decide against using fabric softener, you can make your own by adding half a cup of vinegar to the washing machine during the rinse-spin cycle. With washing soda and bicarbonate, you can get rid of those tough stains. A natural brightener can be created without the use of hazardous chemicals by adding a tiny amount of baking soda to the wash cycle.
Your organic cotton sheets will get softer as you use them more frequently! The amazing amount of natural softness in this kind of bedding will only increase with use and washing. You can’t really do much to soften the mattress any more. If you’re determined to soften your bedding even further, try adding a quarter cup of white vinegar to the rinse or wash cycle. Your bedding will consequently grow naturally softer.
