Cleaning expert and TikTok content creator Chantel Mila has shared a simple method for softening and revitalising bed sheets and linen: adding one cup of Epsom salt to the washing machine drum and running a normal cycle. The tip was shared in a recent clip outlining her pre-holiday cleaning checklist, which gave special focus to the bedroom.
Why Epsom salt works on bedding
Chantel bypasses the commonly used ingredients of white vinegar and baking soda, opting instead for Epsom salt to keep her sheets luxuriously soft. The mineral content in Epsom salt helps break down detergent and mineral build-up in fabrics, leaving clothes feeling noticeably softer and fresher. It can also help loosen stiff fibres in brand new sheets.
The Epsom Salt Council described the product as an exceptionally "versatile" ingredient to incorporate into a laundry routine. It wrote: "It acts as a fabric softener, cleaning booster, and odour neutralizer, all without the use of harsh chemicals."
Additional tips for fresh linen
To help maintain a fresh scent, a few drops of essential oils can be added to the salts. For sheets with a particularly strong odour, half a cup of baking soda can be added to the mix for additional deodorising power. To maximise the benefits, pour the solution into the washing machine drum before loading any of the soiled sheets.
The Epsom Salt Council added: "Epsom salt also helps absorb odours, leaving laundry smelling fresher, and can help balance hard water, improving detergent effectiveness."
Washing bedding without a machine
According to Pioneer Linens, the same technique can be used without a washing machine. Fill the bath with cold water, add 50 grams of Epsom salt, place the sheets and linen into the bathtub, and stir with a wooden spoon. Allow the sheets to soak overnight, then rinse them thoroughly in the morning before leaving them outside to air dry.
