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2024 Guide to Buying Organic Sheets

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General Organic Natural & Organic Bedding Organic Bedding Resources

Sheets Matter

Sheets are an essential part of a good night’s sleep and a necessity to preserve the life of your mattress. Of course, you want to achieve the most comfortable sleeping experience without sacrificing ethical and clean standards. The Clean Bedroom allows you to do just that with organic or all-natural sheets! We make choosing bedding easy with products that are all-natural or 100% organic, GOTS-certified, and free from chemical treatments.

The guide below lays out the reasons for buying organic or all-natural sheets, why the thread count matters (and what it means), and how to navigate the different types of sheets available. This guide will help you be on your way to a stress-free sheet buying experience!

Why Buy Organic Sheets?

You may have heard that we spend an average of ⅓ of our lives sleeping. That’s a lot of time to be spending between sheets. Even the busiest of us spend at least 30 hours in bed per week. Therefore, it’s important to know that you are not sleeping with chemicals that could harm your health and home.

There are many reasons to buy organic or all-natural sheets. Two, in particular, are that they are free from Flame Retardant Chemicals and Pesticides.  Cotton is one of the dirtiest crops, with conventionally grown cotton consuming 24% of the world’s insecticides every year and 11% of its pesticides. In the same way that we buy organic produce free of pesticides, buying organic sheets ensures that the materials used in the product are grown free of pesticides. This makes it seem that opting for organic material like cotton is a safe bet.  At The Clean Bedroom, choose from 100% organic and GOTS-certified organic cotton, or all-natural cotton, giving you peace of mind regardless of which product you buy.

Additionally, due to synthetic fabrics being quick to burn, many federal regulations ensure your fabrics, including your bedding, sheets, and clothes, are treated with flame retardant chemicals that come in direct contact with your skin! These chemicals may be harmful to your respiratory and reproductive health. The best way to avoid this is to avoid synthetic fabric and choose organic and natural products instead. On top of all this, organic sheets are more comfortable, breathable, and luxurious than synthetic alternatives. They will help you achieve that restorative night of rest you’ve been dreaming of.

In the same way that we buy organic produce free of pesticides, buying organic sheets ensures that the materials used in the product are grown free of pesticides.

What’s up with the Thread Count?

What it means

The thread count measures how many threads are woven into 1 square inch of fabric. The fabric is woven in a criss-cross pattern. Vertical strands are called warp weave, and horizontal strands are called weft weave. Adding the warp weaves and the weft weaves will result in the thread count.

Why it matters

It lets you know how loosely or tightly woven the sheets are. The lower the number, the more loosely woven the fabric is going to be. This is more likely to mean potential holes and roughness. On the other hand, the higher the count, the more tightly woven the fabric will be.

Does a higher count = better product?

Not necessarily. The general rule is to look for sheets between 300-500. Anything under 300 may feel scratchy or rough, and anything over may not be necessary. Also, some higher thread counts may not be as breathable since they are more tightly woven. So, while it can be a helpful indicator of quality, it’s important to look at other factors such as the quality and type of material used, the overall feel, and how and where it was sourced.

What Type of Organic Sheets Should I Buy?

Now that you have an idea of what to look out for, here are simple explanations of the different types or weaves of organic or all-natural sheets. Some people change the type of sheets according to the season, utilizing crisp percale for warmer summer nights and cozy brushed flannel for chillier nights in the winter.  Many of our customers find that sateen, silk, and linen are excellent year-round fabrics to use in bedding.

We endeavor to have something for everyone.  See our list below!

Percale

Commonly used for higher quality cotton, it is combed and woven tightly, resulting in a smoother finish and softer feel. Some people say that percale has a crisp feel to it. Percale sheets are light in weight and perfect for hot sleepers and summer nights.

Sateen

Sateen sheets are woven with a particular technique. Four threads over and one under. This ultimately results in a lush, silky feel and is also one of the most durable options. It tends to be heavier in weight and is good for those who sleep colder or want a warmer environment.

Silk

Silk sheets are just about as luxurious as you can get. Although typically more expensive and sometimes more involved to care for, they will be worth it to achieve the smoothest, coolest, and most romantic sleep experience. Look for silk sheets that are in the 18-25 momme range.

Linen

Bed sheets are often referred to as linens, but linen is, in fact, its own material. Breathable and lightweight, linen sheets will also wick away moisture for hot sleepers. Due to their temperature regulation, they are a perfect choice for year-round use. They are also very durable, growing softer with each wash.

Flannel

Flannel is cotton, but it’s best considered separately from other cotton weaves due to its warmth that traps body heat, making it better for cold winter nights. Heavy and durable, flannel is sure to keep you toasty while you sleep. **Flannel is also not measured or rated by thread count at all.**

Tips On Caring for Your Organic Sheets

Knowing how to clean, care for, and store your linens, is essential to make your sheets last and creating a comfortable sleeping environment. Sheets collect all kinds of bacteria and body secretions, among other nasty things you don’t want to be sleeping with. Below are some general guidelines for all sheets, but of course, check your product’s specific wash and care instructions.

  • Wash/change your sheets and pillowcases once a week in cold or warm water with a mild detergent.
  • Do not bleach; it deteriorates soft cotton and other materials
  • Keep your sheets clean between washes by following these guidelines:
    • shower before bed
    • avoiding napping and laying down right after a sweaty workout
    • remove makeup before bed  
    • avoid putting on creams, lotions, or oils immediately before bed
    • don’t eat or drink in bed
    • keep pets off your sheets
    • remove debris and dirt from your feet or socks before climbing under the covers

We hope this information helps you to choose the right kind of sheets for you and your family. We are proud to offer some of the best organic and all-natural sheets in the industry, in a variety of price ranges! As always, we are available to consult with you to help you make your choice – via phone, text,(212-764-3232), email (info@thecleanbedroom.com) at one of our showrooms, or via chat on our website.

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First published January 2022
Updated May 2024