Many people recommend only washing one set of bedsheets at a time unless you have a large washing machine with a 10 kg+ load capacity. By 'a set of bed sheets', we mean the fitted sheet that goes over the mattress, a top sheet and two pillowcases.
To ensure optimal cleaning, don't try to wash too many sheets at once. If your washer has a detergent dispenser—whether it's a bulk dispenser like the Load & Go™ Dispenser or a single dose dispenser—follow the manufacturer's instructions and add detergent as you would for a normal load.
Don't overcrowd the washer:
Overcrowding can cause wrinkles and pilling, so wash each set of sheets individually and avoid combining your sheets with other laundry like towels.
A 7kg washing machine capacity can handle an average laundry load that can include; three shirts, two pairs of adult jeans, a pair of children's jeans. You might also be able to include small capacity household items like; three small towels, three dish towels, two bedsheets, and two pillow covers.
High thread count sheets use cotton threads that are thinner than regular yarns, so when they're exposed to high temperatures, they're much more likely to break. These sheets should be washed in warm water and dried in the dryer on a cool setting.
Don't choose high thread counts.
However, thread count greatly affects heat and higher thread counts create hotter sheets. In fact, 1000TC sheets are the hottest cotton sheets you can buy. Conversely, lower thread counts (250TC-350TC 10cm2) create cooler sheets but must be made from good cotton so they last.
Anything with a thread count nearing (or above) 1000 thread count is almost certain to be significantly lower quality than sheets with a more reasonable number. Most fabrics with a thread count over 600 are a sign of deceptive marketing tactics at work.
You can fit a fair amount into a 9 or 10 kg washing machine – here is a rough guide: 4 single quilt covers, 4 single mattress sheets, 8 pillowcases. 2 double quilt covers, 2 mattress sheets, 8 pillowcases. King quilt cover, king mattress sheet, 6 pillowcases, single quilt cover, single mattress sheet.
The largest washing machines on the market have a capacity of 9kg. As expected, these machines can be used to wash the most towels at once. They take up to eight small towels or six of the largest, fluffiest bath sheets. Although they take up more space in your home, they're great for large families.
8kg washing machine – can fit around 40 T-Shirts or a queen sized duvet and is suited for a medium sized family. 9kg washing machine – can fit around 45 T-Shirts or a medium king sized duvet and is suited for a large sized family.
Most people should wash their sheets once per week. If you don't sleep on your mattress every day, you may be able to stretch this to once every two weeks or so.
Separating linens into separate loads based on their material type (sheets vs towels) will not only give your linen a better clean, it will also help prevent unnecessary wear-and-tear on your linens and your washer – all while extending the life of your linens significantly! Don't Wash Sheets and Towels Together!
How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets (And How to Get Them Really Clean) Experts recommend washing or changing sheets once a week.
Is it okay to change your bed sheets once a month? While your specific sheet changing habits might vary a little bit depending on your lifestyle, your body, and your preferences, most experts agree you should change your sheets every week or every two weeks.
Men are more likely to wait longer between sheet changes than women (29.6 days vs. 19.4 days). On average, single people go 37 days before changing their sheets, while those in relationships go 21.8 days, and married couples go 19.9 days.
Technically, yes, you can wash them together, but “ideally, it is best to wash sheets and towels separately from each other,” says Nelson.
An easy way to find out is using the 1-palm trick. By placing your hand into your machine's drum, you can see how much space is left. The perfect load is if you can't fit anything else in the drum, just your hand and your laundry. If you can't fit your hand into the drum, then your load is too big.
For example, if your homes dirty laundry basket holds the equivalent of 50 shirts, then a 10kg washing machine should be able to get the lot washed, without spending too much time, effort, energy or water.
A 7kg-8.5kg washing machine suits medium households, fitting around 7 outfits or 7 towels per load.
A 7 kg drum can wash a double duvet or the towels and sheets for a small family. An 8 kg drum can wash a queen or a lightweight size duvet. This is suitable for a medium size family. A 9 kg machine can wash a whole king size duvet and is the best option for large families.
Internal Capacity
Most machines range from 6kg to 9kg. For singles or couples, a 6kg machine will do the trick. If there are three or four of you, you'll want a 8kg load machine. Bigger families will need a 9kg-plus washer to handle all those school uniforms.
Generally if your machine is half full, you have a medium load. A large load fills it up until three-quarters full, and anything above that is considered extra large.
For starters, hotel sheets are designed to withstand frequent washings and constant use. They're also usually made of higher-quality materials, such as 100% cotton or Egyptian cotton. As a result, they're softer and more durable than your average bed sheet.
There isn't really a best thread count for sheets. Depending on budget, aim for a thread count between 400 and 1,000. The highest thread count you should look for is 1,000. Anything above that number is unnecessary and often lower quality.
What's the best thread count for sheets? In our tests, top-rated bed sheets often have thread counts between 300 and 500. Anything above 500 isn't necessarily better (so don't be deceived when you see thread counts over 1,500), and on the flip side, you can still find quality sheets with thread counts under 300.