Hot water can help kill bacteria and germs on bedding, but it can also damage bed linen and reduce its lifespan. 

Experts recommend following the care label instructions for everyday laundry and only use a hot water setting in special circumstances when you need to sanitize bedding or kill parasites such as bedbugs. 

Should You Always Wash Bedding in Hot Water?

The answer is a clear NO. And by hot water, we mean 140F degrees. Anything below that is considered warm or cold and is safe for all types of bedding. 

At 140F, however, the water is too hot for most types of fibers, whether natural or synthetic. The hot water can cause permanent shrinkage. It also weakens the fibers, making your bedding more fragile and prone to tearing and fraying. You’ll find yourself replacing your sheets and other bedding a lot more frequently. 

Some fabrics, such as certain types of cotton and polycotton sheets, can be washed regularly at 140F (check the care label to be sure). But even for these, we recommend using a lower temperature to extend their lifespan. 

A warm water cycle (between 90F and 110F) is enough to wash off dirt, stains and smells from bedding. Delicate bedding made from wool, silk and bamboo require an even lower temperature to avoid piling and shrinking. A cold water cycle (under 90F) is ideal.    

As a bonus, a cold or warm water wash is also better for the planet and saves you money on power bills. Using a hot water setting greatly increases how much electricity a washing machine uses. 

When (and How) To Wash Bedding in Hot Water 

Cold or warm water is always best for washing bedding. But there are situations when you need to use hot water. 

• When bedding has been soiled with blood or fecal matter. Washing it in 140F water will kill off any germs and bacteria. 
• If the bedding is being used by someone who is sick. Washing the bedding in hot water helps sanitize it and reduces the risk of cross contamination. 
• If you have a bed bug or dust mite infestation. A hot water cycle is the best way to kill these critters and any eggs. 

That said, we still don't recommend using hot water for certain types of bedding such as wool, linen, silk and bamboo. These can easily get damaged by just one hot water wash. Thankfully, there are other ways to sanitize bedding without using hot water (see next section). 

For other types of bedding, do not go above 140F. Some washing machines have a sanitizing cycle that heats the water to as high as 203F. But this is too much for any type of bedding. 

Instead, wash bedding at 140F and then put it in the dryer at a low temp. That, plus detergent, is enough to deal with any parasites and germs. 

Best Ways to Sanitize Bedding Without Using Hot Water

There are safer ways to sanitize bedding without having to resort to hot water. 

If you have white bedding, you can use chlorine bleach. It’s highly effective at killing bacteria and viruses. But only use it occasionally (in case of an accident or if someone is sick) since it can damage fibers if used too often. 

Oxygen bleach is a gentler alternative and you can use it for any color. But check the care label first. Some delicate materials like wool and silk should not be washed using any kind of bleach, including oxygen bleach. 

You can also use laundry sanitizer. Just make sure it is non-chlorine. Lysol is a good choice. 

Another option is to get anti-bacterial bedding, like the Hercleon Jax sheets. They actively kill off bacteria to keep your bed clean, hygiene and odor-free.