How to Care for Organic Cotton Sheets (and Keep Them Soft!)

Switching to organic cotton sheets is an investment in your health and comfort — but how you care for them matters just as much as choosing them.

As a sleep psychologist, I remove barriers to getting adequate and restorative sleep. In addition to the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges that can impact sleep, I always consider how the environment — the sleep space — impacts rest.

An inviting bed can help reinforce positive sleep associations, making it easier to relax and unwind at night.

Here are my tips (as a bedding expert) on caring for your bedding.

1. Wash with care

Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. (Harsh chemicals can degrade natural fibers and irritate skin.)
Wash on cold or warm (not hot!) to preserve softness and prevent shrinking.
Avoid bleach and fabric softeners, which can coat fibers and reduce breathability.

2. Line dry or tumble dry low

Air drying keeps fibers stronger for longer. If using a dryer, opt for a low-heat setting and remove promptly to prevent wrinkles.

3. Iron(y)

The great ironing debate and a debacle: hotel sheets feel particularly great because they’ve been properly laundered and pressed. If you want to create that vibe, ironing is necessary.

On the other hand, if you want to relax and bring greater ease to your life, remove ironing from your to-do list. Personally, I skip ironing and opt for a casual, lived-in look.

4. Skip harsh chemicals

Many “wrinkle-free” or “easy care” treatments use resins and other toxic chemicals that can impact your skin and breathing. Avoid these toxins and embrace having a few natural wrinkles — they’re part of the organic charm!

5. Store thoughtfully

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bins that can trap moisture and encourage mildew. Your sheets need to be able to breathe, even when they’re not on the bed!