How to Soften New Sheets

Get your new sheets as soft as possible as soon as you get them.

New sheets, no matter what their thread count, can be stiff and scratchy. Chemicals used during manufacture are mainly to blame for this discomfort. You spend an estimated third of your life in bed, so you want your linens to be as soft as possible. A simple method will send you on your way to a good night's sleep.

Things You'll Need

• Detergent
• White vinegar

Instructions

1. Wash your sheets on a hot wash cycle using about 1/4 cup less detergent than usual. Sizing and other chemicals have caused your sheets to be stiff and detergent will only add to this problem, so use it sparingly.

2. Wash only one set of sheets at a time. Overloading your washing machine is never a good idea, particularly when washing new linens.

3. Add 1 cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to break down chemical residues on your sheets.

4. Add an extra rinse cycle to this load to ensure your sheets are thoroughly rinsed and extremely soft.

5. Dry your sheets on a warm or medium setting and promptly remove the sheets once dry.

References

• Real Simple: How to Best Wash Your Sheets
• Roux Maison: General Laundry Maintenance