Buzz
Few things compare to the comfort of slipping into bed with fresh, clean sheets. However, if you’re accustomed to well-worn cotton, jersey, bamboo, or microfiber sheets, new ones—especially percale, linen, or premium cotton—might feel stiff even after multiple washes.
This isn’t just about adding fabric softener to magically make your sheets feel cozy and worn-in. Instead, it involves experimenting with different washing and drying techniques. Here’s what you need to know.
Why do sheets become stiff and scratchy?
Several factors can cause your sheets to feel stiff or scratchy, with some being easier to address than others. Below are the most frequent reasons your sheets might feel rough:
New sheets, regardless of material, often have a chemical coating to maintain a crisp, stiff appearance for packaging appeal.
Older sheets may feel rough due to improper washing or drying techniques.
Sheets stored for extended periods can dry out and develop a rough texture.
Lower-quality sheets may remain scratchy even after multiple washes.
Polyester or nylon sheets can develop pilling (tiny balls) over time.
If you’re accustomed to softer synthetic sheets, 100% cotton sheets, especially percale, might feel rougher by comparison.
Using more detergent or fabric softener than recommended by the manufacturer can contribute to roughness.
Overloading the washer can prevent detergent from rinsing out completely.
How to make rough, scratchy sheets soft
Eager to soften your sheets? Here are some effective methods to try:
Remove pilling with a fabric shaver
If your sheets have developed pilling, the first step is to remove those pesky little balls. A fabric shaver works well if you own one, but a disposable or flat razor can also do the job. Gently shave the sheets as you would your skin, ensuring you don’t damage the fabric.
Once you’ve finished shaving, use a lint roller or tape to pick up any remaining debris. If the sheets still aren’t soft enough, you can proceed with one of the following methods.
Washing methods to soften sheets
Remove chemicals from new sheets
Speed up the softening process for new sheets by eliminating packaging chemicals. Wash the sheets using warm or cool water (avoid hot settings) and add one cup of baking soda as the washer fills with water—no other products needed.
Ensure the machine is set to a cold-water rinse cycle, and add one cup of white vinegar during the final rinse. After the cycle completes, leave the sheets in the machine and wash them again using half the usual amount of detergent.
Use baking soda and vinegar for overall softening
Replace detergent with one cup of baking soda and ½ cup of vinegar, running a full cycle starting with hot water and switching to cold during the rinse.
Incorporate vinegar into the wash cycle
Along with your usual detergent, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. The vinegar will soften and refresh your sheets.
Soak sheets in Epsom salt
Occasionally—especially when your sheets feel rough—bypass the washing machine and soak them in a bath. Fill your tub with cold water, add roughly 1/3 cup of Epsom salt, and stir until the salt dissolves completely. (Use a wooden spoon to avoid dipping your hands in the cold water).
Let the sheets soak overnight, then rinse them thoroughly the next day. Dry them on a clothesline if possible, or use one of the dryer methods listed below.
If Epsom salt isn’t available or preferred, you can replace it with six tablespoons of borax or two handfuls of table salt, following the same steps as above.
Drying methods to soften sheets
Air-dry on a clothesline
After using one of the washing techniques, air-dry your sheets on a clothesline if possible. This method softens the fibers more effectively than using a dryer.
Opt for dryer balls
Avoid dryer sheets and switch to dryer balls (typically made of wool, plastic, or rubber). These help fluff and soften your sheets.
Dry using a low-heat setting
Using the highest dryer temperature might speed up drying, but it can leave your sheets feeling rough. Instead, choose the lowest heat setting that fits your schedule. Lower heat drying brings you closer to the softness of line-dried sheets, especially when combined with dryer balls.
