How to soften your sheets (and keep them soft)
29th May 2025
We’ve all been there. You slide into bed expecting buttery-soft bliss… and instead, it feels like you’re sleeping on sandpaper.
So why do your sheets feel scratchy? Whether you’ve just unboxed them or they’ve been through the wash a few times, rough bed sheets can ruin the vibe faster than an ice-cold foot to the shin.
Let’s break down the surprising culprits behind scratchy sheets – and the easy fixes to get them feeling soft, smooth, and seriously snuggle-worthy again.
Choosing the Right Sheets
Not all sheets are created equal. Many cheap or synthetic sheet sets use coarse fibres that feel naturally rough. Some are even coated in chemical finishes to feel smoother in the store, until you wash them.
Fix it: Invest in high-quality, natural fibres. Canningvale’s Lustro Bamboo Sheet Sets and Vintage Softwash are crafted with softness in mind – no scratchy synthetics here. They arrive luxuriously soft and only get better with every wash.
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Wash Before Use
It’s a little-known laundry rule, but a must-do. Even premium sheets can arrive with slight stiffness from the manufacturing process, packaging, or storage. Many people skip this step, only to wonder why their brand-new sheets feel “hard” and scratchy.
Fix it: Always give sheets a wash before you put them on your bed. Not because they’re dirty – just to relax the fibres and boost natural softness. (Pro tip: our sheets arrive soft, but this step takes them straight to “cloud mode”).
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How to Soften Your Sheets
Hard Water/Product Build-up
If you live in a hard water area, the minerals in your wash can build up in fabric fibres, leaving even the best quality sheets feeling stiff and rough. Same goes for detergent overload and fabric softeners – residue builds up over time and can actually negatively affect the feel of your linens.
Fix it: Do a “deep clean” with white vinegar every few washes. It breaks down buildup and softens sheets naturally. And avoid overloading your detergent. For the perfect wash, we recommend Canningvale’s Signature Laundry Concentrate – ultra-effective, gentle, and designed to get the most out of your fabrics. And you only need to use a tiny bit!
Also, don’t forget to clean your washing machine regularly. A dirty machine can harbour buildup and bacteria, affecting the cleanliness and softness of your sheets.
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Drying Your Sheets
Overdrying your sheets on high heat can damage the fibres, leaving them feeling brittle and rough to the touch. It’s one of the top reasons people end up with scratchy sheets after washing.
Fix it: If you must tumble dry, try using low or medium heat and remove sheets while they’re still damp. Hang them out to finish drying, and you’ll preserve that smooth, soft finish.
Use Wool Dryer Balls
Wool dryer balls are your natural and eco-friendly drying best friend. They help to soften fabrics, reduce drying time, and minimise creases, wrinkles, and static cling. Simply toss a few into your dryer with your sheets to keep them feeling soft and fresh.
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Not Enough Washes
Some natural fibres, like cotton or bamboo, develop their softest feel over time, but this doesn’t mean you have to suffer through scratchy sheets in the meantime. If your current sheets feel rough or stiff, they may need a few more washes to reach their potential (or you might have unknowingly ended up with a lower-quality fabric).
Fix it: Canningvale sheets arrive soft from day one. But yes, they do get even softer over time, especially when cared for correctly. If you haven’t invested in Canningvale quality yet, and your current sheets are feeling a bit sandpapery, give them a few extra washes with proper care and a good quality detergent, or – even better – treat yourself to sheets that are soft from the start!
So, if you’ve ever found yourself Googling “why do my sheets feel scratchy” in the middle of the night, now you know: it’s not you – it’s them. Or at least, how they’re made and how they’re washed.
From using the wrong products to skipping the pre-wash, small care and laundry missteps can leave even the best bedding feeling less-than-luxe. But with a little know-how and some seriously soft Canningvale sheets, you can turn your bed into the soft sanctuary it’s meant to be.