Organic cotton sheets are your precious, soft, and comfortable companions for a good night's sleep. When sheets are GOTS-certified, they are softer than regular cotton. And when they are handled properly, these sheets will get softer overtime, giving you safe, toxic-free slumbers for many years.
Read on and learn more about washing tips and tricks to keep your durable organic sheets snuggle-worthy for a long time.
Here's the article's overview:
- - What makes your organic cotton sheets special?
- Why choose GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets? - - Tips to wash organic cotton sheets with care.
- Washing tips for keeping your organic sheets in top condition
 - Hot, warm, or cold water? Which does better washing?
 - The detergent you use makes a difference.
 - What speed to choose for your spin cycle?
 - Use dryer balls for the win.
 - Is fabric conditioner good for your organic cotton sheets?
 - Drying your organic cotton sheets with care. - - How about your organic cotton bedding?
What makes your organic cotton sheets special?
If you spend one-third of your life in bed, what kind of bed linens do you want to touch your skin as you sleep? You will prefer soft, comfortable, easy-to-wash, long-lasting fabrics.
Organic cotton sheets offer more than that. They are:
Naturally hypoallergenic.
Organic cotton sheets are manufactured with natural dyes and are free of harsh chemicals. So they do not trigger allergic reactions. Plus, they are carefully packed and stored to reduce contamination.
It is softer than regular cotton.
What makes them softer than regular cotton? Because your organic cotton sheets have longer fibers. Regular cotton is treated with harsh chemicals that make its fibers shorter.
Highly breathable.
Organic cotton sheets absorb body moisture and expel body heat well. So it keeps your skin dry and comfortable.
Easy to wash.
Washing organic cotton sheets is simple and does not usually need ironing. Check the cleaning instructions label for longer-lasting organic cotton linens.
Beneficial for you and the environment.
Organic cotton is better than regular cotton because it is free from toxins and is produced in eco-friendly farms and factories. You are assured that no one is harmed in producing your soft and warm organic cotton sheets, especially if certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Your organic cotton sheets are made of naturally luxurious fabrics. They get softer and softer with proper care the more you use them. Plus, they are free of harsh chemicals and will safely keep your family healthy. You will enjoy more rejuvenating slumbers with organic cotton sheets than with regular cotton linens.
Why choose GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets?
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) organic cotton sheets are the best organic sheets in the world market. Below are the benefits when you choose GOTS-certified bed sheets and linens:
Guaranteed quality.
GOTS was founded by four organizations, namely:
- - International Association Natural Textile Industry (IVN) of Germany
- -Â Japan Organic Cotton Association (JOCA) of Japan
- -Â Organic Trade Association (OTA) of the USA
- -Â Soil Association (SA) of the United KingdomÂ
The four organizations, through a legal entity under German law, "Global Standard gemeinnützige GmbH" (Global Standard non-profit limited liability company), actively set, implement, and grant certification for checking that all supply chains are up to global organic standards.:
Truly organic.
GOTS seal means that all raw materials, farming methods, and production processes are organic. A textile product has a minimum of 70% organic fibers to be labeled organic.
Eco-friendly.
All certified products are produced eco-friendly, which means they are toxic-free and replenish the environment's nourishment. No genetically-modified animals are used at any point in the production of the GOTS-certified product.
Socially ethical.
Laborers involved in the production of GOTS-certified products work in safe, fair, and humane conditions.
Tips to wash organic cotton sheets with care.
Taking good care of your sheets is worth it. They love you back with their luxurious irresistible softness so your family will have peaceful, healthy sleep for years to come.
What to do first? Here are tips to wash organic cotton sheets with care:
Best tips for washing your organic sheets
What should you do with your newly bought organic cotton sheets?
Organic cotton sheets are not pre-shrunk. Conventional cotton sheets are pre-shrunk with chemicals and will fit your bed perfectly without washing. So, it is okay if you notice your sheets may be loose for your bed. Confidently give them their first wash with these tips:
Sort and separate your organic cotton linens.
First, separate your sheets from other items in your laundry.
The purpose is to avoid abrasion from other items with chemical dyes and other toxic chemicals.
Next, sort your sheets by colors.
Organic sheets are mostly treated with natural dye. Chemical fixatives are not used so the colors may bleed. Separate the light-colored ones from the dark-colored ones and wash them accordingly.
Hot, warm, or cold water? Which does better washing?
Opt for a cold wash. Cold water is more suitable for organic cotton because it is gentler. The natural cotton fibers need to be kept intact as long as possible. Their long strands are what makes them soft to the touch. Keep it at a low temperature from 86 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
A water temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit is enough to kill bacteria. Higher temperatures will harm the natural fibers and shrink the linens.
The detergent you use makes a difference.
Your organic sheets are toxin-free. So, it is best to use a mild natural laundry detergent. There are detergents in the market with plant-based formulas. They can wash away stains without discoloring or damaging your precious sheets.
You can even make your natural laundry detergent. It is a healthy and budget-friendly option. Here's a popular and tested recipe from Boots & Hooves Homestead you can try:
Ingredients:
- - ½ cup Epsom Salt
- - 1 ½ cups Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- - 1 ½ cups Sodium Carbonate (soda ash or washing soda)
- - ¼ cup sea salt
- -Â 20-25 drops of Essential Oils (optional)Â
Mix all ingredients and store in a dry glass jar with a lid. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per load.
What speed to choose for your spin cycle?
When you can choose your spin cycle speed, choose the slowest for your sheets. Faster speed may be faster and dryer, but it may cause more wear and tear on your linens.
Use dryer balls for the win.
Dryer balls are optional, but they help separate fabrics while in the dryer. There will be less twisting and wringing with the balls tumbling along your sheets. So, it will be gentler and more beneficial for your linens in the long run.
Is fabric softener good for your organic cotton sheets?
Yes, if it is natural and mild. Your kitchen pantry has the best natural fabric softener for organic sheets.
Adding half a cup of distilled white vinegar in the washing or rinse cycle can soften your sheets. Here is another natural fabric softener formula you can try:
- -Â 2 parts warm water
- -Â 1 part baking soda
- -Â 1 part distilled white vinegar.
- -Â Few drops of essential oils (optional)Â
Dissolve baking soda in water. Then, add vinegar. Add essential oils if desired. Use ¼ cup per a load of laundry.
Drying your organic cotton sheets with care.
Try to air dry and sundry your sheets on an outdoor clothesline or drying rack.
The ultraviolet rays will help kill bacteria. You will notice the clean scent and less creasing that outside drying gives.
Prolonged sun exposure will cause significant fading to colored fabrics so take them in as soon as they dry.
When air drying is not possible:
Tumble dry your organic sheets. Turn on your machine at the lowest temperature possible because high heat can damage and shrink your linens.
Keep your sheets from creasing by removing them immediately from the washing machine.
Shake your sheets after washing and before you put them into the dryer. It will help lessen the creases and wrinkles.
How about your organic cotton bedding?
Your organic cotton duvet cover, pillowcases, and flat sheets are made of similar materials as your organic sheets. Give the same care in washing and drying them.
Follow the care instruction label and the tips above. To sum up the tips, check the list below:
- -Â Separate them from other laundry items that may have toxic chemicals and dyes.
- -Â Sort according to colors to keep their original look and feel.
- -Â Opt for a cold wash. Keep your temperatures at 86 degrees to 104 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
- -Â Use mild natural detergent and fabric conditioner.
- -Â Air or sun dry when possible.
- -Â Tumble dry at the lowest setting.Â
Weekly washing is ideal for your sheets and bedding. For stains, keep them away by spot cleaning as soon as possible.
CONCLUSION
Organic cotton sheets get softer and softer as you wash and use them. With proper care, you can be confident that they will feel more comfortable through the years.
Taking the time to wash them with care is worth it. You will enjoy all the benefits of softness, comfort, safety, and durability of organic cotton sheets for a long time.