Why Hotel Sheets Feel Cooler

One of the highlights of staying in a hotel is always how crisp and fresh the bedsheets feel. Hotels have mastered the art of immaculately maintained bedsheets, despite being slept on more times than we probably care to think about. If you’ve tried to replicate the experience by investing in an expensive set, yet still come up short, it’s because there are numerous steps hotels take to ensure their bedsheets keep you cool while you slumber. From thread count to the exact type of cotton they use, here’s everything you need to know about how to create a hotel-worthy bed in your own home. 

Type of Cotton

Cotton is the obvious choice of material, but not all cotton is created equally. Hotel sheets are almost always made from either Egyptian or pima in a long-staple cotton, meaning the fibers are fine yet strong. For the highest quality Egyptian sheets, look for the Cotton Egypt Association (CEA) certificate of authenticity. This is the only way to ensure the sheets have been DNA tested to confirm the cotton used was grown in Egypt. Supima cotton, while not as renowned, also serves as a premium fabric for sheets and has the added benefit of being exclusively grown in the United States for those looking to cut down on their carbon footprint. 

Weave and Thread Count

No matter the cotton used, what sets hotel sheets apart in maintaining their cooling sensation is the type of weave. Percal weave is infamous for its light and breezy feel, as it uses a one thread over, one thread under method that results in a plain tight basket weave effect. This ensures sheets are durable without being bulky or heavy. Because of the tightness of the weave, these sheets are also less prone to creasing and wrinkling and have a smoother finish. While they can be slightly stiffer when you first get them, they become softer after a few washes. 

When it comes to thread count, a common misconception is that the higher the number, the higher the quality of the sheets. Thread counts go up to 1500, but for that hotel feel, anything between 250 and 600 will suffice if it’s the right fabric. Luxurious cotton in a decent thread count results in a five-star bed set-up.

Industrial Detergent 

Hotel sheets go through a lot more wear and tear, yet they still manage to maintain that new crisp appearance. Hotels use industrial cleaning agents to ensure sheets are given a thorough wash, resulting in all stains being removed and their whiteness kept looking bright. Next time you wash your sheets, try adding a teaspoon of sodium tripolyphosphate to your laundry. This not only boosts the effectiveness of your detergent but also helps to combat any residue left over from hard water. Hotels also often use detergents containing hydrogen peroxide to avoid sheets developing a beige hue. 

How to Dry and Iron Sheets Like a Hotel 

Hotel sheets are never wrinkled or creased. The quality of the cotton plays a huge part in their almost starched finish. But to really replicate their polished appearance, try ironing your sheets while they’re still slightly damp. If you use a dryer, take them out while they are still warm and either make your bed immediately or fold them neatly. 

The 3 Sheet Method 

Hotels often use a triple-sheeting method that starts as usual, with a fitted sheet first, a flat sheet, and a blanket or duvet. You might normally stop there, but instead, add a second flat sheet on top of the blanket. This method is used so hotel guests aren’t coming in direct contact with bulky duvets that are harder to clean, and while that’s a plus for you at home — throwing a blanket in your home washing machine doesn’t always work — it also ensures that cool feeling is maintained throughout the night.

If you want that nice tucked-in feeling you get at hotels, use the hospital corner tucking method, tucking both flat sheets and the blanket into the mattress.

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