How to Store Linen Sheets: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

Wondering how to store linen sheets? Here are the most common mistakes and how you can avoid them.

So, you’ve taken a big step and invested in high-quality linen bed sheets. Welcome to a new and improved you! Not only will your new bed linens give your entire bedroom a Pinterest-worthy upgrade, but they may even improve your sleep and keep your bedroom cleaner. To take advantage of your new sheet set's benefits, however, you need to learn how to care for linen sheets so that they last a lifetime.

While we’ve previously detailed how to wash your linen sheets so they last for years (and years), how you store them after they’re clean is just as important when it comes to the life of your sheets.

If you’re worried you’ve been storing your sheets incorrectly (and consequently shortening their lifespan), we sought professional help from the founders of professional organisational company TIDEE, Emma Rosham and Michelle Rubin.

Since launching in 2019, Rosham and Rubin have worked to create calm in people’s everyday lives by decluttering countless spaces and homes and sharing their transformative organisational hacks with sustainability at the forefront of their brand. They’ve even collaborated with household names including IKEA and Dulux, so when it comes to organisation mistakes, they’ve well and truly seen it all.

According to Rosham and Rubin, there are four common linen storage mistakes they see too often in the homes they’ve stepped inside. So, how many are you making?

Mistake #1: Crowding your linen

You’ve heard the saying ‘less is more’, yes? Well, this applies to your linen cupboard. To avoid musty, wrinkled sheets, make sure you're storing them somewhere with enough space. “Hanging onto items that don’t serve a purpose anymore is a common mistake – so linen that’s worn, discolored and not used anymore,” Rosham and Rubin explain.

“You get too much linen and not enough room to store it all.”

Solution:

Do you keep extra linens for those “just in case” times, but never actually use them? Spend some time Marie Kondo-ing your closet space and say goodbye to those items that have done their job and you no longer use.

Alternatively, if you have a guest bedroom or spare armoire, you can create a designated linen closet to help you keep things in check. Having a finite amount of space to work with makes it easier to see when you might be due for a spring clean.

Mistake #2: Storing sheets unfolded

Believe it or not, Rosham and Rubin frequently encounter unfolded linen in a cupboard.

“This leads to mess and difficulty finding your beloved linens. Plus, if it’s stored in a mess then it can get pulled in desperation to get to it, which can lead to tears and rips.” Lesson learned: always fold your sheets.

Solution:

To store sheets the right way, the duo suggests relying on a system of labeled baskets. Think one basket for flat sheets, one for fitted sheets, and one for pillowcases.

You can also "use storage bags for larger items such as pillows and blankets”. But make sure you use the right kind of bag.

All Bed Threads bedding and sleepwear come neatly packaged in a 100% flax linen storage sack, which can help you neatly store your linens when not on your bed. Cotton bags can also work, as they're made of natural fibres, but steer clear of plastic or vacuum-sealed bags.

“Plastic bags should be avoided as they can create humid environments where nasties such as mould can thrive.” Likewise, vacuum storage bags don't allow for breathability, which can lead to yellowing over time.

Mistake #3: Putting sheets away while damp

Are you guilty of pulling your linen sheets off the washing line when they're slightly damp? To keep your sheet sets in good condition, you should wait to fold and store your linens until your bedding is as dry as a bone. “Linen must be completely dry, otherwise, it can get a musty smell or even worse, lead to mould growth.”

Solution:

Proper care also means proper drying, so check that your sheets are 100% dry before folding them up. You can also go the extra mile by minimizing moisture in your storage space. Use a dehumidifier to eliminate dampness, or for a DIY option, Rosham and Rubin suggest placing jars of baking soda in your linen cupboard. This household ingredient helps trap moisture and prevent mold growth.

Another trick of theirs is to avoid squishing items too tightly. Hearkening back to mistake #1, cramped, small spaces mean less airflow. If your sheets are suffocated for long periods, they can develop musty odors which nobody wants!

Mistake #4: Not cleaning linen properly

It sounds like a no-brainer, but you should always store fresh linens. Rosham and Rubin cannot overstate the importance of making sure your linen is one hundred percent clean before it's stored.

“If they’re not clean, it can lead to discolouration from body oils, perspiration, and so forth. Or it can become a breeding ground for insects like silverfish and moths.” Is this enough to gross you out?

Solution:

This one is pretty self-explanatory: take laundry day seriously, and make sure you're washing your linen sheets properly.

Once your sheets are clean, store them in a separate area, away from dirty items. Clean sheets can become easily contaminated by dirty laundry – especially in a small linen closet, so use storage containers or shelf dividers to keep things separate.