The handling of new sheets has always raised questions in Finnish homes. Many consumers wonder whether it is really necessary to wash new sheets before first use. The answer is clear: washing new sheets before use is highly recommended for several important reasons. In addition to hygiene, this practice significantly improves the comfort and durability of the sheets.
Why you should wash new sheets before using them for the first time
The manufacturing process of new sheets involves several steps, machines, and substances, including chemicals that can cause skin irritation for sensitive individuals (especially the cheapest sheets). Textile factories use finishing agents, dye fixatives, and other chemicals that remain in the fabric. These substances can cause rashes or allergic reactions, especially in children and those with sensitive skin.
During the manufacturing process, sheets also accumulate dust and dirt. The hygiene of the sheets improves significantly after the first wash, as these impurities are effectively removed. In addition, washing softens the texture of the fabric, making it more comfortable against the skin.
The first wash removes a significant amount of chemical residues and dust from the manufacturing process from the textiles. The wash also softens the material considerably.
Proper washing methods for new bed sheets
Washing textiles made from different sheet materials requires slightly different approaches. Cotton sheets can usually withstand washing at 40-60 degrees, while more delicate materials such as silk or bamboo need gentler treatment at 30 degrees. The highest quality sheets can withstand washing at up to 95 degrees.
For the first wash, it is a good idea to use regular laundry detergent, but avoid fabric softener, which can prevent the fabric from softening naturally.
- Cotton: 40-60°C, normal wash cycle
- Mixture: 60-90°C, longer wash program
- Silk and linen, gentle wash or hand wash
- Bamboo and Tencel: 30°C, delicate wash program
Sheet durability and care instructions for long-term use
Proper care of your sheets starts with the first wash and continues throughout the product's life. Drying is best done outdoors or in a tumble dryer on a low setting. High drying temperatures can damage the fibers and significantly shorten the life of your sheets.
Ironing is not always necessary, but it can greatly improve the look and feel of your sheets. Dry storage is important to prevent mold and bacteria growth. It is a good idea to rotate your bed linens regularly during the wash cycle to prevent uneven wear.
Quality sheets and how to identify them
Identifying quality sheets helps you make sustainable purchasing decisions. High-quality sheets are easier to wash when the material is of high quality to begin with. The thread strength, weave density and materials used significantly affect the durability of sheets. A well-known quality indicator is the thread count, or TC. A high-quality sheet should have a number of at least 180. TC 300 is generally considered to be the best. Some brands may sell sheets with up to TC 600, but their quality is no different from TC 300, as it is a double-twisted fiber. In reality, the density is the same as TC 300, but instead of one fiber, two fibers are woven together, resulting in an attractively high TC 600 value. However, the feel and durability do not change at all.
Percale is breathable, while satin feels silky against the skin. The best sheets can withstand numerous washes, retaining their shape and color brilliance. Choosing hotel-quality sheets ensures long-term satisfaction and comfort.
Sisustus1's selection includes high-quality sheets that are also used in professional accommodation. You can visit the Helsinki showroom to see the products, where you can experience the quality of the materials with your own hands before making a purchase decision.
