Should You Wash New Sheets?

I was recently working at our Fine Linen store in Cincinnati and had a customer buying a Tencel Lyocell sheet set for her daughter. She had asked me while looking at the sheets how to wash them when she got home?  I am always suprised by how many people want to wash new sheet sets. I myself always wash any new plates/cups/utensils – but have never, ever washed new textiles. This applies to both bedding and to towels, etc.

I’m probably biased because I work for a company that makes bedding – so to me the thought of washing a sheet set with an amazing finish seems backwards. I love, love the feeling of new sheets – so washing them right off the bat and having any of the finish lost seems too risky.  Of course the sheets will be perfectly fine when washed, dried and folded.

I’ve had that same question come up maybe a dozen times in the 9 years I’ve been in textiles – so it always throws me for a loop. It’s an odd question to me because themanufacturing  facilities are flawless when they are made – they have to be – they are usually white fabric.

To each their own – but I still tell folks not to wash them at home – enjoy them for the week – then you can wash them. For more bedding care tips go to www.BeddingCare.com.