The fitted sheet might be the most difficult member of the bedding family. With its elastic sides and rounded edges it takes some practice to learn how to wrangle this trouble maker in the laundry room, on the bed and in the closet.
In the Wash
What’s tricky
Fitted sheets can easily be thrown in the washer and dryer like any other bedding component, but when the door is closed, the chaos begins. Because of their elastic corners and bubble like structure, the fitted sheet can quickly become a black hole sucking the entire contents of the washer or dryer into its cavernous center. The result; a twisted mess of bedding that might not have not been washed, rinsed or dried effectively.
The FIX
There are many solutions that can help prevent the appetite of the fitted sheet during the washing and drying process. One of the most basic steps is to make sure to smooth your fitted sheets out completely before placing them in the washer or dryer. The simple step of assuring the sheet is not doubled in on itself or twisted allows it to move freely within both washer and dryer. If your washer and dryer have bedding cycles, use them! This guarantees the water level, and agitation settings are appropriate for your bedding and can reduce the chance of your fitted sheet getting tangled or twisted.
Using mesh laundry bags for your fitted sheets is another good solution. These are an inexpensive option that ensure that the fitted sheet stays in its lane while being washed and dried. Make sure to buy an appropriately sized bag so the sheet can move freely within the bag- essential if you want your sheets washed and dried completely
Other methods to try:
- Wash/ dry sheets with color safe dryer balls which can help keep fabrics flowing within the drum of your machine
- Using color safe elastic bands to wrap loosely just above the elastic of your fitted sheet can prevent it from ballooning out in the washer and dryer.
On The Bed
What’s tricky
When making the bed, fitted sheets might have you wondering which way is up. The process of outfitting the bed with a fitted sheet can highlight the difficult side of this bedding beast as the elastic corners can cause issues with placement and slippage.
The FIX
In order to make sure your fitted sheet is placed correctly on the mattress, use the sheet’s features to guide you. Traditionally, you can ensure your fitted sheet is placed correctly on the bed by making sure the sheet’s tag is on the bottom left hand corner of the bed. Locate the tag and and slip this corner on first followed by the other bottom corner and finishing with the top corners. If the process of searching for the hidden internal tag sounds archaic, we agree! Our FIX fitted sheets are outfitted with a discreet colorful tag along the center point of the bottom elastic. Align this tag with the bottom center of your mattress and you are good to go.
Slippage is another issue. The quality of your fitted sheet plays a huge part in both this problem and solution. Look for a sheet set that features elastic around the bottom of the entire sheet- not just the corners. This will ensure that the sheet hugs the mattress and stays in place. Deep pockets is another essential. Your fitted sheet’s corners and edges should rest under the mattress on all sides to ensure the fitted sheet keeps its placement throughout the night. These features result in a better made bed and less wrestling with fitted sheets while making the bed or during sleep..
Fold and Store
What’s Tricky
Folding and storing a fitted sheet is little like wrestling cats. With elastic rounded corners, tidy storage can be more than a tiny problem.
The Fix
If you’ve ever been down the rabbit hole of searching up how to fold a fitted sheet, you probably know there are many methods. Our sheet experts road tested the most popular suggestions and have found the method to help you fold a fitted sheet like a pro.
- Place the top half of the short side of the fitted sheet on a flat surface with the elastic sides facing on up and centered. Make sure the elastic corners and edges are smoothed down making a rainbow like arch.
- Now go to the bottom half and place your hands in the outer left and right bottom corners and bring these to the upper half tucking the lower right corner into the top right corner and the lower left corner into the upper left corner. Make sure the edges are fully aligned and corners are nested. This should leave you with an arched top and a straight bottom .
- Next, you will fold the sheet in half from right to left bringing the right side over and tucking it into the left side. Make sure the corners and edges are aligned by placing your hand inside the elastic edge and running it down the border. You should end up with a rectangular shape with the elastic aligned on the top and left side.
- Fold in thirds by bringing the left side to center followed by the right.
- Finish by folding in thirds again starting with the bottom section and ending by folding down the top. Smooth and store!
Sheets don’t have to be complicated. Check out FIX Linen’s full line of products centered around the short term rental host who prioritizes comfort, quality and ease of use.
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Written by: Cary Ballard - Freelance Writer for FIX Linens