Preventing Sheets from Tangling in the Washer (Expert Tips)

People hate doing laundry and I certainly hate it to this day.

I mean it’s just so boring to wash the dirt, stains, and smelly clothes and then fold them.

Trust me one of the most hated tasks is washing blankets and sheets.

They tend to get tangled in the washer, and then they come out wrinkled from the dryer.

But there are certain things you can do to avoid tangling.

Here’s what this article covers.

Why Do Sheets Twist in the washer and dryer?

It’s annoying when you put your sheets in the washer and dryer and they come out all twisted.

The main reason why sheets twist and tangle in the washer and dryer is because of the way they are put in. If there is an uneven distribution of load OR if you have overloaded the washer, the sheets may get tangled.

Overload and high sud content do not leave enough room for the sheets to move around freely, as a result, they end up getting tangled.

So, overloading, uneven distribution of load, and high sud content can cause the sheets to twist as they tumble around.

Remember, bed sheets are usually made up of lightweight fabric that can easily twist.

If you want to avoid twisting your sheets, try putting them in the washer and dryer separately. That way, they’ll have less chance of getting tangled up.

If your bed sheet is made up of heavier fabric such as cotton or linen it is less likely to tangle.

Reason Why It’s Difficult to Wash, Dry, and Fold Blankets and Sheets

It can be a real challenge to wash, dry, and fold blankets and sheets.

They tend to get all balled up and tangled, making it hard to untangle them.

Putting sheets in the dryer can also be tricky at times, as they can come out wrinkled, therefore making it difficult to fold them.

But with a little patience, it is possible to get them clean, dry, and folded neatly.

Here are some common reasons why it is difficult to wash, dry, and fold blankets.

  • They are bulky and heavy.
  • They are long, making it hard to prevent them from tangling
  • They can be made of different materials, which can make washing and drying difficult.
  • Large-size blankets may not be able to fit into a mesh laundry bag.
  • They can come out wrinkled from the dryer because of their size.
  • Not all sheets can be hand-washed OR machine washed, some explicitly require dry cleaning only.

With all of these reasons, it’s no wonder people hate washing and drying blankets.

But there are certain things you can do to avoid tangling, let’s take a quick look below.

How frequently should sheets be washed?

You should wash your sheets at least once a week. If you have pets at home and if they too sleep in your bed, you should probably wash your sheets more often. You can use a mild detergent and cold water to wash your sheets.

How to wash bed sheets so that they don’t tangle?

Washing a bed sheet is easy if you are not mixing any other laundry items with the load.

In order to wash a bed sheet follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Before you start washing your bed sheets, it is important to check the care label. The care label will have all the information that you need in order to wash the bed sheets properly.

Step 2: Remove the Sheet from the Bed

The first step is to remove the sheet from the bed and shake it out to remove any loose dirt or debris.

Step 3: Separate the Lights from the Darks

You should always separate your lights from your darks before washing them. This will help to prevent any bleeding or fading of the colors.

Step 4: Pretreat the Stains

If your sheet has coffee, wine, or any other stains, you may need to pre-treat it.

In order to pre-treat, you can either spot clean the stains OR run a pre-wash function in the washer.

Having said that, spot cleaning is much better than a pre-wash function.

Simply, apply a gentle and suitable stain remover to the stains and work on it.

Finally, rinse the stained area with clean water.

Step 5: Put the sheet in a Mesh Bag

This is an important step, especially if you want to avoid tangling and protect the fabric.

This step can be optional if you are washing only one or two sheets of similar color at a time.

However, if you are looking forward to washing multiple items in one go, then it’s wise to go for laundry bags.

Step 6: Place the bed sheet in your washer

The next step is to place the sheet in the washer.

Step 7: Add detergent

Now add gentle and suitable detergent to the washer’s detergent dispenser tray.

You may want to add a small quantity of detergent to the pre-wash compartment if you plan to run a pre-wash cycle.

Step 8: Set the right washing machine settings

This step is crucial as the results completely depend on what settings you have chosen.

For a regular wash, you can choose the below settings for best results.

  • Water Temperature: Cold
  • Wash Cycle: Gentle OR Delicate
  • Spin Speed: Low OR Extra-low.
  • Pre-wash cycle: Not needed if you have pre-treated the stains.
  • Soil Level: Medium

Step 9: Start the Wash Cycle

Let the washer complete the wash cycle.

Step 10: Dry the Sheet

Once the wash cycle is complete, transfer the sheets to the dryer and dry the sheets on a low heat setting. If possible, avoid using high heat, as this can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric.

For best results, you can simply air dry the sheets by hanging them on a clothesline.

How to Handle Blankets and Bed Sheets Correctly?

It’s crucial to wash and dry your sheets or blankets correctly if you want them to last for a long time.

To avoid tangling, sheets, blankets, and duvets should be washed separately from other laundry items.

Larger items like duvet covers should be washed separately from smaller items like pillowcases, which can be washed in the same load as the sheets and blankets.

It’s recommended to use a moderate cycle and cold water for washing blankets and linens.

Furthermore, To avoid them from getting tangled in the agitator, wash them separately if at all possible or with other items that are similar to them.

To avoid creases, low heat should be used to dry the bedding after washing.

If possible, hang or lay them flat to dry to avoid getting twisted in the dryer.

Once they are dry, sheets and blankets should be stored in a cool and dry place.

Duvets should be stored inside their covers to prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.

Tips to wash sheet without tangling

tips to wash sheets without tangling

You can avoid sheets and blankets from getting tangled by following these simple and easy-to-follow tips.

Let’s take a look at it.

1. Spin Dry Before Putting in the Dryer

If your washer has a spin dry function make use of it and ensure excess water is flushed off before you put them in the dryer.

2. Make use of Tennis Balls

You can also try using dryer balls or tennis balls to help keep them from getting tangled.

If you do end up with a knot, you can try to untangle it by hand or use a trick like putting a pillowcase over it and then pulling on the corners.

3. Make use of Laundry Balls

If you are struggling with tangling issues repeatedly, you can opt for laundry balls.

Simply put the laundry balls inside your washer and then add the load.

This should help to avoid tangling.

4. Wash the sheets separately

Try washing them in separate loads.

This way, the blankets won’t be able to tangle up with the sheets.

5. Dry the sheets Separately

Just like washing, you should also dry them in separate loads.

This will help to keep them from getting tangled together.

6. Use Gentle Cycle

Use a gentle OR Delicate cycle on your washer to avoid the fabric from getting tangled.

7. Avoid Overloading your Washer and dryer

One way to avoid tangling, and save energy and money when doing laundry is to avoid overloading your washing machine and dryer.

When these appliances are overloaded, they have to work harder to clean and dry the clothes, which uses more energy, thereby shortening the lifespan of the appliance.

So, when doing laundry, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how much clothing you can wash or dry at one time.

8. Do not mix other laundry items with sheets

If you want to wash your bedding, it’s best to wash it with other bedding.

This way, you can ensure that all of the bedding is clean and free of any dirt or debris.

To wash bedding, simply place it in the washing machine with a sheet or towel.

9. Make use of Mesh Bags

If you want to use mesh bags, make sure you wash them before using them.

This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the bag.

To wash a mesh bag, simply place it in a sink or tub full of warm water and soap.

Then, twist the bag to get the water and soap inside.

Allow the bag to soak for a few minutes before rinsing it clean.

10. Use low sud detergents in a limited quantity

Overuse OR Overdose of detergent does not mean you will get cleaner clothes.

In fact, it can leave a residue on your sheets and create excess suds that will affect the performance of the washer.

Excess suds will make it hard for the blankets and sheets to move freely, eventually leading to tangling.

It’s recommended to use a detergent that suits your washer in moderate quantity.

Final Thoughts

Washing a bedsheet OR a blanket is actually easy if you know how to do it.

For the best outcome, always check the care label first so that you can decide on the approach to wash them as not all sheets are machine washable.

In general, it’s best to wash them in cool water on a gentle cycle and then air dry them for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to keep sheets from balling up in the dryer?

To prevent sheets from balling up in the dryer, use dryer balls or tennis balls to help separate them. Avoid overloading the dryer and select a lower heat setting. Periodically stop the dryer and shake out the sheets to maintain their separation.

How to wash fitted sheet without tangling?

To wash a fitted sheet without tangling, follow these steps:
1. Separate the sheet from other laundry items.
2. Fasten any elastic corners or straps to prevent tangling.
3. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water.
4. Use a mild detergent.
5. After washing, shake out the sheet before transferring it to the dryer or hanging it to air dry.

Hemant Sarkar is a seasoned techie with a diploma in computer science and an impressive track record of over 15 years in dealing with speakers, kitchen appliances, and various home appliance-related issues. He is widely recognized for his exceptional expertise in repairing dryers and washing machines from all major brands. In addition to his appliance repair prowess, Hemant maintains engaging blogs on topics related to music and speakers. For any inquiries or assistance regarding appliances or tech-related matters, you can reach out to him at: hemant (at) theportablelaundry.com.