Hopefully you're washing sheets, on any bed in your home that is being used, at least every few weeks. This is the best way to keep them clean and to keep you and your
family healthy.
But have you ever been frustrated when it's time to pull those freshly laundered sheets from the washer or dryer, just to find them balled up or twisted into a tangled mess, sometimes capturing other clothes or socks in their folds? If so, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can
bid farewell to this laundry woe and ensure your sheets come out of the dryer perfectly fluffy and ready to use.
1. Don't stuff your washing machine too full. The more you have in your washing machine, the greater the chance your sheets are going to twist around other
clothing.
2. Place your sheets in big mesh laundry bags. This is a little-known secret that helps to alleviate twisting or other items of clothing getting caught in the folds of your sheets...especially fitted sheets. 3. Wash bedding separately. There will be zero chance of a sock getting caught in your sheets. Plus, when you're ready to dry, you don't want to mix bed sheets (that don't take as long to dry) with towels (which do take long to dry.)
4. Give them a shake. When removing sheets from the washer, shake them out before putting them in the dryer. This helps prevent them from getting tangled and also cuts back on wrinkles.
5. Size Matters. It's important to be mindful of
the size of the load you're putting in the dryer. Overloading the dryer can lead to uneven drying and increased friction between items, contributing to sheet balling. Opt for smaller loads and give your sheets ample room to move freely.
6. Use Dryer Balls: Invest in a set of dryer balls, which are designed to create space between items in the dryer, reducing friction and preventing sheets from sticking together.
These reusable balls can be tossed in with each load and work to separate fabrics, promoting better airflow and more even drying. If you don't have dryer balls, tennis balls can serve as a suitable alternative. Toss a couple of clean tennis balls into the dryer with your sheets. The balls will bounce around, creating separation between the sheets. 7. Avoid Overdrying: Overdrying sheets can make them more prone to static cling, increasing the likelihood of balling. Set your dryer to a lower heat setting and opt for a slightly shorter drying time. If your dryer has a sensor feature, use it to prevent over-drying and save energy.
8. Fold Immediately: As soon as the dryer cycle is complete, remove the sheets promptly. Folding them immediately helps prevent wrinkles and minimizes the chance of sheets sticking together as they cool. If you leave them in the dryer for an extended period, they are more likely to bond due to residual heat. Don't like to fold sheets? Put them right back on the bed!
9. Use Wad-Free: My latest find to prevent this problem is a good one. It's called Wad-Free. This inexpensive tool prevents sheets from tangling, twisting, and balling-up in both the washer and the dryer!