Bed Sheets

The first thing you should do is check any labels, tags or packaging with rules about how to wash your sheets. Following the directions ensures proper care for the colors and fabrics of the sheets.

Many materials are machine washable safe. However, sheet-washing has a lot to do with personal preference. Some people swear by using hot water while other think cool water does the job just fine. Hot water kills germs and dust mites but may break down fibers faster than cool water. Air drying is the best option when drying your sheets because the sun acts as a disinfectant. However, tumble drying your sheets works well too.

Detergent plays an important role while washing sheets. Using too little won’t do the job but too much may make your sheets feel grimy and even make your skin itch. For that perfect wash, use the optimal amount of mild detergent. And it’s always a good idea to wash similar colored sheets together to avoid any color bleeds. Finally, you can always do an extra rinse cycle to ensure all the detergent is removed from your sheets.

Tips for washing your sheets:

• Wash your sheets once every week or two: Again, this depends on personal preferences. People with allergies to dust and dust mites may want to wash their sheets more often than people without these allergies.
• Wash your sheets with the water temperature that you prefer: Hot water will kill germs and dust mites but may also break fibers down a bit faster than cool water. Warm water, but not hot water, works well with polyester blends. Cold water may not kill as many germs but will still get your sheets clean.
• Use the optimal amount of detergent: Too much detergent may make your sheets feel grimy but too little may not wash your sheets thoroughly.
• Air dry if possible: The sun is a natural disinfectant! Tumble drying sheets works well too. You can get rid of wrinkles but throwing a damp towel in the dryer with your sheets at the end of the tumble cycle!

Finally, place a charming floral-patterned Waverly bedding comforter on your bed and you will be ready for a good night’s sleep!

Thread count measures how many threads there are in one square inch of fabric. For example, the lengthwise threads are the warp threads and the width-wise threads are the weft threads. If there are 100 warp threads and 100 weft threads in one square inch of fabric, the total thread count is 200. (100 warp threads plus 100 weft threads equals 200 total threads.)

One thread of cotton fabric is typically about 54 or 55 inches long. A thread count of 150 is standard for bed sheets. A thread count of 200 or more is a higher quality fabric and is called “percale.” Percale fabrics have a higher thread count and may be a bit softer than fabrics with a thread count of 150.

Tips for finding the perfect thread count for your needs:

• The thread count is often stated on the packaging. Look for the thread count on the packaging before purchasing your sheets.
• Lower thread count sheets may be more affordable than higher thread count sheets. If you are looking for more affordable sheets, try searching for sheets with a lower thread count.
• A higher thread count does not necessarily mean great quality fabric! A 200 thread count of 100 percent cotton may be better quality than a 400 thread count of cotton and polyester blends. For example, a 10 percent cotton and 90 percent polyester blend with a thread count of 400 may not be as luxurious as 100 percent cotton sheets with a thread count of 200.
• Be wary of thread counts of about 500 or higher! The Federal Trade Commission has found that some companies may twist extra threads together to inflate the thread count number (even as high as 1,000) to make their fabric seem like higher quality fabric! These companies are being penalized for not stating a true thread count. Read Thread count inflation below for more information.