Egyptian cotton is a durable fabric and it washes well which stands to reason why hotels opt for Egyptian cotton sheets.
If you look after your Egyptian cotton sheets they can last for years.
Here’s how:
Softening
When you first open your Egyptian cotton sheets, they can feel a little stiff to begin with, don’t worry though as they will soften after a few washes. You can always pop them in the wash before you use them for the first time.
Washing
Its important to follow the care instructions on the labels of your sheets. Our Hadar, Atik, Miram and Rigel Bedding Collections can all be machine washed up to 40°C, so between 30 and 40°C is recommended.
Use a good quality detergent but make sure you’re not using too much as this can leave your sheets with a residue and a stiff or soapy feeling. If in doubt use the extra rinse function on your machine if it has one.
Avoid the use of bleach and make sure any products you’re using don’t contain bleach as it can actually cause your sheets to yellow overtime. To keep your white sheets white, opt for products that contain oxygen or look out for ‘oxi action’. Adding bicarb of soda and vinegar to your wash along with your detergent can be just as effective as they are natural brighteners. We have a handy guide to help keep your white sheets white.
Lastly, the golden rule of separating your washing – ensure your colours aren’t mixed to avoid colour run on your Egyptian cotton sheets. Washing your sheets on a wash load of their own is also recommended or washing with other light 100% cotton garments. Avoid mixing with other fabric constructions. Ensure you don’t overstuff your machine so that the sheets have plenty of room to move around for optimal washing.
Washing your sheets every 1-2 weeks is recommended to avoid build-up of bacteria, body oils, sweat etc which can contribute to your sheets yellowing or dulling overtime.
Drying
Air or line drying your Egyptian cotton sheets is always best as this helps to prolong the life of the fibres of the sheets. The sunshine also acts as a natural whitener and your sheets will smell great! It’s the most cost-effective way too.
If using your tumble drier is unavoidable, we recommend that you use a low setting to keep the sheets in their best condition.
Ironing
Take your sheets off the line or out of the tumble dryer while a little dampness remains as this will making ironing your sheets easier as there will be fewer creases to begin with. Choose a medium ironing setting. Ironing your Egyptian cotton sheets will help to achieve a luxury hotel finish.
Quick summary:
- Wash on a maximum of 40 degrees
- Avoid bleach or bleach containing products
- Air-dry where possible
- Iron on a low/medium heat