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Do you wait weeks or even months to wash new sheets? If so, you might be wondering if washing them is really necessary. After all, they are brand new, and no one has touched them except the salesperson at the store.
So, should you wash new sheets before using them?
This article explores the benefits of washing new sheets and provides tips for doing it safely. Read on.
Should You Wash New Sheets?
Despite their crisp, attractive look, brand-new sheets need cleaning before use. Sheets interact with various chemicals and contaminants during manufacturing and transportation, which can harm your health, especially your skin. You can avoid these issues by machine washing the sheets and air-drying them outside.
Course fibers are among the primary raw materials used in making bedsheets. Manufacturers subject these materials to various chemicals to make them soft and malleable. These chemicals include biocides, bleaches, lubricants, detergents, dyers, and stabilizers. Since no one wants to purchase wrinkled sheets, most manufacturers use a starch known as “sizing” to keep the sheets smooth, crisp, and attractive until purchase.
Sizing is why new sheets usually feel stiff or scratchy, despite being made of soft material. Besides the chemical treatments, sheets often collect dirt and pests along the way before you receive them. They may collect residue during manufacturing and suffer contamination by cockroaches, rats, fleas, and other pests.
Poor packaging in storage may also lead to small creatures getting in the bedsheets. Another benefit of washing sheets before use is that it helps you identify manufacturing defects, such as tears, holes, and loose strings.
The sooner you detect the faults, the better. If you identify a defect before the return policy window expires, you will get a refund or replacement with a non-defective fabric.
The Adverse Effects of Not Washing New Sheets
Have you ever wondered what happens if you don’t wash new sheets? While the chemicals and contaminants in new bedsheets are hardly noticeable, you can feel their effects. You may experience irritation and discomfort, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Some of the common effects include:
- Itchy skin
- Rashes
- Red patches
- Swollen eyes
- Headaches
- Wheezing
Some brand new sheets also have an unpleasant odor due to the strong smell of chemicals and other contaminants.
If you’re still wondering, do I need to wash new sheets? It is worth noting that many people won’t experience adverse effects from using new sheets before washing them. However, it is best to minimize your exposure to contaminants as much as possible.
How To Wash Sheets for the First Time
Should you wash new sheets? Yes. But how do you do it? Below are some valuable tips on how to wash new sheets before placing them on your bed.
Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before putting your new bedsheets in water, check their tag, which usually has washing instructions based on the material. Generally, you should wash cotton sheets in warm water and dark sheets in cold water.
Use Baking Soda
Add a cup of baking soda to the water in the initial washing stages to soften the sheets. You may also add a half cup of vinegar before rinsing the sheets.
Avoid using detergent as it often locks contaminants into the sheets rather than eliminating them. Use warm water to loosen your sheets and give them a refreshing smell.
Use Dryer Sheets
Dryer sheets help soften the fabric and minimize static. Their pleasant smell will also help neutralize the odor of new sheets.
Iron The Sheets
Ironing helps preserve your new sheets’ appearance. It removes wrinkles and creases, leaving your sheets looking great.
How Many Times Should I Wash New Sheets?
Washing your sheets once before putting them on your bed is enough, but make sure you do it properly. Flannel and other fabrics are prone to pilling after multiple washes. Therefore, subjecting them to double washing may not be a good idea.
You also don’t want your dark-colored sheets to lose dye with multiple washes. You can prolong the lifespan of such sheets by washing them with cold water at least once. Additionally, you can minimize pilling on flannel sheets with a cup of white vinegar.
Another effective technique to avoid the need for multiple washes is to rinse dark-colored sheets with cold water before washing. This method removes a significant amount of the dye from the sheets before the first use.
Bottom Line
Should you wash sheets before using them? The answer to this question will depend mainly on personal preference. Nonetheless, cleaning your new sheets before use has numerous benefits.
Besides eliminating unpleasant odors, it will remove harmful chemicals that cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, and long-term health complications. Additionally, clean and fresh sheets enhance comfort, positively impacting sleep quality.
Get Help From Professional Dry Cleaners
Should new sheets be washed before use? Yes. However, it does not necessarily mean you have to do it yourself. While you may know how to clean your sheets with various products, you may not achieve the desired results.
Now that you know the answer to “should you wash new sheets?” a professional dry cleaner would be your best bet to achieve the desired results. If you’re looking for a reliable dry cleaner in East Bay, you can’t go wrong with Martinizing Dry Cleaners. Call us at (925) 309-5298 for a free consultation, and we will help clean your new bedsheets before using them.
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