Have you finally decided to invest in some Egyptian cotton sheets because you’ve heard how high-quality and soft they are? Some people will have you believe these are a nightmare to wash! That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Looking after your Egyptian cotton sheets is important if you want to keep them looking and feeling great for years to come. Here is a guide on how to wash them properly.
What Is Egyptian Cotton?
Egyptian cotton is widely considered to be the highest quality cotton in the world. This luxurious commodity has a long history in ancient Egypt. It was used to make beautiful and elaborate textiles for royalty.
Because the fiber is very soft, long, and densely packed together, it makes one of the most desirable types of cotton for producing fabric.
In addition to its softness and durability, Egyptian cotton has another key advantage over regular cotton: it does not contain any pectin or wax coating. This feature ensures that its fibers stay soft and smooth after being processed into yarn or fabric.
Overall, Egyptian cotton is recognized as one of the most desirable fabrics for creating elegant garments and bed linen.
Egyptian Cotton Sheets Vs. Other Sheets
We know why Egyptian cotton sheets are sought after, but how do they compare with the other common materials used to make sheets?
Cotton
Egyptian cotton is distinguished from regular cotton in various ways, in addition to the country of origin from which the plant originates. To begin, cotton grown in Egypt is harvested by hand, while cotton grown elsewhere is harvested by machine. This is an essential stage in the production process that can impact the yarn’s overall quality.
Cotton fibers can be handled more carefully when Egyptian cotton is handpicked, which reduces the likelihood that they will become spliced.
This is because less stress is placed on the fibers, which helps them remain unbroken. This also plays a significant role in the durability of the cotton, as a result of which it is better able to withstand repeated washings due to its increased strength.
Silk
Both materials have their own set of pros and cons, but in general, it can be said that Egyptian cotton sheets tend to be the better choice. They are much more durable than silk sheets, so don’t worry about them ripping or snagging with regular use.
In addition, they offer superior breathability and moisture absorption, helping to keep you cool and dry throughout the night. Perhaps most importantly, though, Egyptian cotton is known for its high-quality thread count and soft texture, making it one of the most luxurious materials on the market today.
Bamboo
Egyptian cotton is renowned for its luxurious softness and durability, making it an ideal choice for high-quality bedding. Bamboo is also highly durable, though the fibers are somewhat stiffer than cotton.
Bamboo sheets have several advantages, making them a more attractive option if you are on a budget. In particular, they are naturally anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, making them a better choice for people with sensitive skin.
They are known for their breathability and moisture-wicking properties, which means they stay cool and dry no matter what the weather outside is like.
How Do You Wash Egyptian Cotton Sheets?
Because of its luxurious feel and fine fibers, people assume Egyptian cotton can’t be cleaned in the washing machine. However, that’s not the case.
Below are the five steps to follow to preserve the quality and integrity of your Egyptian cotton sheets.
1. Pre-Treat the Fabric
If you notice any stains on your sateen or percale bed sheets, such as blood and sweat marks from an intense workout at the gym before laundry day—don’t worry! Smaller smudges can be removed with hydrogen peroxide applied directly to those areas.
Larger messes? Place them in a washing machine using cold water along with one tablespoon of baking soda added during the rinse cycle.
This acts as a natural stain removal that also returns colors back to a fresh state without leaving behind a dingy yellow tinge like other products do when used alone; this way, they’ll still look new even after multiple washes.
2. Wash the Sheets
Always use cold water and a gentle washing machine cycle, never overloading the machine or putting anything other than Egyptian cotton sheets in with them because they could get caught on something and tear apart easily!
3. Use the Right Laundry Detergent
Your fine cotton bedding is delicate and needs the right laundry detergent to keep it looking good for years. You must use a pH-balanced, gentle cleanser. This will ensure your linens stay clean and prevent damage from occurring before any problems arise with wear and tear.
4. Soften Them with Vinegar
It’s a great idea to wash your new Egyptian cotton sheets with vinegar. The process may sound odd, but the acid in this solution will soften up coarse fabric and make it more comfortable for sleeping.
5. Use the Dryer, but with Caution!
There are many ways to keep your linens fresh and clean. You can put them in the dryer after washing, or you could use felt wool balls that do not contain any harsh chemicals like those found on Egyptian cotton sheets, which may harm its natural fibers when washed with typical detergents.
Tips for Caring and Storing Your Egyptian Cotton Sheets
Here are more tips on properly caring for and storing your Egyptian cotton sheets.
- To keep your Egyptian cotton sheets looking their best, wash them on a gentle cycle in cool or warm water.
- You should also use a mild detergent that is designed for delicate fabrics.
- Don’t use bleach or fabric softeners. They can damage the fibers of your sheets.
- After washing, you should hang your Egyptian cotton sheets to dry.
- Avoid putting them in the dryer, as the high heat can damage the fibers.
- If you must use a dryer, set it to a low heat setting and remove the sheets while they are still slightly damp.
- If your Egyptian cotton sheets become wrinkled, you can iron them in a low-heat setting.
- Be sure to use a cloth for pressing between the iron and the fabric to avoid damaging the fibers.
- When storing your Egyptian cotton sheets, keep them in a cool, dry place (linen closet)
- Line it with acid-free tissue paper if you’re using a storage container.
- Avoid folding your sheets too often, as this can cause creases and wrinkles.
- Instead, stack them neatly on top of each other.
- When you’re ready to use your sheets again, wash them in cool water and tumble dry them on low heat.
And That’s How You Wash Egyptian Cotton
Egyptian cotton is a luxurious, high-quality fabric with a long history. It is soft, durable, and has superior breathability and moisture absorption. Egyptian cotton sheets are more expensive than other sheets but worth the investment.
To wash Egyptian cotton sheets, use cold water and a gentle cycle. Pre-treat any stains with hydrogen peroxide or baking soda before washing. Use mild detergents designed for delicate fabrics. Never use bleach or fabric softeners, and hang-dry or tumble-dry on low heat if necessary.
Photo credit: Charles T. Peden/Shutterstock;
Tyler Olson/Shutterstock; FotoDuets/Shutterstock;
batjaket/Shutterstock; New Africa/Shutterstock;
Arturs Budkevics/Shutterstock