12 Genius Ways to Keep Your Sheets from Getting Twisted

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Laundry is one of those unavoidable household tasks, but tackling tangled sheets can turn an ordinary chore into a frustrating ordeal. According to a study by Whirlpool Corporation, the average American claims to wash more than 2,000 pounds of laundry per year, making it one of the most time-intensive household tasks. 

You may have found yourself wrestling with knotted linens or pulling a balled-up mess from the dryer before. Fortunately, there are dozens of strategies to streamline your laundry routine so you can focus on results—crisp, clean, and tangle-free sheets. Read on for 12 techniques for keeping your sheets looking and feeling their best, no matter how often they make a trip to the washer and dryer. 

Wash Sheets Separately 

Mixing your sheets with other garments during a wash cycle may seem time-efficient, but it’s one of the main reasons sheets end up tangled. Amerisleep highlights that large fabrics like bed linens perform best when washed on their own. 

By separating your sheets, you optimize both the machine’s performance and the fabric’s cleanliness. Washing sheets separately prevents tangling and reduces unnecessary friction with heavier fabrics, contributing to wear and tear over time. 

Don’t Overload the Machine 

An overloaded washer is another common culprit in tangled linens. When too many items are stuffed into your machine, they lack space to tumble freely, a key factor in preventing tangles. 

According to the American Cleaning Institute, overloading the washer decreases its ability to properly clean and rinse fabrics while increasing the risk of evenly distributed items getting knotted up. When loading the machine, aim to leave about one-third of the drum empty to allow adequate movement. 

Use a Mesh Laundry Bag 

Mesh laundry bags aren’t just for delicate clothing—they’re also a game-changer for sheets. By placing each fitted or flat sheet in an individual laundry bag, you reduce its chances of mingling with other items in the drum. 

A report by Handy Laundry revealed that mesh bags cut sheet tangles considerably during wash cycles. Choose a generously sized laundry bag designed for large fabrics, allowing your sheets to roll and rinse uninhibited. 

Fold Before Washing 

Though it may sound counterintuitive, folding your sheets before placing them in the washer can significantly minimize potential tangles. Fold each sheet lengthwise into smaller sections before loading it in. 

Research from laundry care brands like Tide and Speed Queen highlights that this technique helps reduce twisting and stretching during wash cycles. Tip for added efficiency? Match this step with washing each sheet separately or in a mesh bag for superior results. 

Choose the Right Cycle 

Different fabrics demand specific care, and your sheets are no exception. Most bedding experts recommend using a “gentle” or “bulky” cycle for sheets to reduce agitation, which can twist fabrics together. 

According to data from The Spruce, selecting the right cycle can help extend fabric life. For optimal results, refer to the care instructions on your bedding label to ensure you’re choosing the appropriate settings. 

Ball Up Fitted Sheets 

The elastic-lined edges of fitted sheets are a magnet for tangles. To combat this, loosely ball up your fitted sheet before tossing it in the washer and dryer.

This simple tip, backed by home-care specialists, prevents the sheet’s edges from catching on other items or wrapping around the machine’s agitator. While the technique may sound overly simple, thousands of positive reviews online confirm its effectiveness. 

Use the “Shake and Fluff” Method 

The shake-and-fluff technique is exactly what it sounds like. After removing your sheets from a wash cycle, gently shake them out before transferring them to the dryer. This step helps smooth out wrinkles and ensures the fabric isn’t bunched up—key factors in preventing knots. 

Good Housekeeping recommends this step to improve airflow during drying, reducing both tangles and wrinkles. 

Dry Sheets on Low Heat 

High heat settings may dry your sheets more quickly, but they often compound the problem of tangling and shrinking. Lower heat settings, on the other hand, allow for gentler drying that’s less likely to cause the fabric to tighten or stick together. 

Rest.com also advises using low heat to reduce potential damage to delicate fibers, helping you extend the lifespan of your bedding. 

Stop Midway to Untangle 

Stopping your dryer midway through the cycle can make a big difference when it comes to managing tangles. Pause, pull out your sheets, give them a quick shake, and redistribute them before continuing.

This step improves even drying and reduces knotting in large items like bedding. While this may require a little extra effort, the results—smooth, untangled sheets—make it worth the hassle. 

Avoid Fabric Softener 

Though fabric softeners are widely touted as a must-have laundry product, they can cause more issues than benefits for sheets. The American Cleaning Institute notes that fabric softeners often leave a residue that stiffens fabrics over time and makes them cling together more readily.

Alternatively, a quarter cup of white vinegar mixed into the rinse cycle works as a natural softening agent and eliminates static cling. 

Fold Immediately 

One of the simplest yet most effective tips for preventing tangles is to fold your sheets immediately after they come out of the dryer. Warm linens are far easier to fold and manage than those left to cool and wrinkle in a heap. 

Numerous home-organization experts, including Marie Kondo, emphasize this practice as a critical component of a tidy, efficient laundry routine. 

Add Dryer Balls 

Dryer balls aren’t just a gimmick—they’re a highly effective tool for minimizing sheet tangling. Made of either wool or rubber, dryer balls work by tumbling freely among your laundry, separating fabrics, and increasing airflow for even drying. 

Good Housekeeping reports that adding 3-4 dryer balls to laundry loads reduced tangling and shortened drying time by as much as 25%. Eco-friendly dryer balls are a reusable and sustainable alternative to traditional dryer sheets. 

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.