How to Wash Organic Cotton Sheets?

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Organic cotton sheets. Immediately, you should be picturing a bed layered with fluffy pillows and a pure white, “soft as snow” covering. You’re not too far off. Organic cotton sheets are so luxurious, but how do you keep them that way?

Here are some tips on how to wash organic cotton sheets, how to dry and iron them to maintain them in a tip-top shape for years to come.

 

Organic Cotton Sheets Washing Tips

 

If this is your first organic cotton bedding set, you may feel the urge to protect them at all costs. One of those costs being hand washing. It’s a good practice generally for delicate fabrics, but while your organic cotton is soft, it’s not necessarily delicate. You can use a washing machine for cleaning it, but there are a few things to remember before you start.

  • Wash it separately from other laundry. This will keep it from pilling due to the abrasion of other fabrics.
  • A cold wash is the best. Anything hotter than 40 degrees Celsius will damage the fibers and possibly shrink it too.
  • Use the gentlest cycle your washing machine offers.
  • Don’t use bleach. It could discolor your sheets.
  • Use natural laundry detergent. Don’t risk damage to the fibers by using harsh treatments and chemicals.
  • There’s no need to use any fabric softeners or conditioners. Organic cotton naturally softens with time and usage. If you do use it, your fabric could actually lose its sheen. If you find the sheets to be a bit too rough for your liking, you can rinse them with white vinegar.

Now, your sheets are washed and ready to dry. But before you toss them in the dryer, read on.

how to wash organic cotton

Drying Organic Cotton Sheets

 

It’s best to completely avoid a dryer with this bedding. Rather, air dry them outside, but while avoiding direct sunlight. It can cause your fabric to discolor and turn a yellow hue.

If air drying them isn’t an option, then use the dryer on the lowest temperature setting. If the temperature is too high, organic cotton sheets will be in danger of shrinking.

 

Read More: Top 10 Organic Duvet Inserts

 

Ironing Your Organic Cotton Sheets

 

If your cotton sheets always end up creased, that’s good news. Conventional cotton is treated with anti-wrinkle chemicals, hence, it rarely needs ironing. Organic cotton fabric always creases easily. It’s a telltale sign of good, organic quality.

Thankfully, it’s perfectly safe to iron organic cotton bedding. You can iron it on warm temperature, or preferably, use a steamer. It will give that crisp, “hotel” feeling, plus it’s a lot quicker.

 

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Detergents For Organic Cotton Sheets


how to wash organic bedding

Their simple ingredient list says it all. They don’t need harmful substances to give you a powerful clean. The product is certified vegan, plant-based, and leaping bunny certified. It claims to be 100% safe for people and the planet. It’s free from dyes, fragrances, phosphates, brighteners, and more.


The extra concentrated formula makes it effective at any temperature and in hard or soft water. It’s versatile, gentle, and effective to wash anything from delicate fabrics to rough cloth nappies.

how to wash organic bedding

It’s dye-free, fragrance-free, and biodegradable. That’s exactly what you want in a detergent when you wash organic cotton fabric. You can be assured that you’re using a safe, nonseptic laundry detergent that is gentle enough for babies, but tough enough to remove grime and dirt. It’s certified Cruelty Free and MADE SAFE certified.


You can say goodbye to unsightly plastic jugs because it’s packaged in a pretty steel and cardboard can. It’s produced in their own factory, so you have the benefit of knowing exactly where it’s sourced.

how to wash organic bedding

It’s dye-free, fragrance-free, and biodegradable. That’s exactly what you want in a detergent when you wash organic cotton fabric. You can be assured that you’re using a safe, nonseptic laundry detergent that is gentle enough for babies, but tough enough to remove grime and dirt.


It’s certified Cruelty Free and MADE SAFE certified. You can say goodbye to unsightly plastic jugs because it’s packaged in a pretty steel and cardboard can. It’s produced in their own factory, so you have the benefit of knowing exactly where it’s sourced.

What Products to Avoid?

 

Bleach and detergents that contain bleach will damage the cotton fibers and make them weak. It can also discolor white bedding to a yellow hue. When choosing a detergent, avoid brighteners, stabilizers, heavy fragrances, and toxic chemicals. Even some of the cleaning agents typically in a detergent need to be bypassed, such as surfactants and diethanolamine.

If your cotton bedding is dyed or colored, you need to especially avoid exposure to these harsh ingredients because organic cotton is more susceptible to damage. Use natural alternatives to conventional fabric softeners. The average fabric softener contains ingredients that will clog the organic fabric and cause it to lose its sheen and natural softness. It also makes the fibers less durable.

how to wash organic cotton bedding

How to Soften Organic Cotton Sheets Naturally?

 

Instead of using toxic dryer sheets, add white vinegar to rinse your bedding. It will naturally soften the fibers without leaving a residue or buildup. It also won’t break down the fibers of the fabric like conventional fabric softeners would. And don’t worry, your bedding will not end up smelling like a jar of pickles. The smell washes away and dries out.

You can also wash your bedding with a ½ cup of baking soda when you buy them to soften them from the start. Do this baking soda wash right after you purchase them so you have extra soft bedding the first time you use them. If you have the patience, you can also soak them with a cup of salt in a cool tub for a couple of days and then wash them as usual.


 Read More: How to Wash a Body Pillow?


Will Organic Cotton Colors Fade?

 

Yes, the colors can fade if you don’t care for them properly. Add a cup of vinegar to your wash load to help keep the colors from fading. As stated earlier, try to always use low temperatures and gentle cycles when washing.

And if you have to use a dryer, use a low temperature there too. Heat is your biggest enemy when it comes to keeping your colors and shades the same. It’s best to air dry your bedding but avoid direct sunlight. It will discolor even white bedding.

If you have a green organic cotton bedding piece, it will immediately turn tan when exposed to some acidic elements like lemon juice or vinegar. But don’t worry, if you wash it again on a warm cycle in alkaline water, the color will come back.

At first, you’re more likely to deal with running colors than fading colors. To keep your colors right where they are, use cold water. It seals the fibers and thus, traps the color. But, if you’re worried, just wash your bedding separately at first to make sure it won’t bleed onto anything else.

washing organic cotton bedding

Conclusion

 

We hope that with our tips you'll know exactly how to wash organic cotton sheets. Your organic cotton bedding is natural, so clean it with natural ingredients. Organic cotton bedding offers many benefits, and it’s a safe choice for your skin and your fabric. Using the tips given in this article will significantly increase the longevity and luxury of your organic cotton bedding!

About the Author Kamila Flieger

My name is Kamila, and I'm passionate about researching non-toxic, organic products for the home. I believe it's so important to create a safe and healthy environment for our families, and I enjoy helping others do the same.

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