LaundrySettings
Dryer setting

What dryer setting for bed sheets?

Tumble dry most bed sheets on low or medium heat. Remove them promptly to reduce wrinkles and avoid high heat on shrink-prone fabrics.

Reviewed August 10, 2026

Heat
Low to medium heat
Choose by sheet fabric

Bed sheets dryer settings by material

For most bed sheets, low or medium heat is the best balance. The fabric determines which one to choose.

Item or materialSettingHow to use it
Cotton sheetsLow or medium heatLow reduces shrinkage; medium dries sturdy cotton faster. Remove promptly.
Linen sheetsLow heatUse a roomy load and remove slightly damp to reduce hard-set wrinkles and shrinkage.
Microfiber or polyester sheetsLow heatSynthetic fibers dry quickly and can be damaged or set with wrinkles by high heat.
Silk or delicate sheetsAir dry or label-approved no heatDo not assume tumble drying is safe; follow the care label exactly.

Keep sheets from tangling and wrinkling

Shake sheets open before loading, dry them separately from towels and small garments, and leave enough room for the fabric to tumble.

Use the lowest heat that finishes the load, then remove sheets as soon as the cycle ends. High heat can shrink cotton and linen and can set wrinkles in synthetics.

Care-label caveats

  • Always follow the care label for fiber content and drying limits.
  • Use delicate or hand wash settings for silk, fine linen, lace, or fragile trim.
  • Do not overload the washer; sheets need room to rinse and spin.
  • High heat can shrink cotton and linen blends.

FAQ

What dryer setting should I use for sheets?

Tumble dry most bed sheets on low or medium heat. Remove them promptly to reduce wrinkles and avoid high heat on shrink-prone fabrics.

What temperature should I dry sheets at?

Use low to medium heat. When the care label shows a different drying limit, follow the label.

What temperature should I dry bed sheets at?

Use low heat for linen, microfiber, synthetics, and shrink-prone sheets. Medium heat is usually suitable for sturdy cotton when its care label allows it.

Are sheets delicates in the dryer?

Most cotton sheets are not delicates, but silk, fine linen, lace, fragile trim, and some specialty finishes need delicate, no-heat, or air-dry care.

Full washer and dryer guide for sheets