Your Monthly Guide To Caring For Your Bed Sheets (Cotton vs. Bamboo)

With so many different types of bed sheets available on the market today, it can be hard trying to figure out the correct way to care for your sheets, as different materials require different care. 

When it comes to washing your sheets, there are a myriad of questions you might ask yourself. Can bed sheets be washed with clothes? Can you put bed sheets in the washing machine? You might also wonder how often bed sheets should be washed and when to clean bed sheets, among other things. 

Searching online you’ll find all sorts of information, from what temperature to use when washing bed sheets to where to store bed sheets for quality preservation. 

Two of the most popular types of bed sheets are cotton and bamboo, but caring for cotton sheets is completely different than caring for bamboo. 

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about caring for your bedsheets when it comes to cotton vs bamboo. 

Do Different Materials Need To Be Cared For Differently?

Different materials absolutely require different care, and bamboo and cotton are no exception. Bamboo sheets are made from regenerated cellulosic fibers of bamboo plant, a process known as viscose - while cotton sheets are often made entirely of fibers originating from the cotton plant. 

While cotton is generally easier to find—and wash—there are a number of benefits to using bamboo sheets. Here are some of the reasons to consider using bamboo over cotton:

• Bamboo sheets, such as the ones offered by ervét, are often made from 100% organic bamboo, which can be a great option for those that are climate-conscious. 
• Many bamboo sheets are ultra-breathable, meaning that you will never wake up sweaty.
• Ervét’s bamboo sheets are made from sustainable organic bamboo that is never treated with harsh pesticides. Instead, they rely on “bamboo kun,” an anti-microbial bio agent that is naturally found in bamboo plants and repels bacteria, fungi, bugs, and pets, allowing your sheets to arrive fresh and clean.
• Bamboo sheets don’t need to be washed as often as cotton sheets, which can reduce the risks of breakouts in people with sensitive skin. 
• The process of growing bamboo versus growing cotton is much less water-intensive. In fact, bamboo requires one-third of the amount of water to grow than is necessary for cotton. While bamboo uses only 12 gallons of water to produce a pound of fabric, cotton requires over 200 times more, making bamboo the more eco-friendly option.

What Are The Signs That Bed Sheets Need To Be Washed?

The signs that you should wash your bed sheets should, in most cases, be obvious. They will start to smell, and you might notice sweat stains or other markings start to appear. If you often go to bed without showering, you might also start to see specks of dirt and debris. 

If your bedsheets become ridden with bacteria, they can cause acne. This is especially true of cotton sheets, which are woven in such a way to capture sweat and bacteria. On the other hand, bamboo sheets are made to be breathable, thus preventing much of the bacteria growth caused by sweat and reducing the risk of acne and breakouts. Needless to say, those prone to skin problems can benefit more from bamboo sheets.

What’s The Best Way To Dry Sheets?

Cotton sheets should be washed about once a week in warm water, but ervét recommends washing your bamboo sheets once a month at max. For best results, they should be machine-washed on the delicate cycle in cold water. You can either line dry them, or tumble dry them at the low heat setting. In addition, ervét advises against the use of bleach and fabric softeners when washing and drying your bamboo sheets. 

What’s The Best Way To Dry Sheets?

Both bamboo and cotton sheets can be tumble-dried. Cotton sheets can be dried at high heat settings, but bamboo sheets require a lower temperature. If you aren’t in a hurry, you can also air dry them. 

Where Should I Store Bed Sheets?

Bed sheets are best stored in cool, dry places to promote longevity and reduce bacterial growth. Ervét’s bamboo sheets come with a cute, travel-sized laundry tote bag for easy storage. It can also be used as an antimicrobial laundry tote for traveling. 

Conclusion

There are benefits to both cotton and bamboo sheets, but if you’re looking for something breathable, anti-microbial, and that doesn’t require much washing, bamboo is the way to go. Bamboo sheets are better for your skin and provide a silky, smooth sleep experience. Once you switch from cotton to bamboo, you’ll never want to go back!

Ervét offers ultra-cooling, super soft, sustainable, organic bamboo bed sheets, duvets, and more. You can choose between a split-duvet cover or duvet cover no-split that’s made from a sustainable organic bamboo blend. These bedding sets can be a great way to break into bamboo sheets if you’re used to cotton.