A couple who recently bought a set of luxurious Egyptian cotton bed sheets have sought advice on the best temperature to wash them at to ensure they come out clean and rid of any germs. Seeking guidance on Reddit, one of the pair explained in a post: “I went to wash them on 60 degrees as I normally do, but the other half checked the care label which says to wash on 40 degrees. I still think 60 degrees is better to get rid of dust mites and the like, but other half wants the sheets to last as long as possible (and is a stickler for rules) so insists on 40 degrees.”

A couple recently turned to Reddit for advice on properly washing their newly purchased Egyptian cotton bed sheets, hoping to balance cleanliness with longevity. In their post, one partner recounted, “I initially planned to wash them at 60 degrees Celsius as usual, but my partner noticed the care label recommends 40 degrees. I believe 60 degrees might better eliminate dust mites and germs, but my partner, who prefers following guidelines, insists on 40 degrees to extend the sheets’ lifespan.”

While the poster conceded that a 40-degree wash is likely “fine hygienically,” they still felt that 60 degrees would be more effective. This sparked a lively discussion among Reddit users about the ideal washing machine settings for maintaining clean and durable linens.

One user shared their straightforward approach: “I stick to a routine: everything bakes at 180 degrees, runs on eco mode in the dishwasher, heats on high in the microwave, and washes at 40 degrees in the machine.”

Another user chimed in with their experience: “I wash everything, including my pricey Egyptian cotton sheets, at 40 or 30 degrees and have done so for years. Washing at 60 degrees seems unnecessary unless it’s required.”

However, many others vouched for washing at 60 degrees. One commenter noted, “I have a high susceptibility to infections, so I wash everything at 60 degrees. Despite many garments and linens having 30-degree labels, I’ve never encountered damage, and my items generally last over a decade. Modern fabrics and dyes can withstand higher temperatures better than older ones.”

Someone else added their experience: “My Egyptian cotton sheets recommend 40 degrees, but I’ve been washing them at 60 for the past four years. I just don’t feel like bedsheets get truly clean at 40 degrees.”

Supporting the higher temperature advice, meanwhile, experts from Which? have shared their own support online. “Many of us wash the bulk of our clothes at 40 degrees. But cooler or hotter temperatures may be best for some items,” they stated.

Which? says of a 60 degree wash: “Think of 60 degrees as a hot wash. Washing at 60 degrees generally cleans slightly better than the 40-degree programme, especially on greasy stains. However, running costs increase by more than half.”

They go on to add that 60 degrees is “ideal” for bedding and lighter-coloured towels. “These items get a lot of heavy use, so a hot wash helps to keep them in their best condition for as long as possible,” Which? explained.

As for germs though, the experts point out that some bacterial spores and viruses are even resistant to 60-degree washes, so without an effective detergent they won’t be removed from your fabrics.

Which? quote the NHS website, noting they recommend underwear, towels and household linen being washed at 60 degrees to prevent the spread of germs, or at 40 degrees with a bleach-based laundry product.

The guidance closes: “It says nothing about washing at as high as 90 degrees to kill bacteria. And while washing at such a high temperature should certainly help to banish stains, only use it when the fabric is robust enough to stand up to the heat. Always check the label.”

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