How to Fold a Fitted Sheet
LAUNDRY TIPS
When it comes to frustrating laundry problems, folding a fitted sheet is near the top of the list. The rounded corners and elastic that helps the sheet hold firmly to the mattress also resists easy folding. If you don’t know how to fold a fitted sheet neatly yourself, but have seen someone else do it, it can look almost like a magic trick, and many people give up and just roll up the sheets or fold them sloppily and shove them into the back of the linen closet. But there are some good reasons for learning how to fold a fitted sheet correctly, and once you learn how to do it, it will be easy to get it right the next time.
Why Folding Matters
Why not just crumple up the sheet, roll it up into a ball, or do a haphazard folding job? As long as the sheet is clean and stored in a clean space, does it really matter if it’s folded properly or not?
Well, yes, it actually does matter. When fitted sheets are crumpled or poorly folded, they get wrinkles that may not go away completely when you stretch the sheet over the mattress. And wrinkly sheets do not make for a comfortable night’s sleep.
What’s more, properly folded sheets are easier to store and will help you keep your linen closet more organized. And, a stack of neatly folded fitted sheets will be impressive to overnight guests, or to any nosy visitors that may be checking out your linen closet.
Steps for Folding Sheets
Your fitted sheets can be folded; you just need to follow the right steps to make sure that they’re folded correctly. Start by holding the sheet by two corners of one of the short sides. Place one hand inside each corner, then bring your right hand to your left. Fold the corner on the right over the one on the left leaving the top corner right side out.
Next, pick up the corner adjacent to the one you were holding in your right hand and fold it over the other two corners so that it’s inside out. Take the last corner and fold it over the others, so that it’s right side out. Then lay the sheet on a flat surface, making sure to straighten it out. Fold the edges in so that the elastic is hidden, then fold it into a rectangle. Finally, fold the rectangle into the size you want it to be so that you can fit it in comfortably with your other linens.
Once your sheet has reached the target size, you can put it away. If you’re going to be storing the sheet for some time, slipping a dryer sheet in between the folds can prevent it from taking on a musty smell and ensure that when you’re ready to put the sheet on a bed, it’s fresh-smelling as well as wrinkle-free.