Washing Sheets
Everyone wants their linens to last for years and to sleep comfortably, however many of us were trained by our parents to do things a certain way and this may not be the best way to take care of our linens.
Heat is the biggest cause of wear on your linens. Washing in cooler temperatures allows them to retain their color longer and to last longer. Drying using minimal heat settings takes longer, but is gentler on the fabric so they will last much longer. Too much heat also can shrink the fabric making it harder to make your bed depending on the cut of your sheets.
Rotate your sheets. If you have two or three sets of sheets per bed and rotate them, you will greatly increase the life expectancy of your sheets.
If possible use front loading washing machines. These gently tumble your sheets rather than rubbing at them like top loading machines. Front loading washers use less detergent, less water, and make your sheets and clothes last longer. They cost more to buy initially, but the average family of four saves money after two years of ownership because they replace items less often.
Dry Cleaning
Dry Cleaning is not really dry. It is cleaning using solvents with little or no water. It uses a combination of solvents and heat and tumbling to clean and is hard on fabrics. Perchlorethylene, the cleaning fluid used by most dry cleaners, is the most popular solvent.
"Perc" as it is called in the dry-cleaning industry is classified as a hazardous air pollutant by the Clean Air Act. Perc is toxic. You should always air your dry cleaned articles before use. Perc solvent is filtered and reused many times before it is replaced. Some filters do a better job than others.
Home Laundering
Home Laundering is not only easier to control but can add life to your garments. Choosing a detergent for home laundering is complex.
Detergents today really are chemical compounds that contain wetting agents and emulsifiers. Technically these detergents are "Synthetic Detergents" as they are not made from natural products any more like fats and lye from which soap is made. Read the labels and choose wisely. Some detergents have bleach, blueing agents, perfumes and other additives that can effect the color and feel of your sheets as well as cause reactions to skin and sinuses.
Fabric softeners, both the liquid type and dryer sheets, add something to your fabrics. Some of the softeners are wax based which leaves a coating on the fibers creating a softer feel which also reduces the absorbency of the fiber and effecting your ability to clean the sheets. Most have a perfume.
Professional Laundering
Professional laundering services usually use large heavy duty machines with lots of heat in the wash and dry cycles which may greatly shorten the life of your sheets.
