Folding fitted sheets is often the bane of laundry day. Sometimes it seems impossible to get right. Fitted sheets often end up in a ball, taking up more space in the drawer than they would if they were folded flat. The balled-up sheet can get wrinkly, and even more difficult to put on the bed. There is a way to fold fitted sheets so that they lie flat, and it's not too hard to learn.

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1.

How Do You Fold a Fitted Sheet?

To fold a fitted sheet, follow these steps:

  1. Put your hands inside the corners of the sheet.
  2. Bring the two vertical corners together and flip one over the other.
  3. Do the same to the other corners.
  4. Lay the sheet on a flat surface. With the corners tucked into one another, the sheet should lay flat.
  5. Fold it in half twice.

Bed with wrinkly sheet gerenme / Getty Images

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2.

History of the Fitted Sheet

People have been covering mattresses with sheets for a long time. This practice keeps the mattress from getting dirty and helps it last longer. Until 1959, there were no fitted sheets. Instead, a flat sheet was placed on top of the mattress and folded around the corners to fit the mattress. In 1959, a clever inventor added elastics to a flat sheet, and the fitted sheet was born.

Old bed with no sheets tomeng / Getty Images

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3.

How Many Pieces Are in a Set of Sheets?

In the U.S. and Canada, there are usually four pieces in a set of sheets. There's the fitted sheet, as well as a flat top sheet and two pillowcases. In Europe, however, bedding sets do not contain a top sheet. Europeans don't use a sheet between the fitted sheet and duvet, or comforter.

Bed without a fitted sheet Bulgac / Getty Images

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4.

How Often to Wash Sheets

In general, sheets should be washed weekly. For people who don't use their sheets every day, every other week may be okay. However, anyone who experiences seasonal allergies, sleeps with pets, or is prone to colds should wash their sheets as often as possible. Washing sheets gets rid of allergens and germs, so you're less likely to get sick while they sleep.

Sheets being washed Hispanolistic / Getty Images

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5.

How Often to Buy New Sheets

Bed sheets should be completely replaced every two to three years. If sheets are high quality and well cared for, they may last longer. It's important to replace sheets when they start to wear out because worn-out sheets can disrupt sleep. If sheets are showing signs of fading, it's best to replace them.

White linen bed sheets Mitshu / Getty Images

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6.

Material for Sheets

Sheet material is a matter of personal preference, but some materials are better than others at helping you sleep. A good material will absorb moisture, and keep a person cool at night. Here are some materials that are good for sleeping:

  • Tencel
  • Bamboo
  • Modal
  • Egyptian Cotton
  • Silk
  • Micro Fiber
  • Linen

Bed with flowers on it mumininan / Getty Images

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7.

What is Thread Count?

The number of threads per square inch of fabric is the thread count. A high thread count usually means softer, longer-lasting sheets. It's not the most important thing to pay attention to when buying new sheets, however. High thread count is nice, but it's not as important as the type of material.

Multicolored threads hapelena / Getty Images

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8.

Do Sheets Help You Sleep?

The right sheets can help you get a better night sleep. Sheets that trap moisture, or stay cool, can help people stay asleep longer. Consumers have also reported that fresh-smelling sheets help sleep, so add some extra detergent to the wash to get a fresh-laundered sheet smell. It might just give you sweet-smelling dreams.

Dog in bed gollykim / Getty Images

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9.

Seasonal Bedding

Seasonal bedding doesn't just mean having heavy blankets in winter and light ones in summer. Some people change their sheets with the season, too. Certain sheet materials are better for certain climates, so it may be beneficial to change sheet sets based on the weather. Flannel sheets may be better for winter because they trap heat, while light bamboo sheets may be more suited for summer weather.

Bed in sunlight imaginima / Getty Images

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10.

What is a Top Sheet and Is It Necessary?

Top sheets aren't common in Europe, and some people in the U.S. and Canada are getting rid of them, too. Many people think the top sheet gets in the way, and can be uncomfortable for people who move a lot in their sleep. The top sheet keeps the duvet from getting dirty, though, so people who get rid of the top sheet should wash their duvet cover regularly.

Folded sheets Pannonia / Getty Images
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