How to Wash Egyptian Cotton Sheets

2. How to Wash Egyptian Cotton Sheets

3. A guide to getting the most out of your Egyptian cotton sheets.Egyptian cotton sheets are widely considered to be the softest most durable type of cotton sheets available. This is because of the natural high quality of the long staple cotton that is used, which is generally grown and harvested in the Nile river valley of Egypt. The cotton is then put through a process that helps refine and soften its natural texture and then it is woven together to create the sheets you use at home. To maintain their quality and softness, it is important to begin taking care of your Egyptian cotton sheets properly right from the beginning.

4. Caring For Your New Egyptian Cotton SheetsWhen you open your set of Egyptian cotton sheets for the first time, it is important to wash them before use. Egyptian cotton, as well as other blends of cotton, has a certain amount of shrinkage that is naturally part of their make up. Washing it will help eliminate the first possibility of shrinkage so that it will adjust to the fit of your bed perfectly. Additionally, some sheet sets may bleed if excess dyes have been used. Washing your sheets prior to use will help prevent any possibility of staining.

5. How To Wash Egyptian Cotton SheetsWhen you are ready to wash your Egyptian cotton sheets, follow these handy tips and you will be able to maintain the softness and quality of your sheets for years to come.

6. 1- First, it's important to wash these sheets separately from other items. Things like hooks in undergarments or zippers on pants or sweaters can snag onto your sheets and either will weaken the construction of the sheets or cause a tear all together. Washing these sheets alone will prevent this possibility and can also help your sheets stay brighter and fresher.

7. 2- Wash your sheets with cold water on a gentle/delicate cycle. If you prefer to use warm water, it should be at a temperature of around 105 degrees Fahrenheit or bath water temperature.

8. 3- Use a mild laundry detergent or one that is pH balanced. Most bottles will signify if it is pH balanced on the actual bottle. It is recommended to use just a little less detergent than what is recommended on the bottle.

9. 4- Chlorine bleach should NOT be used with Egyptian cotton sheets because the chlorine can actually damage the cotton fibers over time as well as the elastic of the fitted sheet. For white or ivory sheets, add about a cup of non-chlorine bleach to the washing machine. This will help freshen and brighten the SheetsDowntown Feathers, an online bedding company, adds that OXY Clean can also help brighten up white, ivory or even tan colored sheets as well. However, it is recommended that you test a small area to ensure it is compatible with your sheets and won't cause discoloration. It is also recommended that you do not use a liquid fabric softener or even dryer sheets. Once the spin cycle is over, remove your sheets immediately and give them a good shake. This will help prevent shrinkage and wrinkling.

10. 5- To dry the sheets, you may either hang them to air dry or you can use a dryer on a low heat, tumble dry setting or even an air dry setting. Use a shorter drying cycle to prevent over-drying which can diminish the sheen of your sheets over time. If they are not completely dry, go ahead and hang them up to dry on their own or continue on a light air dry cycle only.

11. 6- You can place the sheets on your bed and smooth them out with your hands to remove any wrinkles. If you prefer to use an iron, make sure it is on a warm setting.

12. With Egyptian cotton sheets, it is best to use cool, or warm settings when in doubt. Extreme heat, whether it is hot water, hot air or a hot iron can damage the integrity of the cotton fibers and cause breakage. Regardless of size or thread count, following these instructions will lead to better quality and more comfortable sheets with every use.

13. To buy Egyptian cotton bed linenslog on http://www.indianity.com