Here are eight common bed-making mistakes and how to set them right.
You’re putting it on wrong: Look at the reverse side of your fitted sheet. One of the four corner pockets will have a tag sewn into the inside seam. For the perfect no-slip fit, the pocket with the tag belongs over the bottom left corner of the mattress. “Left” is based on your view when you’re lying in bed on your back.The sheet’s pocket depth is wrong: These days, mattresses come in a wide range of thicknesses, and the pocket depths of fitted sheets vary accordingly. When a fitted sheet does not have the right pocket depth for your bed, the corners will slip off easily (because the pockets are too shallow for your mattress) or they won’t hold the sheet taut (because they’re too deep). The solution here is to measure your bed for the right size of fitted sheet and get one that actually fits.
100% cotton sheets rule: Cotton sheets let your skin breathe and are less likely to stain than synthetic fabrics. They also get softer with time. Sheets with a sateen finish usually feel the softest. Thread, not thread count: A high thread count doesn’t necessarily mean the cotton used is good quality. Cotton type is a better indicator. The best bets are Pima, long-staple Egyptian, and Supima. Temperature matters: Whether you sleep on a foam mattress that retains heat or you are prone to night sweats, cotton sheets will keep you cooler because they’re naturally moisture-wicking. However, if your cotton sheets aren’t keeping you dry, try sheets with a cotton blended with Lyocell, an eco-friendly fiber that’s known to absorb moisture (one example is IKEA’s NATTJASMIN collection). Change your sheets weekly: Dirty sheets can feel yucky. Changing them every seven days is a must for comfort. The rest of your bedding should be cleaned every two to three months.
Wrinkles can be prevented: If you hate wrinkled sheets, don’t let them get creased in the first place. Putting them on while they’re still hot from the dryer should solve the problem. Crinkled bedding can be beautiful: Stores like West Elm and Restoration Hardware sell purposely crinkled bedding, which can add texture to a bedroom. Using this bedding will also help to mask any wrinkles created in the wash.
Opt for individual blankets and sheet sets instead. You can throw a large quilt or duvet over the top to cover the separate bedding when you make your bed in the morning. Consider layering instead. First, add a top sheet to the mix, so it’s in between you and the duvet. Just remember to tuck the sheet in, so it doesn’t slip around while you sleep. Next, keep an extra blanket at the end of your bed, folding it neatly in half so it is easy to unfurl if you get cold.
Wash pillowcases every week.Keep all of your pillows protected with dust mite covers that you wash every few weeks. Pillowcases go over the dust mite covers.Wash pillows every two months. If you have decorative pillows that can’t be washed, ditch them.Consider replacing your regularly cleaned pillows every three years.
