Wash the bed linen in cool or lukewarm water that's less than 104 degrees F, theres no need for hot water. Avoid washing cotton bed linens with other fabrics like polyester, to prevent pilling (formation of tiny balls of matter particles of fibre on the surface). Set wash cycle on gentle, use the extra rinse cycle if available in order to remove any detergent residue. Use less detergent than usual. In fact, you need only about one half the amount recommended by the detergent label. Avoid using bleach since it breaks down fabric fibers.

Leave the sheets in the dryer just until dry. Avoid over drying (its the quickest way to shorten the life of your bed linen). Remove sheets from the dryer promptly and fold immediately. Hand press to remove excess wrinkles. If sheets have cooled in the dryer and wrinkles have set, toss in a dampened cloth and dry for 5-10 minutes longer. For a neat-looking bed, iron the top section of you flat sheets. They'll be crisp when you turn them over the top of the blanket. If you find pillow cases that you particularly love, buy a few extra. Pillow cases wear out more quickly than sheets. Iron pillowcases for fresh, crisp good looks on your bed. Change pillowcases at least twice a week in normal climates, more often in hot and humid regions.

It's a great idea to have three sets of sheets per bed. Use one on the bed, one in storage, and one in the laundry. Rotate the sheets sets you use (vs. the sets you store) frequently so they wear evenly. Change sheets once a week in normal climates, more often in hot and humid regions.

Use a mattress pad between the mattress and bottom sheet. Wash the pad when needed, at least every few months. If you love a particularly expensive pattern, buy just the pillow cases and top sheet in the pattern. Buy the bottom sheets in a coordinating, less expensive solid. When sheets are used as fabric for pillow covers, shams, bed skirts, tablecloths, or curtain panels, avoid washing them as they will lose body and become limp. Dry clean if necessary.