How to soften your sheets (and keep them soft)

August 14, 2025

Few things are as disappointing as sliding into bed expecting cloud-like comfort… only to find your sheets feel more like sandpaper. Whether brand new or freshly laundered, scratchy sheets can ruin your sleep in seconds.

So, why do your bed sheets feel rough? And more importantly, how do you get them irresistibly soft – and keep them that way in Singapore’s warm, humid weather? Here’s your step-by-step guide.

1. Choose the Right Sheets from the Start

Not all sheets are created equal. Cheaper options often use coarse fibres or synthetic blends that never feel truly soft. Some even have a chemical coating to make them feel smooth in-store, but that disappears after the first wash.

The fix:
Invest in premium, natural-fiber sheets, such as long-staple cotton, linen, or bamboo. At Robinsons Singapore, our luxury bedding collections are designed for lasting softness – no harsh synthetics, just breathable, skin-loving fabrics perfect for tropical nights.

Discover our Cool Bamboo Bed Sheet Set from the Hotel Collection for a light and breathable sleep. Or a Tencel Lyocell Bed Sheet Set from the Heritage Collection for a smooth and natural sleeping environment.

2. Always Wash New Sheets Before Use

Even high-quality sheets can arrive with a slight stiffness from manufacturing or storage. Many skip the pre-wash and then wonder why their brand-new bedding feels rough.

The fix:
Wash your sheets before the first use to loosen the fibres and remove any finishing agents. Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent for the perfect start to their lifespan.

3. Combat Product & Mineral Build-Up

If you’ve noticed your sheets losing softness over time, the culprit might be product residue or hard water. Detergent overload and fabric softeners can still leave a residue that stiffens fibres.

The fix:

Every few washes, run a vinegar rinse – add ½ cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle to dissolve build-up naturally.
Avoid excess detergent; a little goes a long way.
Skip fabric softeners – they coat fibres and reduce breathability.

4. Dry with Care

For Sun-Drying: Singapore’s heat and humidity can make air-drying tricky, so ensure good airflow to prevent musty smells. The sun naturally disinfects and freshens sheets.
For Dryer Users: Choose a cool or warm setting (not hot) setting to avoid damaging fibres. Always clean the lint filter before each cycle.

5. Give Natural Fibres Time to Soften

Cotton, linen, and bamboo get softer with every wash. If your sheets still feel a little crisp at first, patience (and proper care) will reward you.

The fix:
Wash regularly, following care instructions, and they’ll develop that lived-in, buttery feel over time. Or start with ultra-soft options from Robinsons’ bedding range for instant comfort from night one.

6. Maintain Softness for the Long Term

To keep your sheets luxuriously soft:

Wash them every 1–2 weeks to prevent sweat and dust build-up.
Use gentle, pH-neutral detergents.
Store sheets in a cool, dry place

The Robinsons Touch: Your Best Sleep Starts Here

With the right sheets and a little care, your bed can become a sanctuary of comfort. Browse Robinsons Singapore’s curated bedding collection – from breathable bamboo to silky smooth Egyptian cotton – and experience softness you’ll look forward to every night.