Everyday Habits That Ruin Your Sheets (and How to Fix Them)

Let’s be honest—nothing beats the feeling of slipping into a freshly made bed. Bedding sheet that is crisp, the fabric is smooth, and everything smells like comfort. But fast forward a few weeks, and you might notice your once-perfect sheets are looking dull, feel rough, or even have weird stains you can’t explain. It’s not always your detergent or the age of the bedding. A lot of times, it’s you.

That’s right. The everyday things we do—or don’t do—can slowly ruin our bed sheets. But the good news is, once you know better, you can do better.

This guide will walk you through the surprisingly common habits that destroy your sheets and, more importantly, how to fix them without overhauling your entire life. Let’s save your sheets, your sleep, and your sanity.

WASHING WITH HOT WATER

Hot water feels like it should clean better. That’s what we’ve been taught. But when it comes to bed sheets, especially cotton or bamboo fabrics, hot water is actually one of the fastest ways to wear them down. It weakens the fibers and causes premature fading.

What to do instead: Wash in cold or warm water. Use a gentle cycle and avoid overcrowding the machine. Always separate lights and darks.

DRYING ON HIGH HEAT

You’re in a rush, so you crank up the heat. It dries them faster, right? Sure. But it also bakes the life out of the fibers. That heavenly softness? Gone. Elastic corners? Loosened. Color vibrancy? Faded.

Fix it: Tumble dry on low or hang dry when possible. You’ll not only extend the life of your sheets, but you’ll cut down on your energy bill, too.

WORKING, EATING, AND LIVING IN BED

If your bed has become your office, dining table, and Netflix cave, your sheets are under attack. Crumbs, oils, laptop heat, and constant friction wear out the fabric. That pristine, hotel-style feel? It disappears real quick.

Break the habit: Use your bed for rest. Create separate zones in your space for different activities. At the very least, use a top blanket as a buffer.

NOT SHOWERING BEFORE BED

"I’ll shower in the morning." Fair. But you’re taking the day’s sweat, oil, pollution, and bacteria into bed. Multiply that by seven nights, and your sheets are absorbing more than just your dreams.

Fix it: Try a quick rinse or at least wash your hands, face, and feet before bed. It makes a difference.

IGNORING CARE LABELS

It might look like a random tag, but those little symbols are trying to save your sheets. Bleach? Not recommended. Ironing? Maybe. Dry cleaning? Probably not.

Pay attention: Each fabric has its quirks. Cotton can handle a bit more. Linen needs more love. Bamboo hates harsh chemicals. Read the label. Follow it.

USING HARSH DETERGENTS

Some detergents are designed to nuke every bacteria in sight. Great for gym wear. Terrible for bedding. Harsh formulas strip softness, destroy colors, and wear out fibers.

What you need: Go for a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid bleach unless your sheets are 100% white and the label allows it.

LETTING PETS SLEEP IN BED

We know, your furry friend is part of the family. But fur, dander, claws, and drool aren’t sheet-friendly. Even the best fabrics can fray or get stained over time.

What to try: Use a dedicated pet blanket or train your pet to sleep in their own bed. If they must stay, layer a protective throw over your sheets.

NOT ROTATING OR CHANGING SHEETS ENOUGH

You love your favorite set. We get it. But using the same sheets week in, week out? That’s a recipe for fast wear.

Sheet strategy: Own 3–4 sets. Rotate weekly. This gives each set breathing space and reduces long-term damage.

STORING SHEETS IMPROPERLY

Storing damp sheets or stuffing them in crammed closets can invite mildew, musty smells, and wrinkling.

Storage tip: Always store sheets clean, fully dry, and folded in a cool, dry place. Use breathable storage bags or baskets to protect from dust.

IRONING OR STEAMING INCORRECTLY

Ironing on high heat or pressing over buttons and elastic can cause permanent damage.

Iron with care: Use the right temperature setting based on the fabric. If you're steaming, keep the steamer moving and don’t soak the fabric.

CONCLUSION: RESPECT THE SHEET

Sheets are more than fabric. They cradle your rest, catch your thoughts, and reflect your routines. Taking care of them doesn’t require perfection—just a little more attention.

By dropping a few bad habits and picking up some simple fixes, your bed can stay as inviting and luxurious as the day you first fell in love with it.

Sweet dreams start with smarter habits. Now you know what to do.

 Explore LSA Home’s premium bedding collections designed to last longer and feel better. Because your bed deserves more than just a clean sheet—it deserves the right one.