How to get the most out of your eucalyptus sheets

So, you just bought some shiny, new eucalyptus sheets and you want them to last for a long time. This may surprise you, but we want that, too.

Sustainability isn't just about the environmentally-friendly production and packaging of our bedding, it's about the longevity of it. If you buy bedding less often, you help reduce our collective carbon footprint and the pull on precious resources. It's like the opposite of fast fashion (so, um, long-term linens?).

Here are some ways to extend the lifespan of your eucalyptus sheets.

Follow the care instructions

This is very important.

Please, definitely, absolutely follow the care instructions for your sheets. In case you threw away (ahem, recycled) the whimsical and witty care instructions that came with your sheets, here they are again:

• Wash separately on Delicate cycle (cold water)
• Dry on Gentle or Delicates with the lowest heat setting
• No fabric softener or laundry pods as they may cause issues with discoloration and stains
• No bleach recommended (oxygen-based bleach like OxiClean™ can be used in small amounts if need be)
• Do not iron

Feel free to use a mnemonic device to remember this: Wendell Devours No New Donuts...or something.

Check out more care instructions and tips on our FAQ page.

Hang dry, if you can

Extend the life of your sheets by drying them on a clothesline. It's more sustainable and gentler on your sheets than the dryer. The good news is eucalyptus sheets are experts at wicking away moisture, so it shouldn't take very long.

And, thanks to this superb moisture-management, you don't have to wash your sheets as often...which means you don't have to dry them as often.

Try an alternative to dryer sheets

Don't use single-use dryer sheets. Full stop. 

Most dryer sheets are made with polyester and covered in chemicals, like quaternary ammonium salt or a silicone oil (hey, that doesn't sound very sustainable). This chemical coating covers your sheets, ostensibly making them softer and less staticy. Unfortunately, it also makes them more flammable and less moisture-wicking. Not ideal for you hot sleepers.

So, stay away from dryer sheets and try using dryer balls. Dryer balls are biodegradable, chemical-free, and reusable. They also claim to reduce drying time and wrinkles, which is a win-win for people who like things efficient and smooth.

How to avoid ripping your sheets

Legs and heels can be quite rough, especially in the wintertime when the air is very dry. If you have Restless Leg Syndrome or you just toss and turn a lot at night, here are some steps you can take to prevent any ripping or tearing of your eucalyptus sheets.

Rotate your fitted sheet. Our sheets have a tag on the bottom left corner that says, you guessed it, "Bottom Left Corner." To avoid sleeping in, and therefore wearing out, the same spot, rotate your fitted sheet after each wash so that tag is in the upper right corner.

Wear socks to bed. Soft, cozy socks can dull the effects of restless legs on your fitted sheet. We know this is a faux pas in some circles, particularly if you're a hot sleeper, but eucalyptus sheets are cooling so the overall effect isn't torturous...we promise.

Don't want to wear socks to bed? Put a eucalyptus pillowcase on your feet. It sounds crazy, but it works. Not only will it prevent you from wearing out your fitted sheet, it'll allow your feet to breathe and stay cool. One caveat: don't forget to slip your feet out of the pillowcase when you get up to pee.

This isn't a shameless plug, we swear, but try a set of our eucalyptus flannel sheets. They're blended with organic cotton and made with a flannel knit (obvi), which is thicker and heavier than our flagship eucalyptus sheets. They're perfect for the dry winter months.

Remove stains the right way

A tough stain on your eucalyptus sheets is trying but it isn't the end of the world.

To help remove the stains, we recommend pre-treating with Dawn Dish Soap or a heavy-duty laundry detergent like Tide, Wisk, or Percil for approximately 15 minutes. Apply the solution directly to the stains and work it in by gently rubbing the fabric together with your fingers. This will allow the chemicals to break apart the oil molecules making them easier to flush out of the fabric fibers.

If you have blood stains on your sheets (we won't ask any questions), this blog post describes a number of ways for removing them.

Buy less, buy better

If you follow these tips and instructions, you should be able to enjoy your eucalyptus sheets for many, many restful nights.

And remember, at the end of your sheets' long life, toss them in the compost bin – eucalyptus lyocell is 100% biodegradable and disappears without a trace in about 10 weeks.