Have you ever wondered what causes your favorite linens to wrinkles or how to keep them from wrinkling? Well before I answer that question, I need to answer a question we get asked a lot, why do you call your sheets linens if they are made of cotton and not flax? 

Linen fabric from the flax plant is used in many products such as bedding, table cloths and linen clothes. Traditionally, bedding was made from linen woven with flax fibers. However, over time as more fibers became available to use in the production of sheets, duvets cover and pillowcases the term has come to refer more generally to any type of bedding. You will often hear people use the term bed linens or table linens as a generic term for all of those products regardless of the fiber it is made with. In order to determine what fiber bedding is made with you can check the sewn in label that is required by the US government to be sewn into all textile products. In fact, more bedding today is made with cotton than flax.

How you take care of your flat sheets, fitted sheets and pillowcases will affect their longevity and improve their appearance and yes minimize wrinkles for a smoother finish. Read on for some tips and hacks.

To begin, I would like to point out that as bed sheets are used, their fibers become more relaxed and they are less prone to wrinkling. There will be less crumples on linens used on your bed. 

Cotton comes from a plant that is made of cellulose which contains hydrogen, an ingredient in water. Hydrogen particles form a bond in the fiber which is spun into yarn and woven into fabric. Heat from hot water, hot air or body heat weakens these bonds. Different fibers weaken at different points. Natural fibers such as cotton, hemp or flax require less heat to break the bonds than manmade fibers, such as polyester or nylon, which means they have the possibility of creasing more easily. Water causes cotton fibers to swell and soften making it easier for the fiber to move and change shape. As the fabric dries and cools, fibers become intertwined with other fibers and the chemical bonds reform and give rise to the wrinkles.

First, we suggest you wash your sheets before your first use to soften them even more than they are when they arrive. Washing your sheets regularly every week in the washing machine is not only good for hygiene but it helps remove stubborn creases.

Think cool and loose: First take the bedding out of the laundry basket. Then wash your sheets with water and a mild liquid detergent. You’ll save energy and according to Consumer Reports, today’s detergents clean well in cooler water temperatures. This also helps to avoid pilling and fabric damage. Don’t use too much detergent as if it is not rinsed properly, it will coat the linens with a residue which can cause bedding to look dingy when it mixes with body oils and dead skin cells. Don’t cram your sheets into the washer (one set at a time if possible). Give them enough room to circulate and agitate freely. This will reduce wrinkling and prevent tearing and properly clean them. Use fabric softener according to package directions to reduce wrinkles as well although we prefer more natural softeners like vinegar or baking soda.

Our ancestors did laundry by hand using common household products. Here are some old-time and gentle tips you might like to try.

1. Baking soda brightens, deodorizes and softens linens. Soak them for 30 minutes in a tub of water mixed with a 1/2 cup of baking soda before you start the wash cycle.
2. White vinegar is a fabric softener. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup during the rinse cycle but do get the timing right or your sheets might smell like pickles.

Shake but Don’t Bake: Before you put your wet sheets in the dryer shake them out to loosen them up. Don’t cram the dryer—the linens need ample room to tumble, toss and frolic in the warmth. Preferably one set of sheets at a time in the dryer to avoid fabric stretch. Use low heat, USA made dryer balls, and dry for the shortest amount of time possible. When the sheets are slightly damp take them out and  fold them on a flat surface. Over drying can enhance wrinkles.

Additional Tips you can use for stubborn wrinkles

1. Ice Cubes and Damp Socks or a Damp Towel: If the sheets seem wrinkled once dried, try tumbling them a bit longer with ice cubes, damp socks or a damp towel to steam out wrinkles. The moisture from the socks or towel will help to relax the wrinkles as the sheets tumble in the dryer.
2. Stay Awake Watching TV: If like me, you do laundry at night while watching TV, don’t fall asleep before the end of the dryer cycle. Get off that comfy couch to fold or hang the sheets as soon as they are dry. Don’t leave your sheets to cool and settle in the dryer or they could form deep creases.
3. Head ‘em to Bed: Instead, pull them out as soon as they’re finished drying and while they’re still nice and warm. Shake them, immediately put them on your bed and the dampness will evaporate in no time. Making the bed with sheets right out of the dryer will tame the wrinkles. (And you can jump right in to savor the freshness.)

If you like to iron, like I do, with the right techniques it can be quick and efficient and yes, satisfying. Your bed will rival the look of a 5-star hotel. Ironing of linens can actually make them feel softer if they are new or have been sitting in a closet for a bit. The easiest way to deal with wrinkles and stubborn creases is to start small. Just iron the wide top hem of the flat sheet and pillowcases as they are the main items that show. That will make a big difference. Your blanket or comforter will do a good job of hiding wrinkles on the rest of the sheets. If you want to iron the full set, put on some music and follow these instructions:

1. A good steam iron with adjustable heat setting is worth the money so do your research.
2. A wider ironing board with a larger surface in a convenient space, will make it easier to remove creases.
3. Be sure to check the sewn in label in your sheets for any instructions on the heat setting. A great place to start is the cotton setting if your iron has one.
4. Begin by ironing them while they are still a little damp as if they are tangled and smooshed from the dryer it is more difficult. 
5. For large sheets you may try folding them in half and move systematically around the sheet, section by section.
6. When ironing the fitted sheet, avoid the elastic portions.
7. For stubborn creases, you can fill a spray water bottle and use a light mist of water to rewet the crease or use the steam or spray function on your iron. Spray starch is another of my favorite alternatives. See how to make your own spray starch here
8. After ironing make the bed right away so new creases don’t have a chance to set in