Body Oil, Sweat and Odor: How To Deep Clean Your Bed Sheets

Some of us seem to have a built-in body oil and sweat factory. No matter how often we shower or try to stay cool, it keeps coming. The amount of oil your body produces can depend on your natural body chemistry, diet, and other factors. How much you sweat can be affected by room temperature, salt intake, exercise levels, and how hydrated your body has been throughout the day (not drinking enough water on any given day can mean the body is not as hydrated, and therefore will not produce as much sweat). When you combine natural oils, perspiration and even heavy face cream, it can create a challenge for keeping your PeachSkinSheets clean. The odor and stains left behind can make you want to throw away your sheets and start all over again. 

The best way to spot treat these stains is to apply a small amount of dishwashing detergent first to the area like Dawn Dishwashing Detergent®, since it breaks down grease. Then create a paste with your regular laundry detergent and a non-chlorine booster such as Oxyclean® OR Borax® and soak overnight in warm water. If the stains are super stubborn you can use hot water, but we usually don’t recommend that because hot water can break down some fabrics.                     

To deep clean an entire load of oily, smelly bed sheets in either your front or top loader, add 2 tablespoons of Dawn Dishwashing Detergent® along with your normal amount of laundry detergent in the detergent dispenser, 1 capful of Lysol Laundry Sanitizer® in the bleach dispenser and sprinkle ¼ cup of laundry booster on the sheets. You can even add a capful of fabric softener if desired. 

Start the wash cycle so that all products can activate, then stop it after 5-10 minutes and soak overnight. In the morning, run the rest of the cycle and add an extra rinse. Depending on the level of oil, perspiration, cream and lotion that affects your PeachSkinSheets, you may find that a monthly deep cleaning will suffice to keep everything fresh!