Should I Wash New Sheets Before Using Them?

Ever purchased a fresh set of sheets and wondered whether you should be cleaning them before use? Conscious of where they’ve been or how well they’ve been packaged?

The laundry world is bubbling with myths and misconceptions, especially when it comes to what you should clean (and when you should clean it). Many people believe that every new purchase should be washed thoroughly before use, while others prefer to skip this process entirely.

So, what’s the answer? Read on to find out!

Should I Wash New Sheets Before Making My Bed?

The answer is simple. It’s not compulsory to wash brand new linens, but doing so is the better option. There are many benefits to laundering new sheets. Here are just a few:

Washing New Sheets Prevents Irritation

Human skin can be sensitive, right? During the production of bed linens, a vast range of dyes, chemicals and materials are used to deliver the perfect color and crispness we find on the shelves of our local home store. As a result, newly purchased sheets have the potential to cause unbearable irritation to the skin, especially if you’re prone to allergic reactions.

For babies, children and sensitive adults in particular, washing your new sheets before adding them to your bed is a great way to avoid any unnecessary discomfort.

Laundering New Linens Reveals Potential Defects

Defective home purchases are all too familiar—especially if you’re shopping on a budget. Have you ever slept on a new set for a few days, only to discover that your luxurious linen is covered in holes, tears or loose threads? We’ve all been there.

Washing your sheets can reveal a whole range of problems that you may overlook initially. By cleaning them as soon as possible, you’ll still have time to do a thorough quality check and return them to the store if necessary—saving essential dollars for future purchases.

Cleaning New Sheets Eliminates Funny Smells

Washing your new sheets at home, or taking them to your nearest laundromat, has one obvious benefit: to expel that strange smell that comes with them.

Manufacturers often use a starch called ‘sizing’ to make sheets look crisp and wrinkle-free in the packaging you buy them in. And while it’s great at achieving this, sizing also welcomes an unpleasant odor that most housekeepers prefer to avoid. After purchase, you can eliminate the smell and keep things feeling as fresh as possible by washing your sheets.

Washing your sheets after purchasing is entirely down to personal preference, all depending on what works best with your lifestyle. Whether you’ve bought a budget set or a luxurious treat for your home, cleaning them effectively is your best bet.

If you’re in doubt about washing your new sheets, why not leave it to the experts? WaveMAX Laundry is Denver’s leading laundry service, offering professional and efficient linen cleaning whenever you need it. Drop off your laundry, or schedule a pick-up today on our website.