10:43 16-11-2025

Best Washing Temperatures to Keep Your Bedding Fresh

Generated by Dall-e

Learn the best washing temperatures for cotton, linen, silk, terry and colored bedding. Simple fabric-specific tips help keep your bedding soft, bright and comfortable.

Even freshly washed bedding can lose its softness, color or shape if the wrong wash cycle is used. To keep each set looking and feeling its best, the right temperature makes all the difference. Here’s a clear guide to the ideal settings for the most common fabrics.

Cotton and Similar Materials

For cotton, calico, sateen, percale and poplin, a temperature of about 40°C works well. It’s a standard setting that’s gentle enough for the fibers while still practical for everyday washing.

White Cotton and Linen Sets

White bedding made of cotton or linen can be washed at 60°C or even 90°C. Higher temperatures help remove stubborn dirt but can leave the fabric feeling stiffer. A simple rinse with salt can restore softness — an easy method that brings the material back to a pleasant texture.

Colored Bedding

Colorful sets do best at around 30°C. Turning pillowcases and duvet covers inside out helps protect the shades and prevents fading. This small step is straightforward and keeps the fabrics bright for longer.

Terry Bedding

For terry towels and bedding, the temperature shouldn’t exceed 40°C. Fabric softeners are better avoided, as they can weigh down the fibers and reduce the material’s natural fluffiness.

Silk

Silk bedding needs especially delicate care. The wash temperature should stay below 30°C, and liquid detergents for delicates are the best choice. If the fabric includes embroidery, using a laundry bag helps keep it safe during the cycle.

The Core Principle

A simple guideline covers most needs: cotton and similar fabrics around 40°C, colored bedding in cool water, terry cloth at a moderate setting, silk handled gently, and white cotton or linen at higher temperatures with an optional salt rinse to soften the fibers.

Following these recommendations helps bedding stay soft, vibrant and comfortable for many nights of restful sleep.