Should you wash new sheets before using them?

Using new sheets according to your choice can make your sleep more comfortable. However, before being used, these newly purchased sheets must be washed first. The reason is to reduce exposure to residues of factory chemicals that stick to them.

Launching from the Made Safe page, sheets that are labeled wrinkle-free are usually produced with the addition of formaldehyde. These chemicals are used to preserve things, but formaldehyde is added to sheets to prevent the fibers from wrinkling after washing and the stain from absorbing deeper into the fibers of the fabric.

The addition process is carried out by spraying formaldehyde gas onto the fabric fibers at a temperature of around 150º Celsius. This process may leave formaldehyde residue on the new sheets. To reduce this residue, you need to wash new sheets before using them.

If not washed, exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation in people with sensitive skin. May also cause allergic contact dermatitis due to ingredients in textiles.

This condition causes a reddish rash on the skin accompanied by itching. Symptoms can appear several hours after the sheets are used, as well as several days afterward. In some cases it can cause breathing problems, such as coughing and wheezing.

In addition, formaldehyde is also classified as a chemical substance that is carcinogenic (can trigger cancer) if exposed to large amounts or prolonged exposure. Apart from formaldehyde, there are a wide variety of other chemicals that may be added when making sheets.

Washing new sheets not only removes these chemical residues, it also removes chemical odors and makes them softer on the skin.

How to wash sheets properly

How to clean new sheets from old ones is not really that different. You need to soak it first in warm water for a few hours. Separate them with blankets or pillowcases of different colors and put them in the washing machine with enough detergent.

Next, rinse the sheets thoroughly without any lather. Dry in the sun so you don't smell musty and prevent mold and bacteria from growing on the fibers of the fabric. After drying, remove the sheets and store them in a dry, clean place.

Furthermore, the blanket needs to be washed regularly

Washing new sheets is not just done at the beginning of use. You need to replace and wash it regularly. The reason is, blankets can get dirty over time and this can cause problems if you continue to use them.

Using sheets allows dust, mites, stains, bacteria, mold, and even dead skin cells to build up on the fibers of the fabric. In people with allergies or eczema, these unclean sheets can trigger a recurrence of symptoms.

Unclean sheets can also increase a person's risk of developing folliculitis, which is a bacterial infection caused by a wound in the skin follicle.

There really aren't any specific rules when you should wash your sheets. You can wash it once a week or more, depending on the condition of the sheets. If your sheets look dirty and stained, it's best to wash them immediately, even if they were used the day before.