My husband said I should make our bed with damp sheets because his mom told him that's how it should be done. Is this a real thing people do?

3. Why You Shouldn't Do It Today

While this trick had its place decades ago, modern bedding and mattresses make this practice risky.

• Mold and Mildew Risk: Modern foam, latex, and pillow-top mattresses act like giant sponges. Trapping moisture under damp fabric encourages mold, mildew, and dust mites to thrive inside the mattress core.

• Fabric Technology Has Changed: Most modern cottons, microfibers, and jersey knits dry fast and don't require heavy tension to release wrinkles.

• Indoor Humidity: In a home with closed windows or central HVAC, damp sheets will simply make the bedroom feel humid and clammy rather than cool and refreshing.

The Verdict

Yes, it is a real historical practice, but it was meant for heavy cotton/linen sheets air-drying in hot, breezy, dry climates—not for modern mattresses and homes.

If you want smooth, crisp, and cool sheets without the risk of mildew:

1. Pull sheets warm from the dryer and smooth them onto the bed immediately to prevent wrinkles.

2. Opt for cooling fabrics like percale weave cotton, bamboo, or linen for a naturally breezy sleep.