How to wash a whole bedding set and nightwear together
Short answer: They can be washed together at 40 degrees as long as the machine is no more than three quarters full. The bedding takes up the most room, and a packed drum washes less well, so space decides whether everything comes out clean.
Do not overfill the machine
Bedding wraps itself around the nightwear and stops the water getting through. A drum three quarters full washes better than a full one, because the laundry has room to turn and be rinsed properly. If there is too much, split it into two loads. More advice is in washing and care.
What three quarters looks like
A simple rule of thumb is that you should be able to lay a hand on top of the laundry in the drum once it is loaded. If the drum is packed right to the rim, it is too much. A double duvet cover, a sheet, two pillowcases and a set of nightwear is often what a standard machine can handle at once.
Same temperature, same material
If both are bamboo viscose, they behave the same in the machine and shrink the same, if they shrink at all. Then they can go on the same programme without either being harmed. If you mix in other materials, check their care labels first. See bamboo bedding and men's bamboo nightwear.
No fabric softener in anything
Fabric softener cancels out the moisture transport in both sheets and nightwear. It leaves a film on the fibres so moisture is no longer drawn away from the skin, and the fabric feels heavier and less fresh. It is the one thing that does the most harm to bamboo viscose. Use a mild detergent instead and skip softener entirely.
Close buttons and zips
Button up the duvet cover so the nightwear does not end up inside it and stay wet. That is the most common reason a piece does not come out clean. Close any zips too, so they do not catch on the soft fabric and cause pulls or small holes during the spin.
Turn nightwear inside out
Turn the nightwear inside out before it goes in the machine. Then it is the inside that rubs against the bedding and the drum, and the outside stays looking good for longer. It also reduces fluff and small pills on the areas you see most. It takes only a moment and makes a clear difference over time.
Spinning
A full set of bedding is heavy when wet. A moderate spin is enough to remove most of the water without creasing the fabric more than needed. A very hard spin can leave deep creases in sheets and covers that are hard to get out again, and it wears the fibres more than necessary.
Drying
Take the laundry out as soon as the machine finishes and shake each piece before hanging it. Bedding dries best hung across a line at full width so air can reach it. Nightwear can go on a hanger. Avoid the tumble dryer on high heat, as it can shrink the fabric and wear the elastic.
How often to wash it all
Many people wash bedding every week or two and nightwear a little more often. The two do not need to line up every time. It is handy to wash them together when it suits, but if you sweat a lot at night, the nightwear and pillowcase need it most. They can easily be washed on their own in between.
Frequently asked questions
Can bedding and nightwear be washed together?
Yes, at 40 degrees, as long as the machine is no more than three quarters full. Then the laundry has room to move and the water reaches everything.
Why do clothes end up inside the duvet cover?
Because the cover is not buttoned. Close it before washing and it will not happen, and both the cover and the rest of the load come out clean all the way through.
Does bedding need a hotter wash than nightwear?
Not necessarily. 40 degrees is enough for both in everyday use. Always check the care label, and choose the same programme when washing them together.
See our range of bamboo sleepwear.
