I once watched a TV show a zillion years ago that was a profile of a woman that did all the laundry for TV shows and some broadway plays. She was a pro! She said that cold water is just the same as hot and that she NEVER used hot water on anything. Cold water does just as fine a job and of course is gentler on the environment. It's the agitation that cleans, not the temp of the water. If you're worried about critters, just dry at a high temp.

I suggest that you return the unused sheets to the store. I used to buy bath towels that were warm water wash. They never got really clean. I switched to a brand that tolerated hot water wash and had truly clean towels for the first time. I now wash my families bedding, bath towels, kitchen towels, and underwear in water over 135 degrees. It kills germs and dust mites. I believe that cotton fabric that does not tolerate hot water is poor quality. Inferior dyes are often the problem, although an inferior weave would also present problems. Suggesting cold water for laundering their product produces fewer complaints of shrinking and fading. Look for products that don't skimp on quality for best results in a hot water wash.

I also bought some simply organic sheets from BB&B and never even considered washing them in warm water. I use cold for pretty much everything except when I have great concerns about killing germs for some reason.

The sheets have been fine and feel/look quite clean. Maybe in the middle of a cold winter you could use warm water, but otherwise use cold.

I like these sheets b/c they have a deeper pocket than most of the other organic cotton sheets I have found and therefore don't slip off the mattress as quickly. I will buy another set when they go on sale or have free shipping (the BB&B nearest my home doesn't carry them).

I also use an environmentally friendly detergent (and have for many years). It does depend upon what soap you use as to how well the clothes clean. Try several brands based on your water condition. I have hard well water and have found that some brands work better than others for my needs. I needed to change brands when I moved from "city" water.

I buy Coyuchi sheets that are organic and love these sheets!!! I have used Coyuchi for over 10 years. Anyway, they recommend similar instructions but I ALWAYS wash them in hot water and maybe they last 5 years instead of 10 years but I prefer to wash my sheets/linens in hot water whether it is to remove dust mites etc. Hope this helps as I don't know your brand. I think many manufacturers give you instructions to lengthen the life of the product but it may not mean that you cannot wash them in hot water. Maybe try the pillow case first and see if you like the way it comes out.

I've used one sheet from the set (and a pillowcase) and they seem very good. I used cold water. My concern with using hot water was because I've often read that those of us with bad allergies should wash sheets/pillowcases in hot water to kill dust mites. (I've also often read that hot water also should be used to wash towels to kill germs - especially kitchen towels.)

I'm very concerned about the environment but also dealing with bad allergies and other health problems. I also need to use incandescent bulbs due to apparent mercury sensitivity (I get metallic taste in my mouth when near lit fluorescent bulbs!). My other uses of energy are pretty minimal. And I use Planet laundry detergent - the only one I've found (besides Tide Free) that doesn't cause skin irritations with me.

Thanks for all the advice and feedback!

I have used this sheets for years and wash them in hot water with no problems. I have 2 sets and alternate between them. I wash them using Seventh Generation products.