Imagine this: you get into bed after a long day, ready to drift off into a peaceful slumber. But instead of the relaxing, cosy experience you expect, you feel itchy and uncomfortable. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many people experience irritation during sleep due to their sheets, pillows, or blankets. If you’re wondering, “Why are my sheets itchy?” you’ve come to the right place. This article will help you tackle this pesky problem, allowing you to sleep comfortably on soft, non-irritating sheets. So, How to Choose Bedding?
For those seeking relief from itchy bedding, a good place to start is with Yumerest’s cloud-like fluffy duvets. These bedding essentials are ultra-soft and made from high-quality materials that won’t irritate your skin. Switching to a Yumerest duvet could be the key to helping you identify and eliminate whatever’s making your sheets itchy so that you can sleep better.
Why are my Sheets Itchy Before and After Washing?
Waking up to itchy skin can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're not sure why. In many cases, this irritation is caused by your bed sheets. However, soft and cosy, sheets harbour dust mites, allergens, and bacteria that can aggravate sensitive skin and cause an allergic reaction. Here's what to know about bedding before washing and how it may be affecting your skin.
The Problem With Sheets Before Washing
Bed sheets, especially those made of cotton, can trap moisture and become a breeding ground for dust mites. Even organic cotton may cause discomfort for individuals with sensitive skin conditions, such as dermatographia. If you’re allergic to dust mites, washing your sheets regularly can help combat skin irritation and other allergy symptoms.
However, if you wake up with itchy skin, you may want to consider investing in different materials that won’t exacerbate your condition. Not all sheets are created equal, and some may be better for your health than others.
How Your Bed Sheets Affect Your Skin
It’s hard to imagine that something as unassuming as your sheets can be guilty of causing itchy skin, different types of acne, and breakouts. But they can. Here’s how your bedding materials affect your skin.
Allergens
While most sheets, if kept clean, are harmless, the problem is that we often procrastinate when it comes to washing the sheets we sleep on. This means that your soft bed sheet can start hurting your skin over time. We naturally shed dead skin while we sleep. The situation worsens when you factor in the accumulated dust and bacteria.
This dust itself is abrasive and can cause an allergic reaction to your skin. If your skin is allergy-prone or acne-prone, the dust and the dead skin cells on your sheets and pillowcases could worsen your skin’s health. Not only this, but this dust attracts dust mites, and much like their bigger cousins, ticks, these microscopic creatures are not welcome guests in your bed. Investing in the best bed sheets for allergies with excellent hypoallergenic properties is a great idea for individuals with allergies.
Skin Oils Retention
Your sheets must wick away moisture, especially in hot climates. This helps with breathability and comfort. But this can be a double-edged sword. If the sheet is too absorbent, it’ll absorb and retain your skin oils too. This excessive absorption can cause your skin to dry out and become easily irritated, especially if you have oily skin.
It can also lead to your sheets and pillowcases getting soaked with your skin’s oils, which become a hotbed for bacterial growth. Bacterial growth on your bed sheets is undesirable. It can exacerbate or even cause acne breakouts. Sheets that are excessively absorbent or difficult to wash are not ideal for sensitive skin.
Abrasiveness
Your skin doesn’t take well to being scraped as if with sandpaper. Needless to say, you should try to avoid using rough sheets. Choosing ultra-smooth and high-quality sheets is a good rule of thumb to prevent irritation. However, even those sheets that are smooth enough might not be.
Especially for people with sensitive skin, their bedding sheets might unknowingly be causing skin irritation. A low thread count bed sheet might seem smooth, but it can be too rough, especially for those with dry skin, leaving their skin irritated every night.
Why are my Sheets Itchy After Washing?
The primary culprit behind this irritation is often related to the washing process, detergents used, or the fabric's characteristics. Here's a closer look at some of the reasons why your sheets might be causing discomfort.
Detergent Residue
One of the most common reasons for itchy sheets is the presence of residual detergent left behind after washing. Even if you rinse your sheets thoroughly, some detergents can leave a film that irritates the skin. According to a study by the Environmental Working Group, over 70% of laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals that can cause skin irritation.
Fabric Sensitivity
Certain fabrics, such as synthetic blends or rougher textures, can naturally feel itchy on the skin. If your sheets are made from a material to which you're sensitive, or if they've become worn and frayed, they may still irritate even after washing.
Water Quality
Water quality can also play a role in making sheets itchy. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can leave behind a residue that feels rough to the touch. If your water is chlorinated, the chlorine can react with detergents and fabrics, irritating.
Over-Washing
Over-washing sheets can strip away natural oils and softeners, leaving them feeling rough and itchy. While regular washing is essential for hygiene, too much can compromise the fabric's integrity and comfort.
Related Reading
- Are Microfiber Sheets Good for Skin
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What are the Top Bed Sheet Fabrics for Sensitive and Allergic Skin?
For those with sensitive skin, the material of the sheet can make a world of difference. Naturally hypoallergenic fabrics are more breathable and chemical-free than synthetic alternatives, which can trap heat, moisture, and irritants, thereby causing discomfort.
When selecting bed sheets for sensitive skin, consider several key factors that can significantly impact your comfort and skin health.
Material Matters: Natural Fibres are Best
The type of material your bed sheets are made of will play a pivotal role in how they interact with sensitive skin. Natural fibres like:
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Bamboo
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Eucalyptus silk
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Cotton
They are excellent choices due to their breathability and hypoallergenic properties.
Of course, it’s also essential to pick sheets that offer silky elegance; anything too abrasive or rough can become scratchy and cause itchiness. With the above examples, you’ll find they all get softer over time.
The Thread Count Ticker: What is it and Why Does it Matter?
Thread count refers to the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. While a higher thread count is often associated with softer sheets, it’s not necessarily the sole indicator of quality.
For example, once you reach a specific thread count, the level of additional luxury is often indistinguishable; anything over 300 is typically considered to be high quality. If you’re interested in learning more, explore our guide to bedding thread counts.
Breathe Easy: Why Breathability Is Important For Sensitive Skin
Another essential factor to consider when browsing skin-friendly bedding is breathability. This relates to the ease of air circulation, which helps prevent night sweats – it’s vital for sensitive skin, as it can reduce irritation and allergies.
Certifications: Why You Should Care About Them
You should also look out for bedding that has credible certifications like OEKO-TEX. These accreditations are granted after rigorous product testing, ensuring that the bed sheets and bedding are both free from harmful chemicals and produced in accordance with environmentally friendly practices.
Size Matters: How to Choose the Correct Size
It might sound obvious, but selecting the correct size bed sheets is essential for comfort, as ill-fitting sheets can quickly impact sleep quality. To determine the proper size of your sheets, accurately measure the dimensions of your mattress, including the depth, and factor in the thickness of any mattress topper (if applicable).
How to Choose Bed Sheets When You Have Sensitive Skin
Understanding your skin’s unique needs and sensitivities will make choosing the right bedding a breeze, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted and comfortable sleep all night long. Tips for choosing the right bedding for your skin include:
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Identify specific sensitivities or allergies your skin may have. In addition to being crucial for your overall health and well-being, understanding how your skin works will help you eliminate materials that may irritate it.
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If possible, try to obtain samples of the bedding materials you’re considering (to test them on a small area of your sensitive skin) or visit an in-person store to experience each fabric and textile firsthand. This allows you to gauge immediate reactions and rule out specific products on the spot. If you're buying online, be sure to read numerous reviews for each product, looking for those from customers with similar sensitivities.
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In addition to selecting bedding that caters specifically to your sensitivity, it’s also worth considering classic factors such as texture and feel. For example, while some people prefer the crispness of cotton, others enjoy the smoothness of eucalyptus silk.
The Best Sheet Materials for Sensitive Skin
We’ve explored the various material considerations to keep in mind when buying new bedding, but which fabrics are best suited for sensitive skin?
Cotton
One of the great benefits of cotton is its natural breathability and softness, which often gets softer with each wash. With so many varieties to consider, from luxury Egyptian and Pima cotton to affordable Upland, you’re sure to find a textile that offers the texture and qualities that match your personal preferences.
When choosing cotton for sensitive skin, it’s often beneficial to opt for a high-quality weave with a thread count of 200-300 for enhanced breathability. For cotton care, wash your sheets on a mild cycle using a hypoallergenic detergent. This helps maintain the skin-friendly properties of cotton.
Percale
Percale is a type of cotton weave renowned for its crisp texture, exceptional durability, and superb breathability, all of which make it an ideal choice for sleepers with sensitive skin. If you’re planning to go down the percale route, we suggest looking for bedding with a thread count between 200 and 400 for optimal comfort.
Bamboo
Bamboo sheets rank among the most luxurious on the market, boasting benefits such as breathability, temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking properties. Designed to prevent overheating at night, it’s the ideal choice for individuals with sensitive skin prone to irritation.
When choosing bamboo for sensitive skin, look for organic solutions – those free of chemicals will be much better for your skin. And as with cotton, wash on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent to preserve the fabric’s delicate make-up.
Silk
Silk has earned a long-standing reputation as one of the finest-quality fabrics, with its hypoallergenic luxury making it a top choice for individuals with sensitive skin. What’s more, its smooth texture reduces friction, minimising hair- and skin-irritation. Incidentally, the same can also be said for silk’s ethical cousin, eucalyptus silk, which is sourced from its namesake: the eucalyptus plant.
In fact, as well as boasting all the benefits of traditional silk, eucalyptus silk is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its environmentally-conscious and humane manufacturing process; unlike the original, eucalyptus silk doesn’t harm the precious silk worm, while it also requires 95% less water and 30% less energy to produce than cotton.
Why Do Bed Sheets Matter for Sensitive Skin?
It’s crucial to choose the right material and bedding texture if you suffer from sensitive skin. Unsuitable bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers can contribute to discomfort, including everyday irritation, exacerbated allergies, and worsened conditions.
Reduced Irritation
Sleek and soft bed sheet materials, such as:
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Egyptian cotton
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Bamboo
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Eucalyptus silk
Minimise friction, which reduces the risk of skin irritation and rashes.
Temperature Regulation
Opting for a breathable fabric helps prevent nighttime overheating and sweating, allowing you to maintain a comfortable and cosy sleep environment. Natural textiles are generally more temperature-regulating, while synthetics often struggle with breathability.
Hypoallergenic
Naturally occurring materials often possess hypoallergenic properties, which combat dust, mites, and mould, making them suitable for individuals with skin sensitivities. Particularly excellent examples include cotton, bamboo, and eucalyptus silk.
Moisture-wicking
Moisture-wicking properties found in naturally occurring fabrics like bamboo and eucalyptus silk help keep you comfortable all night long. Combined with effective temperature regulation, you can expect healthy and dry skin, even in the height of summer.
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How to Fix Itchy Bed Sheets
Itchy sheets don’t always mean you need to toss them out. Sometimes, laundry detergents can leave a residue on fabric that causes an itchy reaction. You can resolve this issue by washing your sheets with a combination of baking soda and vinegar to remove any built-up chemicals. To use this method:
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Toss your stiff sheets into the washer with 1 cup of baking soda and 1/2 cup of vinegar, and run a single cycle. You’ll want to completely omit your regular detergent this time, as it tends to lock chemicals into the fabric of the sheets.
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For better results, try starting your washer on hot water and then switching to cold as it enters the rinse cycle.
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You may also want to hold off on the vinegar and add it during the rinse cycle to prevent the formation of carbon dioxide from bubbling over (think about those volcano experiments you did in elementary school).
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If you're washing a larger set of sheets (queen or larger), you should clean the bottom sheet and any top sheets separately to ensure there's ample room in your washing machine.
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If they are squashed in, not only can this cause problems for your machine, but the softening process may not be so effective.
Give Your Sheets a Bath
With Epsom salts, that is. You can be on your way to silky sheets without ever having to touch your washing machine thanks to the power of Epsom salts.
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Simply fill a tub with cold water and about 50 grams of Epsom salts, and stir for a few minutes (try using a wooden spoon to protect your hands from the cold).
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You'll want to allow your sheets to soak overnight, and then rinse them thoroughly the next morning. Hang them outside to dry.
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Other ingredients that can be used to bathe your sheets are borax and salt.
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Try filling your laundry tub with cold water and either 6 tablespoons of borax or two handfuls of salt.
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Stir, then allow it to soak overnight before rinsing and hanging to dry the next morning.
Try Turpentine
You may not have thought that turpentine has any place in your laundry room, but this solvent can be a sure-fire way to help soften those sheets. If you add about 1/2 cup of turpentine and then wash your sheets on a regular cycle, your sheets will come out of the machine softer than you ever thought possible.
It is essential to skip the dryer and line-dry your sheets when using turpentine. Turpentine is combustible, and if there's any trace remaining on your sheets before you toss them in the dryer, you could start a fire. Plus, this is another option that isn't particularly environmentally friendly.
Use Fabric Softener
It may be a more obvious tip than using turpentine or borax, but products like fabric softener are designed to make your bedding as silky soft as possible. Simply add the recommended amount of fabric softener to your machine along with your regular detergent when washing. Alternatively, you can use the softener by itself and run your sheets through a wash/dry cycle.
Wash Multiple Times
Here's another suggestion that may not be especially popular, but consider washing your sheets not just once, but twice in a row. After completing a full wash and dry cycle, put the sheets back into the washer and repeat the process.
Yes, it sounds like a lot of work, and it may not be the most environmentally friendly option, but a double wash can do wonders for the softness of your sheets. Generally speaking, good quality sheets will continue to become softer after every wash, dry, and iron cycle. They can then be dried either by machine or outdoors.
Get Deep Sleep Every Night with Our Cloud-like Soft Fluffy Duvets
Yumerest's PureFlow Duvet transforms your bedroom into a luxurious sanctuary, enveloping you in cloud-like softness with its exceptional 5kg filling, which promotes more profound and more restorative sleep. This premium Canadian duvet stands apart from competitors like Happy Fluffy Cloud and Hush through its ethically sourced northern down, which perfectly regulates temperature year-round, never too hot, just perfectly cozy.
Crafted by expert artisans using techniques perfected since 1946, our duvets combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to deliver an unparalleled sleeping experience. The PureFlow bundle, featuring our heavenly duvet, elegant cover, and calming sleep mist, creates a complete sleep sanctuary that helps busy professionals and parents finally achieve the rejuvenating rest they deserve.
Get deep sleep every night with our cloud-like fluffy duvets.
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Best Sheets for Sensitive Skin
