For cotton bedding, just like laundry, you should separate your lights and darks. Dark sheets should be washed in cool water, while light and white sheets can handle any temperature. For all else, pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions on the tag. Some bedding may even require dry cleaning.

You can machine wash linen sheets with like colors on a gentle cycle of cool water. Or hand wash the same way—just be sure to rinse all soap away in the end. Avoid hot water and strong detergents to preserve the softness of your linen fibers. Then line dry if possible, or use your dryer on a cool, low tumble dry setting.

Weekly! Especially if you’re sleeping in your bed every night, you should wash sheets once a week according to their care instructions. This includes sheets, pillow cases and a duvet cover. Our best advice? Keep a few sheet sets in rotation to help your bedding last even longer.