There is nothing worse than hard, rough sheets disturbing your night sleep. It often happens with new sheets, the hardness of which is caused by residues of chemicals derived from the manufacturing process. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to soften the sheets and have a comfortable bed every night! Start with step one to learn more.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use Sodium Bicarbonate and Vinegar
Step 1. Put the sheets in the washing machine
After removing the sheets from the packaging, put them directly in the washing machine.
If they are one and a half square or larger, you may want to wash the top and bottom sheets separately to give them enough space in the washing machine
Step 2. Add a cup of baking soda
Instead of the usual detergent, add a cup of baking soda in the washing machine.
It is important to avoid detergent, as it tends to set chemicals in the sheets. These chemicals contribute to the hardness of the fabric, so it is best to remove them
Step 3. Set a normal washing program
You can also set a high temperature cycle. Turn on the washing machine and start the wash cycle.
Step 4. Add a cup of vinegar while rinsing
When it's time to rinse, turn down the temperature of the washing machine and add a cup of white vinegar.
This will help further soften the sheets, but is entirely optional. Baking soda alone will do
Step 5. Dry the sheets on string
When rinsing is finished, remove the sheets from the washing machine and hang them outside to dry in the sun.
This will further soften them. If you don't have the space to dry them outdoors, put them in the dryer and dry them on a low setting - at temperatures that are too high they can shrink
Step 6. Wash them again
Once the sheets are dry, you can wash them a second time using a normal amount of detergent.
- While washing them twice seems like an extra effort, it really helps to soften the sheets.
- Dry them outdoors or in the dryer (if you want) and then place them directly on the bed.
Step 7. Remember that your sheets will become softer with each wash
Good quality sheets will become softer after each wash, dry and iron cycle.
For perfect softness (and durability), buy tightly woven cotton sheets
Method 2 of 2: Using Other Substances
Step 1. Use fabric softener
In addition to adding a cup of baking soda, you can add the recommended amount of your favorite fabric softener in the washing machine along with your new sheets. You will get extremely soft sheets. Alternatively, you can also use fabric softener alone.
Step 2. Use turpentine
Add half a cup of turpentine to the wash water and set a normal program using hot water.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove the bulk of the turpentine. Hang the sheets to dry on a string or on a drying rack.
- It is very important that you Not put the sheets in the dryer after washing them with turpentine because this substance is combustible and could cause fires.
Step 3. Use Epsom salts
Fill a laundry pan with fresh water and add 50 g of Epsom salts. Shake the sheets in the basin for a couple of minutes (use a wooden spoon if you don't want your hands to get cold!).
Leave the sheets soaked in the Epsom salt mixture for the night. The next morning, rinse the sheets thoroughly and hang them up to dry
Step 4. Use borax
Fill a laundry pan with cold water and add 6 tablespoons of borax.
- Dip the sheets in water, shake them in the basin, and leave them soaking overnight.
- Rinse thoroughly the next morning and hang the sheets to dry.
Step 5. Use the salt
Fill a laundry pan with cold water and add two handfuls of salt. Soak the sheets and leave them on for the night. Wash, rinse and dry as usual.
