How do you keep your bed sheets from shrinking in the wash?

Question

I was my sheets in hot water as recommended and they always shrink. After about 6 months the bottom of the deep pocket is just hanging on the to top of the corner. Yes, I can wash in cold, but that just sounds nasty for sheets. They are supposed to be washed in hot. Does anyone else have this problem?

Answer 1

wash the sheets by themselves or check the tag to see if they has to be dry-cleaned

Answer 2

Your sheets are NOT suppose to be washed in hot water.  They should be washed in cold or warm and dried on a low heat settings and taken out when still slightly damp.  If you need deep pocketed sheets try going to www.elegantlinenspc.com - they carry fine italian linens and will teach you how to PROPERLY care for them.

Answer 3

Yes.  I noticed a set of sheets were perceptibly shorter, and I realized the dryer was the culprit.  It was getting too hot even on the gentle cycle.

Use a warm setting on the washer instead of hot and try a more delicate cycle so there's less agitation, if you can.  Cold water will clean them though I swear.  Some stains actually set in heat.

You may want to think about drying them on the gentle cycle and removing them when they are just barely damp.  I can't do this, but you could try line or hang drying them if you have space.

Answer 4

If you purchase sheets that are 100% Cotton there is nothing you can do. However, you CAN buy them larger. Look for sheet sets that say "Deep Pocket" or "California Style". That way they will be larger and will not shrink themselves off your bed. Also, if you purchase Egyptian Cotton with a high thread-count, they will shrink up a tad bit less.