How to Wash and Care for Mokee Cot Bed Fitted Sheets

Quick answer

Wash Mokee cot bed fitted sheets on a gentle 30°C cycle with a mild, non-biological detergent, then either tumble dry on low or line dry. Treat stains before washing, keep the load loose so the elastic isn't stretched, and avoid fabric softener and hot washes to protect the cotton jersey and waterproof backing.

Sort by fabric and backing before you load the machine

Not all cot bed fitted sheets are the same. Cotton jersey sheets, like the white 120 x 60 cm cot bed fitted sheet and the 140 x 70 cm Soft Plumes sheet, are soft and breathable and can be washed together. A waterproof-backed sheet, such as the Natural Seagrass Moses Basket Fitted Sheet, has a different construction and should be washed separately from heavy towels or anything with zips and hooks that could snag the backing.

Wash sheets with similar colours and similar fabric weights. A mixed load of jersey sheets and waterproof sheets can cause uneven drying and unnecessary friction. If you only have one sheet to wash, either wait and combine it with the next bedding wash, or run a small, low-spin cycle.

Treat stains before they set

Baby messes are easier to remove when you deal with them straight away. Rinse the stained area under cool running water, then apply a small amount of mild detergent or a stain remover suitable for delicate fabrics. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently rub the fabric against itself. Avoid scrubbing with a stiff brush, which can pill the jersey surface.

Never use hot water on a fresh protein stain such as milk or vomit, because heat can set it into the fibres. For waterproof-backed sheets, keep stain treatment on the fabric side and rinse thoroughly so no residue stays on the backing.

Use the right cycle, temperature and detergent

A gentle or delicate cycle at 30°C is enough for normal washing. Use a mild, non-biological detergent and measure it rather than guessing; too much detergent leaves residue that can feel stiff against a baby's skin. Skip fabric softener, because it coats the fibres and reduces the natural softness of cotton jersey.

If your machine has a low-spin option, choose it. High spin speeds put stress on the elasticated edges and can leave deep creases in the sheet. For waterproof cot sheet care, check the care label first and follow it over any general advice, since backing materials vary.

Dry with care to protect the fit

Tumble drying on low heat is convenient, but take the sheet out while it is still slightly damp and stretch it back into shape. Over-drying is the most common reason fitted sheets start to feel tight or lose their smooth finish. If you prefer line drying, lay the sheet flat or hang it over a wide rail rather than a thin line, which can leave a ridge in the fabric.

Avoid drying a waterproof-backed sheet on a hot setting. Heat can damage the backing and reduce its protective performance. When in doubt, air dry it.

Store and rotate sheets so they last longer

Fold sheets loosely and store them somewhere dry. If you keep more than one sheet in rotation, alternate them so no single sheet takes all the wear. A spare sheet also means you can wash one while the other is in use, which is far easier than trying to dry a single sheet before bedtime.

Check the elastic and seams every few washes. If the elastic feels slack or the stitching is pulling, it is time to replace the sheet rather than stretch it back over the mattress.

Your step-by-step sheet washing routine

1. Check the care label and sort your sheets: Read the label on each Mokee fitted sheet and separate cotton jersey sheets from waterproof-backed ones. Wash similar fabrics and colours together. Common mistake: mixing a waterproof sheet with heavy towels, which can snag the backing.
2. Pre-treat stains with cool water: Rinse fresh stains in cool water, apply a little mild detergent, and rub gently. Do not use hot water on milk or vomit stains. Checkpoint: the stain should look visibly lighter before the sheet goes in the machine.
3. Wash on a gentle 30°C cycle: Use a mild, non-biological detergent and a low-spin setting. Leave room in the drum so the sheet can move freely. Common mistake: overloading the machine, which stretches the elastic and traps detergent.
4. Skip fabric softener: Fabric softener coats cotton jersey and reduces its natural softness. If you want a fresh feel, add an extra rinse instead. Checkpoint: the sheet should feel clean and supple, not slippery.
5. Dry on low heat or air dry: Tumble dry on low and remove the sheet while slightly damp, or line dry it flat. Never use a hot setting on a waterproof-backed sheet. Common mistake: over-drying, which makes the sheet tight and harder to fit.
6. Fold and rotate your sheets: Store sheets loosely folded in a dry place and alternate between two or more sheets so each one wears evenly. Next step: if the elastic feels slack after washing, replace the sheet rather than forcing the fit.

Product facts

• Natural Seagrass Moses Basket Fitted Sheet - White Waterproof: This waterproof fitted sheet is suitable for the Woolnest Moses Basket and the Natural Sea Grass Moses Basket, but not for the Classic Wicker Moses Basket. Check your basket model before buying or washing, because the wrong fit will not stay smooth and the waterproof layer needs the right mattress shape to work.
• Cot Bed Fitted Sheet | 120 x 60 cm - White: This white cot bed fitted sheet is designed for a 120 x 60 cm cot mattress and is made from super soft cotton jersey with elasticated edges. The jersey fabric and elastic edges are the reason a gentle 30°C wash and low-heat drying keep the sheet snug and soft.
• Cot Bed Fitted Sheet | 140 x 70 cm - Soft Plumes: This 140 x 70 cm cot bed fitted sheet is made from OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton jersey in the Soft Plumes design. Certified organic cotton still needs mild detergent and no fabric softener to keep its gentle feel against delicate skin.