Every time I come to wash my sheets; I’m faced with a dilemma. What would happen if I washed my sheets with my clothes? Could I save time by doing this or would it be a disaster?
I did some research and contacted a few brands of sheets to see if they recommended washing sheets with clothes. The results were mixed, with some brands saying it was fine and others saying it wasn’t a good idea.
So, I decided to put it to the test myself and want to share my findings with you.
Can You Wash Sheets with Clothes?
Technically both sheets and clothes can be washed together in the same load, as long as the washing machine has the capacity. However, you should keep in mind just because you can wash them together, doesn’t mean you should.
Although the first couple of attempts didn’t get the bed sheets as clean as washing them alone, nothing out of the ordinary happened. My washing machine didn’t break and my clothes and sheets came out looking fine.
And after a few more attempts at washing sheets with clothes, I was able to find the right combination of settings on my washing machine to get both my sheets and clothes clean without any problems.
I also found that by washing sheets with clothes, I was able to save time since I didn’t have to wash them separately.
Reasons to Wash Clothes and Sheets Together
Now that we know it’s possible to wash clothes and sheets together, let’s take a look at some reasons why you might want to do this.
Saves Time: As I mentioned above, one of the biggest benefits of washing sheets with clothes is that it saves time. If you’re short on time or just want to be more efficient with your laundry, washing sheets with clothes is a great way to do it.
Gets Everything Clean: Another benefit of washing sheets with clothes is that it can actually help to get everything cleaner. This is because the agitation from the washing machine helps to loosen any dirt or grime that might be clinging to your sheets or clothes.
Reduces Energy Usage: Washing sheets and clothes together can also help to reduce your energy usage. This is because you’re only running the washing machine once instead of twice if you were to wash them separately.
Reasons Not to Wash Clothes and Sheets Together
Of course, there are also some reasons why you might not want to wash clothes and sheets together. Let’s take a look at a few of those now.
Washing Machine Capacity: One of the main reasons why you might not want to wash clothes and sheets together is that your washing machine might not have the capacity to do so. If your washing machine is on the small side, it’s probably best to stick to washing one or the other. Trying to wash both at the same time could damage your machine as well as your laundry.
Washing Machine Type: Another reason to consider before washing clothes and sheets together is the type of washing machine you have. I tested out a top-loader several times and always ended up with a tangled mess of clothes and sheets. This didn’t happen with my front loader, however. If you have a top loader, you might want to think twice about washing clothes and sheets together.
Incompatible Washing Requirements: Another reason why you might not want to wash clothes and sheets together is that they might have incompatible washing requirements. For example, if your sheets need to be washed on a delicate cycle but your clothes can handle a normal cycle, it’s probably best to wash them separately.
Color Bleeding: One final reason why you might not want to wash clothes and sheets together is that there’s a risk of color bleeding. The dye used in clothing is known to bleed and can cause awkward or embarrassing-looking stains on your sheets. So, if your sheets are lighter in color than your clothes, you’re better off washing them separately.
Ideal Washing Machine Settings for Washing Clothes and Sheets Together
After considering all of the factors above, you might be wondering what the ideal washing machine settings are for washing clothes and sheets together.
The answer to this question really depends on a few different things, such as the type and size of your washing machine, the types of clothes and sheets you’re trying to wash together, and your personal preferences.
In my testing, I found that the best way to wash clothes and sheets together is to use a gentle cycle with cool water. This produced the best results as far as cleanliness and keeping the sheets and clothing from becoming a tangled mess.
Stronger washing settings always resulted in not-so-clean sheets and a big clump of fabric that tumbled awkwardly around in the washing machine. So, if you’re going to wash clothes and sheets together, make sure to use a gentle cycle with cool water for the best results.
Conclusion
Washing clothes and sheets together is possible as long as your washing machine can handle the load. I found there to be several benefits to washing them together, such as saving time and reducing energy usage. However, there are also some drawbacks, such as the potential for color bleeding and the possibility your sheets won’t come out as clean as your clothes.
If you do decide to wash clothes and sheets together, make sure to use a gentle cycle with cool water for the best results. And, as always, be sure to read the care labels on your clothing and sheets before washing them together.