Bed sheet
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A bed sheet is a rectangular piece of
History
The term bed sheet was first used in the 15th century.[1] Bed sheets were traditionally white and made of cotton, linen or silk, however, now various colors and patterns are used.
Styles
Bed sheets come in two main varieties: flat and fitted. A flat sheet is simply a rectangular sheet of cloth, while a fitted sheet has four corners, and sometimes two or four sides, fitted with elastic, to be used only as a bottom sheet. The fitted sheet may also be secured using a drawstring instead of elastic. The purpose of a fitted bottom sheet is to keep it from slipping off the mattress while the bed is in use. A particular way of folding and tucking while making the bed, known as "hospital corners," is sometimes used when the bottom sheet is flat rather than fitted.
Usually a flat bed sheet is
In the US and Canada, sheets are often sold in a four-piece set consisting of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases. In China, a four-piece set consists of a duvet cover, two pillowcases and either a fitted or flat sheet. Fitted sheets are gaining popularity due to their ease of use. Use of good quality elastic make fitted sheets durable.
Materials
Cooling sheets are made of Lyocell, bamboo (rayon) , linen, hemp or silk.[3]
Construction
The quality of bed sheets is often conveyed by the
The most common constructions are
Cleaning
Bedsheets should be washed about once a week,[6] using low-temperature water and drying settings.[6] Warm water can be used to eliminate coffee stains, urine or allergens, such as dust mites.[6] Using fabric softeners is not recommended, as they leave behind residue that decreases the fabric's breathability.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "Bed sheet". Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2022-05-10.
- OCLC 53051985.
- ^ Baker, Liz; PhD. "Too Hot? Try Sleeping Like an Egyptian (and other cooling ideas)". Comfort Sleep Sanctuary. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
- OCLC 953427784.
- ^ Boykin, George, "The Difference Between Percale & Sateen", eHow
- ^ a b c d Reeve, Jackie (2022-05-19). "How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets (And How to Get Them Really Clean)". Wirecutter. Retrieved 2022-05-20.
We're not the only ones who recommend changing or washing sheets weekly. This is pretty much universal advice from most expert sources, including Martha Stewart and Good Housekeeping. And it's also the recommendation in five books we consulted: Laundry by Cheryl Mendelson, Simply Clean by Clean Mama founder Becky Rapinchuk, Real Simple Cleaning by Kathleen Squires, Clean My Space by Clean My Space founder Melissa Maker, and Laundry Hints & Tips by Cindy Harris.