Pretty much nothing makes for a worse night’s sleep than getting into your bed and looking at wrinkled, disheveled sheets. Petty Wrinkles don’t just look messy — they feel a little uncomfortable on your skin, too. Ironing is, of course, an alternative, but it’s really quite time-consuming (and let’s face it – who wants to iron these if you’re doing a king?). The good news is, there are a few easy ways to get rid of wrinkled bedsheets fast and make your resort quality bedsheets look inviting and cozy.
Wash and Dry Properly
Wrinkles are a common sight when sheets have been in the dryer too long or folded incorrectly. To prevent wrinkles:
- Fill the washing machine, but don’t overload: Sheets should have plenty of room to tumble freely.
- Use appropriate water temperature: Hot water can shorten and wrinkle sheets; they fare best in cold or warm water.
- Shake, smooth and untwist sheets before hanging to dry: This will minimize deep creases.
- Take the sheets out of the dryer as soon as possible: Leaving them in there folded or crumpled will lead to additional wrinkles.
Following these easy steps while washing and drying can help prevent wrinkles before they get there.
Use a Dryer with Care
- If you use a dryer:
- Tumble Low or Medium heat: High dryer heat can set wrinkles in the fabric.
- Toss in dryer balls or clean tennis balls: They’ll help the sheets toss around and stay soft as they dry, preventing clumping and wrinkles.
- Take them off the bed a little damp: This makes it easier to get wrinkles out and avoids deep creases.
Smooth Sheets by Hand
When you remove sheets from the dryer, hand smooth them out before laying them on your bed. Stretch out each corner and gently tug on the fabric until it is taught. These won’t get out all wrinkles, but flattening most of them is quick, following some warming in the dryer
Iron if Needed
Ironing oversized bedsheets may feel like a daunting task, though it is magically effective in getting rid of those tough wrinkles! Use the following tips:
- Steam or lightly spray with water: Steam opens up fibers, making ironing easier.
- Iron section by section: Go piece by piece to ensure you don’t miss any areas.
- Target edges and corners: That’s where wrinkles are most evident.
Ironing is a bit of a time commitment, but it produces smooth and crisp perfection on your bed.
Try Wrinkle-Release Sprays
Wrinkle-release sprays are a quick and easy go-to. Spray lightly onto wrinkled areas, and tug and smooth the garment. These sprays are also wonderful for when you don’t have time to wash or iron the sheets. They are a particularly useful last-minute guest offering, or for hotel-style beds at home.
Use a Steamer
A fabric steamer is a great option for ironing, especially for large sheets! Hang the sheet vertically and pass the steamer over the fabric. The steam relaxes the fibers, and wrinkles disappear within minutes. It is safe for most materials and a time-saver when compared to ironing large sheets.
Fold or Store Sheets Properly
- Avoiding wrinkles begins with the proper storage:
- Make your bed like a pro. Fold sheets with care: Smooth the fabric as you fold.
- Keep in a dry, cool place: Steer clear of damp places that can cause bedding to become stiff and wrinkled.
- Stack with care: Don’t stack too many on top of each other, as pressure can cause creases.
Quick Fix for Bed-Making
Short on time and need the bed to look tidy?
- Tighten the sheets: Stretch beneath, pull them tight, from corner to corner.
- Tuck edges under the mattress: This is where small wrinkles go to die.
- Smooth with your hands: Run your hand over the soft top to smooth minor creases.
These tricks will give your bed a fresh look without washing or ironing.
Wrapping up
Wrinkled linens needn’t be a buzzkill in your snug bed. With the right washing and drying techniques, plus a few tricks to hand-smooth or steam out wrinkles (or add wrinkle-release spray), you can keep them neat with minimal effort. A little bit of care — and not as much attention as you might expect from a germophobe — can keep your bedsheets crisp, appealing and clean-looking to prevent dirty slipcovers on furniture.