March 2025
To ensure that your fitted sheets or mattress protectors stay looking good for a long time, we have worked with our textile experts and the internet to compile some information on the best way to care for our products and bed textiles in general.
In a nutshell
The statements and recommendations are all very similar overall, so we have summarised them briefly for you here. You will find a more detailed explanation below.
• Wash before first use.
• Fitted sheets and bed linen should be washed every one to two weeks.
• Protective covers, as a layer under the bed sheets, should be cleaned every 10-12 weeks.
The first wash, even before first use
First and foremost, it is simply more hygienic to wash new textiles before using them for the first time. This first wash at home is the final step to achieving the perfect fit.
Our products achieve their perfect fit through the one-time shrinkage typical of knitted textiles. We have carefully factored this shrinkage into our designs. In addition, the wash cycle removes excess dye from the fabric, giving you an optimal, even surface.
How often should I wash
fitted sheets and mattress protectors?
The frequency with which fitted sheets, mattress protectors and bed linen should be washed depends on various factors, including personal preferences, allergies and lifestyle, but also the season. For example, people sweat more in summer and therefore release more moisture into their bedding.
It is generally recommended that fitted sheets be washed every one to two weeks to ensure hygiene and health. Mattress protectors should be washed every 10-12 weeks for hygienic reasons in order to maintain their protective function. Washing helps to remove sweat and skin flakes, as well as mites and bacteria that can accumulate over time.
People with allergies or asthma may need to wash their bedding weekly, including protective covers, to minimise allergenic particles such as dust mites or their faeces. More frequent washing is also recommended for people who sweat a lot or after an illness.
Mattress covers, pillows and duvets should also be cleaned regularly. However, the general opinion here is that cleaning them once a year is sufficient – unless you suffer from allergies or are one of those people who sweat more heavily. Otherwise, these products could be damaged in the long run. Be sure to follow the care labels. Often, only professional cleaning is recommended here.
Washing temperature
As a general rule, always check the care label first, as depending on the material composition, excessively high temperatures can damage the product.
Our Formesse fitted sheets and protective covers can be washed at temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius. However, modern washing machines are now so good that a wash cycle at 40 degrees Celsius is usually sufficient. This is easy on your wallet (electricity) and the environment.
The prerequisite is that the washing machine is cleaned regularly in accordance with the manufacturer's hygiene instructions so that no bacteria or germs settle in the machine (e.g. run a ‘boil wash’ without laundry every 6 or 12 months).
If you want to be sure that all bacteria and mites are killed during the wash cycle, we recommend a 60-degree wash cycle.
💡 Formesse Tip:
Each of our products has a sewn-in care label with detailed washing instructions, including recommendations regarding the maximum temperature and type of wash cycle.
Other tips for sustainable washing
Overall, washing bed linen regularly not only contributes to hygiene, but also improves sleeping comfort and general health.
Nevertheless, we should not neglect the protection of our environment.
• Load the washing machine as full as possible.
• Use modular systems or compact detergents.
• Do not use too much detergent. This will not improve the washing results.
• Pre-treat stains (e.g. with gall soap).
• Only use biodegradable (or no) fabric softener.
• Avoid using the tumble dryer and air dry instead.
💡 Formesse Tip:
Change the position of the ‘smart corner’ (at the top right on the head side and at the bottom left on the foot side) each time you make the bed. This ensures that the bed sheet is used evenly.