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Subject:
Crisp white sheets
Category: Family and Home > Home Asked by: apteryx-ga List Price: $9.02 |
Posted:
02 Oct 2003 20:31 PDT
Expires: 03 Oct 2003 20:19 PDT Question ID: 262344 |
In describing bedsheets, crisp seems to be the epithet of choice. In a G***le search, instances of crisp white sheets outnumber instances of soft white sheets by a ratio of about 8 to 1. Significantly, these are mostly literary rather than commercial references; or if commercial, they are more typically describing the amenities at a cozy bed & breakfast than selling linens. Well, I like crisp sheets too (although I prefer color), and I love how they feel in hotels, but I seem to be incapable of buying them. I thought it was a matter of buying 100% cotton with a high enough thread count, the looser weaves being the soggier variety. I like the crisp ones because they feel cool as well as fresh. Even in winter when I have a deep pile of blankets on the bed, I still want the sheets to be cool. When it comes to my eternal sleep, if I find that Ive been bedded down permanently on flannel sheets, Ill know straight off that Ive been sent to the bad place. So how do I tell when I buy the sheets that they are going to be crisp? The packages do not say crisp or soft. They say 200 thread count or 280 thread count. Recently I bought 100% Egyptian cotton sheets that are 350 thread count, and they are still not what anyone would call crisp. What am I doing wrong? What do I need to know? Please dont tell me I have to iron and starch them. If thats the case, its just never going to happen before I go to my eternal rest. The answer to my question will consist of (a) an explanation of what makes sheets crisp, (b) a clue to translating that into product characteristics that I can recognize when making a purchase, and (c) links to a few specific products that you are sure will turn out to be crisp (nonwhite) sheets. Thank you, Apteryx |
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There is no answer at this time. |
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Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: snsh-ga on 02 Oct 2003 22:35 PDT |
Hotels and homes do laundry differently -- hotels have a commercial machine which automatically adds bleach, detergent, break (alkaline), sour (acid), and fabric softener to the wash. The big difference is the sour -- it helps rinse detergent (especially powder detergent) from fabric. Maybe the detergent residue is what's keeping you from your good place? Add some vinegar to your rinse cycle (like a 1/4 or 1/2 cup). It will smell vinegary but it evaporates in the dryer. And use the fastest-spinning washing machine you can find. |
Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: tlspiegel-ga on 02 Oct 2003 23:02 PDT |
Hi apteryx, We're very much alike! Even in the dead of winter I always want my sheets to feel cool to my skin. One thing I try to do is buy 'percale' which seems to always feel delightful. Another thing I've noticed is the darker colors seem a bit stiffer - maybe from all the dye? Lighter colors seem cooler to me. The higher thread counts are usually going to give you that smoooooothness also, but I don't like Egyptian Cotton and yet everyone swears by it. JMHO! Best regards, tlspiegel |
Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: sublime1-ga on 02 Oct 2003 23:15 PDT |
apteryx... If you have the option, try drying them on a clothesline. While they may end up a bit more wrinkly, I believe you'll find that they have a crispy texture, as well. I've noticed this when drying t-shirts on the line. It doesn't really do well for t-shirts, because you want them soft and wrinkle free, but it might be just the ticket for sheets, especially if you take them off the line in the cool of the evening. |
Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: boquinha-ga on 03 Oct 2003 06:26 PDT |
Hello apteryx! Another idea for you--do NOT use fabric softener in your dryer cycle. Not only will this help your sheets be more crisp, it will also help your towels be more absorbent! Good luck, Boquinha-ga |
Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: journalist-ga on 03 Oct 2003 06:53 PDT |
I agree with Boquinha - cease using fabric softener and make sure your detergent doesn't contain any. For extra coolness, I also use a light dusting of baby powder. Best regards, journalist-ga |
Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: aj999-ga on 03 Oct 2003 10:34 PDT |
Most sheet manufacturers treat their sheets with various chemicals that make the sheets soft and less likely to wrinkle. This used to be called Permanent Press but is usually not advertised as such these days. These finishes take many many washes to wear out, if they ever do. If you buy sheets labeled "natural" or "untreated" you are more likely to get crisp sheets using the laundry suggestions other commenters have provided. You can get untreated cotton sheets in colors from catalogs like Harmony. White ones, very good quality, are available from places like Vermont Country Store. Wamsutta makes a line of sheets called Supercale (NOT Supercale Plus which is treated) which is untreated and very nice. Hard to find, though. Also, you might want to consider linen or linen/cotton blend sheets. If you are a total sheet junkie like me, you can get sheets made from various other natural fibers like hemp and nettle which can be very crisp(not scratchy, believe it or not!) High thread count is more for smoothness than crispness. |
Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: pinkfreud-ga on 03 Oct 2003 10:48 PDT |
I cannot vouch for this personally, but a couple of affluent friends have told me that sheets made from "hemp linen" feel heavenly. And if you don't like the way they feel, you can always smoke 'em. http://www.rawganique.com/BedsheetsRG.htm |
Subject:
Re: Crisp white sheets
From: apteryx-ga on 03 Oct 2003 20:19 PDT |
Folks, that's a real forehead-smacker. I faithfully add fabric softener to my laundry, and then I wonder why it's so soft. Sheesh. I think I just lost at least 5 IQ points, and now I'm going to have to make a minimum of 150 clever wisecracks, sterling witticisms, and scintillating observations just to recover my self-respect. I hope I live long enough and somebody doesn't kill me first out of sheer boredom. Everybody's comments and contributions have really shed light on the matter from numerous angles and given me a number of things to explore. I feel like the question has been well and truly answered, so I may as well close it. You guys are great. Thank you, all. Now I'm going to go console myself with a toke on a pillowcase. Apteryx |
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