September 24, 2026, 4:13 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Freshly laundered bed linens not only feel pleasant but also contribute to a hygienic sleeping environment. However, washing sheets, covers, and pillows can lead to some mistakes. Incorrect temperatures, an unsuitable wash cycle, or too much detergent can affect the cleaning results.
Washing bed linens seems straightforward at first glance: put the laundry in the machine, add detergent, and start the appropriate cycle. Yet, even with this everyday task, mistakes can easily occur. Small oversights not only affect hygiene but can also cause the material to wear out faster. myHOMEBOOK explains what to consider when washing bed linens.
1. Mistake: Washing bed linens too infrequently
Be honest: How often do you really change your bed linens–once a week, every two weeks, or just once a month? If it’s the latter, it’s time to revise your cleaning schedule. Experts recommend changing bed linens every two weeks. Sweat, skin flakes, and hair accumulate in bed linens, providing ideal conditions for mites. For a clean bed and restful sleep, wash your bed linens every 14 days.
By the way: If you sweat a lot, especially in the summer, you should change them once a week.
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2. Mistake: Washing bed linens at the wrong temperature
A common mistake when washing bed linens is choosing the wrong temperature. If it’s too low, germs and mites won’t be killed; if it’s too high, delicate fabrics can be damaged. Satin and blends are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. The solution: Always check the care label. If specific instructions are missing, you can generally wash bed linens at 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
3. Mistake: Overloading the washing machine
When making the bed, a large pile of laundry quickly forms: sheets, duvet, and pillow covers–sometimes even double. But when washing, the drum size is crucial. You should fill the washing machine to a maximum of three-quarters full so the bed linens can move freely and be thoroughly cleaned. If the drum is too small for the entire load, it’s better to split the laundry into two wash cycles.
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4. Mistake: Not paying attention to the material
As with clothing, you should also pay attention to the material of bed linens. Different materials react differently to wash temperatures, detergents, and drying methods. Ignoring these requirements can lead to deformation, color loss, or damage. Materials like silk, satin, or linen are particularly sensitive. They require mild detergents and low temperatures between 86 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (30 and 40 degrees Celsius).
Microfiber bed linens, on the other hand, should be washed without fabric softener, as it can clog the fibers and impair the function of the linens. A mild detergent is a better choice here. Cotton bed linens are much more robust and can be cleaned at temperatures between 140 and 194 degrees Fahrenheit (60 and 90 degrees Celsius) without any issues.
5. Mistake: Not turning and closing bed linens before washing
If you miss a sock after washing, it’s worth checking inside the duvet cover–smaller clothing items often hide there. To avoid this, always close bed linens before washing. This not only prevents lost clothing items but also stops open zippers or buttons from being damaged or damaging other textiles during the wash. Additionally, you should turn the bed linens inside out. This preserves colors and patterns and makes it easier to put on pillows and duvets later.