Should You Wash New Sheets Before Using Them?

New bed sheets are always a luxury we can’t wait to sleep on. If you’re like us, you can’t wait to pull out your new sheets, make your bed, and get a good night’s sleep (once you’ve narrowed down your favorite bed sheet type, of course).

But, according to laundry pros, you might be missing one important step: tossing them in the wash first.

While this might seem debatable (we get it, they haven’t technically been used yet), our experts suggest always washing new sheets before using them to protect your health and keep your bed sanitary. Read on to learn more about why.

The Importance of Washing New Bed Sheets

Before you pull your new bed sheets out of the bag and make your bed, our experts suggest you toss them in the wash first.

“New bed sheets may contain chemicals from the manufacturing process, such as dyes or preservatives, and washing them helps remove these residues along with any dust, dirt, or germs that’s collected,” Tucker says. “In addition, washing can soften the sheets, making them more comfortable to sleep on.”

While Sokolowski agreed that you should also wash your new sheets simply for cleaning measures, she says washing can also be beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies since it removes possible irritants.

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How to Properly Wash New Sheets

Washing new bed sheets may seem like a simple task, but both of our experts suggest giving the label a quick glance before tossing in your washer so you properly follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Both express that bed sheets should be washed weekly (or at least every other week) to keep your sheets clean and sanitized.

“Cold water, a mild detergent, and a gentle cycle are all perfect for keeping your sheets looking great,” Sokolowski says. “For an extra clean, adding a cup of baking soda and a half cup of vinegar to the wash works wonders.”

As far as cycle settings go, Tucker recommends putting your sheets on gentle to prevent wear and tear and to avoid overloading your washing machine to ensure the sheets are cleaned thoroughly.

“We also recommend avoiding fabric softeners, which can leave residues that make sheets less breathable and often contain harsh chemicals,” Tucker shares.

For drying, Tucker recommends considering line drying or air drying if possible to prevent wear and tear that can occur in the dryer.

When to Replace Your Bed Sheets

Are you still using bed sheets you bought in the 90s? Though your bed sheets may still be intact, Tucker suggests treating yourself to new sheets every two to three years, or once you start noticing signs of wear.

“You know it’s probably time to replace your sheets if you spot signs of wear and tear, such as holes or thinning fabric,” she says. “Additionally, loss of elasticity in fitted sheets that no longer stay in place or significant fading of color are clear indicators that new sheets are needed.”

Additional Expert Bed Sheets Care Tips

Washing your new bed sheets prior to using and sticking to a weekly or biweekly wash aren’t the only care tips our experts provided. Check out the list below for their recommendations to get the most out of your sheets and to keep them in excellent condition:

• Have several sets of sheets on hand to rotate (this lengthens their lifespan).
• Store your sheets (that are not in use) in a cool and dry place to prevent mildew. 
• Use a low-heat setting when drying sheets to preserve the fabric.
• Pre-treat stains prior to washing.
• Use oxygen-based products over bleach products to keep the fibers strong.