Sheets and comforter sets are made of special fabrics that require a special care regimen. Taking simple laundry steps and learning about the proper cleaning methods will help keep your luxury bedding in good condition for years to come.

Check your sheets’ fabric care label to determine the best wash cycle, water temperature, and whether or not they’re dryer safe. Some unique fabrics like satin or silk have specific washing instructions that must be followed for them to stay beautiful.

Washing

Washing sheets and comforter sets can be a time-consuming task, but doing it right helps keep your bedding looking good for longer. It’s important to check the care label on each set to learn what fabrics they’re made of, how hot to wash them, and whether or not they’re dryer safe.

Sheets made of cotton or a cotton-polyester blend can be washed in warm water, though it may be best to wash them in cold to reduce wrinkles and prevent color loss. Bamboo, linen, and silk sheets require special attention to ensure they maintain their softness.

Most bed sheets can be machine-washed, but always read the care label to see what the hottest temperature is recommended for their fabric (see the following). For extra cleaning power, add a teaspoon of bleach to your wash cycle if you have stains.

Drying

Drying bed sheets and comforter sets are an important part of maintaining their quality. Proper drying helps to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, keeping your bedding fresh and breathable.

Sheets should always be dried separately from towels or other items that may be stacked in the dryer. This is because the rough texture of towels can rub against the soft, thinner sheet material, causing wrinkles and pilling.

High-thread count cotton sheets are particularly sensitive to heat. They need to be washed on a cool cycle and dried in the dryer on a low setting, to prevent creases or snags.

A down comforter can be washed in the washer, but you’ll need to run two rinse cycles to ensure all the soap is gone. After washing, run the comforter through a dry cycle in an extra-capacity dryer. Add a clean tennis ball to help break up clumps of feathers, and take it out a few times during the drying cycle to fluff it by hand.

Ironing

Ironing your sheets is an optional extra that can make a big difference to the appearance of your bedding. If you have guests coming, it can also give your bedroom a more luxurious feel.

While ironing your sheets can take time, you’ll appreciate the effort when your bed looks pristine and crisp. You can save even more time by ironing your pillowcases while you’re at it.

Before you begin ironing, make sure that the iron is properly heated and that the surface you’re working on is heat-safe. Check the labels of any fabrics you’re using and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Once you’re ready to go, place a cotton pressing cloth (a product that can be found at sewing shops) between your garment and the iron. This will prevent scorch marks and protect delicate clothing.

For more crease-resistant materials, like percale, ironing your sheets while they’re still damp is a great way to minimize wrinkles. It’s a good idea to spray your sheets with water before ironing, too.

Storage

Whether you’re moving or storing your linens for an extended period, it’s important to preserve them. This will not only keep them fresh but also prevent them from fading and growing mold or mildew.

The two biggest threats to sheets and comforter sets are moisture and light. Both of these can cause the sheets to become musty and trigger allergies.

Sheets and comforters should be stored in a cool, dry place that allows air circulation to prevent mildew from growing within the fabric. Linen closets are often the best choice because they allow ample room to breathe and protect your bedding from excess moisture.

To store your sheets and comforters properly, fold them neatly and then organize them by size or room, so that they are easy to find when you need them. Labeling your items is also a great idea, so you can easily locate them when you need them.