Q&A for How to Soften Stiff New Sheets

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Are there any other ways to soften sheets?

Ocean Van
Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert
Ocean Van is a Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert based in Long Beach, California. He is the owner and operator of Coco Laundry, a full-service Laundromat and Wash & Fold service. Coco Laundry is a family-owned laundry service that offers top-rated wash, dry, fold, and convenient pickup/delivery options. He and his experienced team of laundry professionals offer commercial and residential laundry services, plus a self-serve laundry operation.

Ocean Van

Laundry & Dry Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

Another method for softening stiff sheets is to incorporate fabric softener sheets into the drying process. Begin by placing the stiff sheets in the dryer. Add a few fabric softener sheets, depending on the size of the load. The softening agents in the sheets work to relax the fibers of the fabric during the drying cycle. Adjust the dryer settings to a moderate heat level, as excessive heat can contribute to stiffness. Start the drying cycle, allowing the fabric softener sheets to distribute their conditioning agents evenly throughout the sheets. Once the drying cycle is complete, remove the sheets promptly to prevent wrinkles from setting in. The fabric softener sheets will have worked to loosen the fibers, leaving you with noticeably softer and more pliable sheets. This method not only softens the sheets but also imparts a subtle fragrance for added freshness.

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Question

Couldn't I save time by adding the baking soda and vinegar both at the beginning?

Community Answer

No. If you remember the ingredients of the volcano experiment you probably did as a kid, you'll know that mixing baking soda and vinegar causes carbon dioxide to form. By adding the baking soda then rinsing it, it reduces the tendency for the combination to bubble over.

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Can I buy baking soda in the UK?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Where can I buy baking soda?

Community Answer

You can find it at any grocery store, general store, and supermarket. It is usually in the baking aisle. You may find it under the name "sodium bicarbonate" instead of baking soda.

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Question

White wine vinegar or distilled white vinegar?

Community Answer

Plain old distilled white vinegar.

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Will the baking soda explode with the vinegar?

Community Answer

Yes, it'll fizzle like a volcano science experiment if mixed together. However, if baking soda is done first and, then after a rinse you add the vinegar, it should keep any reaction reasonable to nonexistent.

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Can I use this method if the sheets have already been washed once?

Community Answer

Yes, you can, but it might not be as effective.

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Question

Does the vinegar leave a smell on the sheets?

Community Answer

Nope. I use vinegar as normal fabric softener and it has never left a smell. Works well and is cheaper than fabric softener.

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Question

Can I use these methods to soften my comforter?

Community Answer

Yes, but you may want to wash the comforter separately from the sheets to leave enough room in the washer. Too many items in the washing machine at once can prevent any of them from becoming clean.

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