We dive into the do’s and dont's of the Internet’s latest cleaning craze.

When it comes to cleaning tips, there’s nothing quite like TikTok. Whether you’re watching cleaning time-lapse videos or figuring out new cleaning hacks, finding your way onto #CleaningTok is a pretty fun place to be — after all, what’s more satisfying than watching someone organize their entire home to a pretty song?!

However, there’s lots of #CleaningTok content that’s really not that necessary — like stripping your sheets, which is the newest TikTok cleaning trend we’ve seen take the internet by storm. Users like @thenamesterri and @cleaningoutloud have gone viral stripping their sheets. Wondering if you need to strip your sheets (or what it even means)? We’ve got you covered.

What does it mean to strip sheets?

If you’re scrolling around TikTok watching cleaning videos for any length of time, you’re quickly going to see a sheet stripping video — AKA, sheets soaking in a bathtub or similar container, appearing to have released tons of dirt and oil. 

And, if you’re at all a clean freak, you’re probably going to see that video and think “umm… that’s on my sheets?!”

See, stripping your sheets means letting them sit in a solution — usually Borax and baking soda — to get residue, dirt and oil off of them. By soaking in the cleaning solution, your sheets are technically supposed to be the cleanest they’ve ever been. However, it can be hard on textiles and can strip more than it’s supposed to.

Should I be stripping my sheets?

If you’re wondering whether or not sheet stripping should be on your weekly cleaning list, don’t fret — because it doesn’t need to be. When you’re sleeping on high-quality linens (like Skylark+Owl’s), stripping can damage the material, fade color and hurt the integrity of your sheets themselves. Plus, stripping your sheets tends to go hand in hand with heavy, harsh chemicals that you don’t want to sleep with every night.

The key? Caring for your sheets and washing them once a week to keep them clean. Sheets don’t need a soaking in Borax solution to be clean — in fact, not even close. Instead, invest in a gentle detergent and be intentional about keeping them washed. By caring for your sheets the right way, you won’t ever have the need to soak them in chemicals… and you’ll increase their longevity, too.

Caring for Skylark+Owl sheets

Wondering how you can keep your high-quality sheets in high-quality condition? Follow the following care instructions for your bedding… no sheet stripping needed:

Skylark+ Owl Cotton (percale and sateen): 

• Machine wash in cool water using a mild detergent
• Wash with items similar in color and fabric
• Avoid washing with items that may have zippers or hooks that could cause pilling
• Tumble dry on low heat to preserve the natural fibers
• Avoid using chlorine bleach, benzoyl peroxide, and other harsh chemicals

Skylark+ Owl Flannel:

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water using a mild detergent
• Wash with items similar in color and fabric
• Avoid washing with items that may have zippers or hooks that could cause pilling
• Tumble dry on low heat, removing promptly
• Do not use chlorine bleach, benzoyl peroxide, and other harsh chemicals
• Use an iron on warm heat as needed

Skylark+ Owl Linen: 

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle in warm water using a mild detergent
• Wash with items similar in color and fabric
• Avoid washing with items that may have zippers or hooks that could cause pilling
• Line dry or tumble dry on low heat, removing promptly
• Do not use chlorine bleach, benzoyl peroxide, and other harsh chemicals

While we know a great cleaning video is fun (and satisfying to watch), we can promise you that they’re not all necessary. Instead, just focus on taking intentional care of your high-quality fabrics. We promise. 

And, if you’re ready to invest in beautifully crafted linens, stock your nest with Skylark+Owl. We’re here to help you rest up and sleep well with bedding that feels as good as it looks.