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How to Prevent Bedding Shrinking: Expert Laundry Tips

Q: What temperature should I wash bedding to prevent shrinking?

To prevent bedding from shrinking, wash it at 30°C to 40°C. Lower temperatures are gentle on fibres and still effective when used with modern detergents. Washing at higher temperatures can cause fibres to tighten, leading to shrinkage and reduced lifespan of your bedding.

Written by: The Myza Editorial Team

Time to read 8 min

Table of contents

Shrinking bedding is one of those frustrating, avoidable problems that can quietly ruin your sleep setup. You invest in high-quality sheets or a luxurious duvet cover, only to find that after a few washes, it no longer fits properly. Suddenly, your once-perfect bedding feels tight, awkward, and uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever struggled to fit a duvet into a slightly-too-small cover or noticed your fitted sheet pulling off the mattress corners, you’re not alone. Bedding shrinkage is incredibly common—but the good news is, it’s not inevitable.

With the right care techniques, you can significantly reduce or even prevent bedding from shrinking. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly why bedding shrinks, and more importantly, how to stop it from happening—from washing and drying to ironing and fabric selection.

Why Does Bedding Shrink?

Before we dive into prevention, it’s helpful to understand why bedding shrinks in the first place.

All fabrics are made from fibres that are woven or knitted together. During manufacturing, these fibres are often stretched and held in tension. When exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation—like during washing and drying—the fibres relax and contract, causing the fabric to shrink.

Key Causes of Bedding Shrinkage

Heat (the biggest culprit): High washing or drying temperatures tighten fibres.
Agitation: Harsh wash cycles can pull fibres closer together.
Moisture changes: Water absorption and drying cycles alter fibre structure.
Fabric type: Natural fibres like cotton and linen are more prone to shrinking than synthetic ones.

Does Thread Count Affect Shrinkage?

Yes—higher thread count bedding tends to shrink less. That’s because the fibres are woven more tightly, leaving less room for movement. However, even high-quality bedding can shrink if it’s not cared for properly.

When Does Shrinking Happen Most?

Most bedding shrinkage occurs during the first 3–5 washes. After that, the fabric typically stabilises. This is why it’s especially important to handle new bedding with care during those initial washes.

How to Prevent Bedding from Shrinking

Now that you know the causes, let’s focus on practical ways to protect your bedding. These simple adjustments to your laundry routine can make a huge difference.

1. Always Check the Care Label

It might sound obvious, but this is the most overlooked step.

Every bedding item comes with specific care instructions based on its fabric composition. Cotton, linen, bamboo, and poly-cotton blends all behave differently under heat and moisture.

Ignoring the label is one of the fastest ways to ruin your bedding.

What to Look For:

Recommended washing temperature
Drying instructions (tumble dry vs air dry)
Ironing guidelines
Special care notes (e.g. “wash inside out” or “do not bleach”)

Pro tip: If you tend to forget, take a quick photo of the label and keep it on your phone for easy reference.

2. Wash Bedding at the Right Temperature

One of the biggest misconceptions is that bedding needs to be washed at very high temperatures to be hygienic.

While hot washes were once necessary, modern detergents are designed to clean effectively at lower temperatures.

Best Practice:

Wash bedding at 30°C to 40°C for regular cleaning
Only use higher temperatures (60°C) when necessary (e.g. illness, allergies)

Why Lower Temperatures Matter:

Prevent fibre tightening
Maintain fabric softness
Reduce colour fading
Extend the lifespan of your bedding

Excessive heat is the number one reason bedding shrinks—so turning the temperature down is one of the simplest fixes.

3. Use a Gentle or Delicate Wash Cycle

It’s not just about temperature—the washing cycle itself also plays a role.

Harsh cycles with strong agitation can distort fibres and encourage shrinkage.

What to Do:

Use a delicate or gentle cycle whenever possible
Avoid overloading the washing machine
Choose a shorter cycle instead of extended washes

Gentler cycles reduce stress on the fabric and help maintain its original size and shape.

Sateen Luxe Bedding Set

4. Avoid Overwashing Your Bedding

Yes, cleanliness matters—but overwashing can do more harm than good.

Washing bedding too frequently or for too long accelerates fibre breakdown and increases the risk of shrinkage.

Recommended Frequency:

Sheets and pillowcases: every 1–2 weeks
Duvet covers: every 2–4 weeks

Unless there’s a specific reason, there’s no need to wash bedding more often than this.

5. Be Careful with Drying Times

Over-drying is a silent culprit behind shrinking bedding.

Even if your bedding feels dry, leaving it in heat for longer than necessary continues to tighten fibres.

Tips to Prevent Over-Drying:

Check your bedding periodically during drying
Remove items as soon as they’re dry
Keep track of typical drying times for each fabric

You could even note drying times on the label (carefully) or keep a mental note—it’s a small step that makes a big difference.

6. Air Dry Whenever Possible

If you want to minimise shrinkage, air drying is the gold standard.

Line drying allows fibres to dry naturally without exposure to excessive heat.

Benefits of Air Drying:

Prevents heat damage
Reduces shrinkage risk
Keeps fibres relaxed
Extends fabric lifespan

Practical Tips:

Shake out bedding before hanging to reduce wrinkles
Hang evenly to prevent stretching
Avoid direct harsh sunlight for coloured fabrics

If you have the space, air drying is always worth the extra time.

7. Use Tumble Dryers Carefully

Let’s be honest—sometimes tumble drying is unavoidable.

But it’s also one of the main causes of shrinking bedding.

How to Tumble Dry Safely:

Use the lowest heat setting
Select a short cycle
Remove items slightly damp and finish air drying
Use the cool-down function if your machine has one

High heat + long drying time = maximum shrinkage risk. Reducing both is key.

8. Separate Bedding by Fabric Type

Not all fabrics dry at the same rate.

Mixing heavy items like towels with lightweight bedding can lead to uneven drying—and over-drying of your sheets.

What to Avoid:

Washing bedding with towels
Mixing thick and thin fabrics
Combining different fibre types unnecessarily

Why This Matters:

Towels take longer to dry → bedding gets overexposed to heat
Rough fibres (like towels) can damage softer fabrics
Uneven loads lead to inconsistent results

Keeping similar fabrics together ensures everything dries evenly and safely.

9. Be Mindful When Ironing Bedding

It’s not just washing and drying that can affect bedding size— ironing can also distort fibres.

This is especially true for blended fabrics like poly-cotton.

What Happens During Ironing?

Polyester fibres soften at around 165°C. If you iron above this temperature:

Fibres can stretch and shift
Fabric becomes distorted
Bedding may appear misshapen or uneven

How to Prevent Ironing Damage:

Always check the recommended ironing temperature
Use a medium or low heat setting
Avoid prolonged contact in one area
Consider steaming instead of ironing

Cotton vs Poly-Cotton

100% cotton: More heat-resistant but still prone to shrinkage
Poly-cotton blends: More vulnerable to heat distortion

If you want easier care and fewer issues, investing in high-quality natural fibres can make a noticeable difference.

10. Choose the Right Bedding Materials

Prevention starts even before your first wash—when you choose your bedding.

Some fabrics are naturally more resistant to shrinkage than others.

Best Fabrics for Minimal Shrinkage:

Pre-washed cotton: Already stabilised
Egyptian or long-staple cotton: Stronger fibres
Linen: Durable and becomes softer over time
Tencel™ (lyocell): Resistant to shrinking and very stable

Fabrics to Be More Careful With:

Standard cotton (especially untreated)
Poly-cotton blends
Low thread count sheets

Investing in quality bedding doesn’t just improve comfort—it also helps maintain size and shape over time.

11. Don’t Panic—Some Shrinkage Is Normal

Even with perfect care, a small amount of shrinkage is completely normal.

Most manufacturers account for this by slightly oversizing bedding during production.

What’s Normal?

Up to 5% shrinkage in natural fibres
Slight tightening after first few washes
Stabilisation after initial shrinkage phase

If your bedding still fits comfortably, there’s nothing to worry about.

Keep Your Bedding Looking and Fitting Like New

Shrinking bedding doesn’t have to be part of your laundry routine.

By making a few simple changes—lowering temperatures, choosing gentle cycles, drying more carefully, and selecting the right fabrics—you can protect your bedding and extend its lifespan.

Quick Recap:

Wash at lower temperatures

Use gentle cycles

Avoid over-drying

Air dry when possible

Separate fabrics

Iron with care

Choose high-quality materials

These small habits can save you money, reduce waste, and keep your bed looking as inviting as the day you bought it.

Upgrade Your Bedding the Smart Way

Now that you know how to care for your bedding properly, why not take the next step?

Investing in high-quality, well-crafted bedding designed to last can make all the difference—not just in preventing shrinkage, but in improving your sleep overall.

Whether you prefer breathable linen, soft organic cotton, or innovative blends like Tencel™, choosing the right materials combined with proper care ensures your bedding stays comfortable, beautiful, and perfectly sized for years to come.

Sleep better, care smarter, and enjoy bedding that truly lasts.

SHOP BED LINEN

Frequently Asked Questions

Does bedding shrink every time you wash it?

No, bedding does not shrink every time you wash it. Most shrinkage happens during the first 3–5 washes, especially with natural fibres like cotton. After this initial period, the fabric typically stabilises. Washing at lower temperatures and avoiding high heat drying can significantly reduce further shrinkage.

What temperature should I wash bedding to prevent shrinking?

To prevent bedding from shrinking, wash it at 30°C to 40°C. Lower temperatures are gentle on fibres and still effective when used with modern detergents. Washing at higher temperatures can cause fibres to tighten, leading to shrinkage and reduced lifespan of your bedding.

Is tumble drying bad for bedding?

Tumble drying can cause bedding to shrink if high heat settings are used. To minimise damage, use a low heat setting, choose shorter cycles, and remove bedding while slightly damp. Air drying is the best option for preventing shrinkage and maintaining fabric quality over time.