To Iron - or Not to Iron! - Your Sheets
I often am asked by people if they're supposed to be ironing their sheets. They see that we also sell some "no iron" and "wrinkle free" sheets and this naturally leads to the above question. The answer will depend on your personal needs and preferences. There are those that like the way ironed sheets look and feel. Some people might be in a business, for example a bed and breakfast, where they must have pressed sheets. Other people may not have an opinion one way or another. And still others just don't have time to iron their sheets.
Most sheets are manufactured from natural fibers, for example cotton, silk and bamboo. (At this point some people look at me and say, "Really? Bamboo?" But I'll leave that for another article.) Since most sheets are created from these natural fibers they will naturally wrinkle. So if you are among those who either prefer or must have that smooth and crisp look, then ironing is probably right method for you. Maybe you could skip ironing and opt for some light steam instead. Either way you'll get the wrinkles out.
If you are like some people you probably hate to iron. You really want that smooth and crisp look, but you're not willing to, or don't have the time to iron your sheets. That's OK. There are a couple of tricks that can be used to get almost the same effect. Trick number one is to throw them in the wash. Then, before you put them in the dryer shake them firmly and get out as many wrinkles as you can. Toss them in the dryer on the proper setting for the fabric. Be sure to pull them out of the dryer immediately while they are still hot and slightly damp. Get them on the bed and smooth them with your hand, and they will look pretty darn crisp and smooth! Allow them to completely dry and then you can make up the bed.
Trick number two is to lay them out on the bed and use a steamer on them, smoothing them with your hand as you go. The only thing here is that the steam will leave the sheets slightly damp. Because of this, be sure to give them time to air and completely dry out before you finish making up the bed. If you live in a very warm and dry climate this might not be an issue. You might find that they are dry right away.
If the steps laid out so far are too much work, then making up the bed with wrinkled sheets is not a crime. It's true that if you just pull them tight while doing up the bed, some of those wrinkles will come out. If while you make the bed you are exposing just the top strip of the sheet (for example you fold it over the blanket and leave it showing) then truly your only concern is that small strip that's showing. Take just a moment and smooth it out, or iron/steam that small bit that shows. I've not heard anyone comment on the state of sheets as they get into bed at night, "Boy would you look at how wrinkled these sheets are." Mostly people are worried just that they are clean.
If smooth sheets are of critical importance, then you might consider saving up for some wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant sheets. No sheet will be completely wrinkle free, in spite of what the label says. But these types of sheets are made so that they have a minimum of wrinkle issues. This alone takes the pain out of the entire process.
Most sheets are manufactured from natural fibers, for example cotton, silk and bamboo. (At this point some people look at me and say, "Really? Bamboo?" But I'll leave that for another article.) Since most sheets are created from these natural fibers they will naturally wrinkle. So if you are among those who either prefer or must have that smooth and crisp look, then ironing is probably right method for you. Maybe you could skip ironing and opt for some light steam instead. Either way you'll get the wrinkles out.
If you are like some people you probably hate to iron. You really want that smooth and crisp look, but you're not willing to, or don't have the time to iron your sheets. That's OK. There are a couple of tricks that can be used to get almost the same effect. Trick number one is to throw them in the wash. Then, before you put them in the dryer shake them firmly and get out as many wrinkles as you can. Toss them in the dryer on the proper setting for the fabric. Be sure to pull them out of the dryer immediately while they are still hot and slightly damp. Get them on the bed and smooth them with your hand, and they will look pretty darn crisp and smooth! Allow them to completely dry and then you can make up the bed.
Trick number two is to lay them out on the bed and use a steamer on them, smoothing them with your hand as you go. The only thing here is that the steam will leave the sheets slightly damp. Because of this, be sure to give them time to air and completely dry out before you finish making up the bed. If you live in a very warm and dry climate this might not be an issue. You might find that they are dry right away.
If the steps laid out so far are too much work, then making up the bed with wrinkled sheets is not a crime. It's true that if you just pull them tight while doing up the bed, some of those wrinkles will come out. If while you make the bed you are exposing just the top strip of the sheet (for example you fold it over the blanket and leave it showing) then truly your only concern is that small strip that's showing. Take just a moment and smooth it out, or iron/steam that small bit that shows. I've not heard anyone comment on the state of sheets as they get into bed at night, "Boy would you look at how wrinkled these sheets are." Mostly people are worried just that they are clean.
If smooth sheets are of critical importance, then you might consider saving up for some wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant sheets. No sheet will be completely wrinkle free, in spite of what the label says. But these types of sheets are made so that they have a minimum of wrinkle issues. This alone takes the pain out of the entire process.
About the Author:
Norita Sieffert travels the world looking for clever tips and helpful hints on many subjects. She has gleaned knowledge on many topics such as sheet ironing (or not ironing). To read more interesting facts, visit her articles page. To browse her outstanding selection of sheet sets visit her online home dcor store.