How to Wash Percale Sheets: A Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Percale Bedding

With their cool, crisp feel, percale sheets make for dreamy breathable bedding. However, over time percale can lose its signature smooth finish if not cared for properly. Follow this guide to learn the best practices for washing and drying percale sheets to keep them soft, bright and wrinkle-free.

We’ll cover the impact of water temperature, detergent choices, drying methods and proper storage techniques. With some thoughtful care, your percale sheets will continue looking and feeling luxuriously fresh wash after wash.

What are Percale Sheets?

Percale refers to the weave style of cotton bed sheets. Here’s what distinguishes percale:

• Made from long-staple cotton woven tightly into a flat, plain weave
• Signature smooth, matte finish that feels light and breathable
• Crisp texture that softens over repeated washing
• More durable than sateen but less lustrous
• Perfect for year-round use with great breathability

Understanding percale’s properties helps inform the ideal care.

When to Wash Percale Sheets

Because percale sheets feel crisp and fresh out of the package, they may not seem to need frequent washing. However, regular washing is important for hygiene and to maximize their signature smoothness.

Aim to wash percale sheets every 1-2 weeks. Wash more frequently if sheets become dingy looking, feel stiff or rough, smell or have visible stains. Try to wash bed sheets from separate bedrooms in separate loads to prevent cross-contamination.

Use your judgement – if sheets look or feel dirty, it’s definitely time for a refresh.

Should You Wash Percale Sheets Before Use?

Yes, it’s recommended to wash brand new percale sheets before their first use. Here’s why:

• Removes excess dye that can run
• Eliminates any chemical residuals from manufacturing
• Softens the crisp new fabric feel
• Allows the cotton fibers to fully relax for enhanced softness
• Shrinks fabric so sheets fit better after first wash

Give your new percale sheets a gentle cold rinse before enjoying their smooth comfort against your skin night after night.

How to Wash Percale Sheets

Percale sheets require a more gentle approach to laundering than casual everyday cottons. Here are tips for keeping percale looking and feeling their best:

Read the Care Label

Follow the recommended machine wash cold and tumble dry low guidance on the care label. Using the proper settings maximizes longevity.

Wash in Cold Water

Hot water can damage and yellow the long cotton fibers. Use the coolest water setting. Lukewarm if sheets are very soiled.

Choose a Gentle Detergent

Look for a high-quality liquid detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Powders can leave residue. Avoid scented detergents.

Skip the Fabric Softener

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave a coating that diminishes percale’s signature crispness. They also reduce absorbency.

Use the Delicate Cycle

The delicate or permanent press cycle features a slow, gentle agitation to clean without damaging fibers.

Remove Promptly

Either line dry or put in the dryer immediately after washing to prevent musty smells from setting in.

With a precise, gentle approach to cleaning, percale sheets retain their luxurious feel and sheen.

Drying Percale Sheets

Use this guidance to dry freshly washed percale sheets properly:

Line or Flat Dry

If possible, hang percale sheets outdoors in the sunlight or lay flat in a breezy spot. Sunlight naturally bleaches and softens.

Tumble Dry Low

When line drying isn’t feasible, use the lowest heat tumble dry setting and remove sheets promptly when finished to prevent over-drying.

Don’t Over-Dry

Excess heat from over-drying can damage long-staple cotton fibers causing percale sheets to pill faster. Use medium or low heat.

Steam or Lightly Iron

If needed, use an iron on a low cotton setting to lightly press and smooth out wrinkles. Avoid spraying sheets directly with starch solutions.

Proper drying helps retain percale’s signature crisp smooth feel over time.

Folding and Storing Percale Sheets

Take steps when storing percale sheets between washes for wrinkle-free results:

Fold Promptly

Remove sheets from washer or dryer immediately and fold while still slightly warm. Warmth makes cotton fibers pliable and less likely to hold creases.

Store Flat

Stack sheets neatly and store flat in linen closets or chests. Limit folding to prevent imprinting creases into the fabric.

Use Cedar

Add cedar boards, chests or sachets which repel moths and prevent yellowing from humidity.

Allow Airflow

Avoid airtight plastic bins or bags which trap moisture. Percale needs airflow to prevent mildew smells.

With mindful care between washes, your percale sheets maintain their like-new quality and comfort.

Removing Stains, Pillmarks and Odors

Accidents happen. Follow these steps to remove common percale sheet issues:

Stains – Pretreat stains by rubbing with laundry detergent before washing. For tough stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water and let sit an hour before washing.

Pilling – Use a fabric shaver or pill remover to gently remove fuzzy pills without damaging sheets.

Odors – Sprinkle baking soda across sheets and let sit overnight before washing. For mildew smells, soak in vinegar and water before laundering.

Yellowing – Avoid using chlorine bleach which weakens fibers. Use an oxygen bleach and hot sun to brighten.

With some periodic maintenance, you can keep percale looking and feeling their freshest.

When to Replace Percale Sheets

With proper care, expect high-quality percale sheets to last 5-15 years depending on use. Replace when you notice:

• Fibers feel rough, stiff or scratchy
• Visible wear, holes, tears or thinning fabric
• Extreme pilling unable to be removed
• Fitted sheets losing elasticity
• Consistent wrinkling between washes
• Yellow staining impossible to remove
• Musty or sour smells resisting removal

Knowing when to replace well-loved sheets ensures you get the most mileage from favorites before opting for new.

Percale vs Other Sheets: Pros and Cons

Type	Pros	Cons
Percale	Breathable, crisp feel	Needs frequent washing
Sateen	Luxurious sheen, very soft	Wrinkles easily, wears faster
Flannel	Warm and plush for winter	Can overheat, tricky washing
Linen	Textured, durable, absorbent	Expensive, wrinkles easily
Microfiber	Very affordable, super soft	Can sleep hot, pills over time

For year-round versatile sheets with a tailored look, percale sheets are the top choice.

Percale Sheet Buying Tips

Follow these handy tips when shopping for percale sheets:

• Thread Count: Shoot for 200-600 count range for the best balance of durability, breathability and softness.
• Weave Style: Look for “percale” specifically mentioned rather than just plain “cotton” sheets which can indicate a looser weave.
• Full Percale: Both the fitted and flat sheets should be percale weave, not just one.
• Sheen: Percale has a smooth matte finish vs. the sheen of sateen weave.
• Feel: When possible, touch samples in stores to evaluate softness and texture before buying online.
• Read Reviews: Look for feedback on how the percale holds up after repeated washing and duration of use.

Taking care in the selection process ensures you choose long-lasting percale bedding.

Percale Sheet Care FAQs

Should you wash percale sheets before use?

Yes, it’s recommended to wash new percale sheets on a gentle cycle with cold water before first use. This pre-wash softens fibers, shrinks to maximize fit, and eliminates excess dye or chemical residue from manufacturing for the safest sleep surface.

Can percale sheets go in the dryer?

Percale sheets can be safely machine dried using a low or permanent press heat setting. Remove sheets promptly after drying is complete and fold while still warm to minimize wrinkling. Line or flat drying is best but not always realistic.

Why do my percale sheets pill?

With lower thread count percale, pilling can result from abrasion during washing and drying. Use a fabric shaver to gently remove pills. Ensure sheets are machine washed using a gentle cycle and delicate detergent, then line dried or tumble dried low. Higher quality percale is less prone to pilling.

How do you soften stiff percale sheets?

Wash new percale sheets a few times on a gentle cycle using a liquid fabric softener in the rinse or dryer sheets to soften fibers. Don’t use chlorine bleach. For existing sheets, rewash with a cup of vinegar added to soften and brighten.

What causes yellow stains on percale sheets?

Exposure to substances like sweat, oils and lotions as well as using chlorine bleach can cause yellow staining on percale cotton sheets. Avoid bleach and wash Bedding more frequently. For stained sheets, use an oxygen bleach and soak in bright sunlight to naturally whiten without chemicals.

The Bottom Line

Percale sheets become softer and take on a beautiful lived-in look with proper laundering. By tailoring your washing, drying, folding and storage habits to the needs of delicate percale cotton, you can enjoy crisp, smooth bedding for years. With some thoughtful care, your percale sheets will only get better with use. Sweet dreams!