Learn how to fold tight corners on your bed sheets

What sounds cozier: a messy, untucked bed or one that's freshly made with smooth, wrinkle-free sheets? If you picked the latter, then making hospital corners is the perfect way to make your bed. Hospital corners, or military corners, give your sheets a nice, crisp appearance, and they're so easy to do. In this article, we break down how to make hospital corners step-by-step so you can easily make your bedroom look tidier.

Things You Should Know

  • Lay a flat sheet on your bed so it hangs down evenly on all sides. Tuck the end of the sheet in at the foot of your bed.
  • Hold the edge of the sheet 12 in (30 cm) from the bottom. Fold it on top of your mattress so it forms a crease at a 45-degree angle.
  • Tuck the excess sheet hanging down by the corner under the mattress. Then, fold the angled sheet down to tuck in the side.
  • ​​Fold the other corner of the sheet the same way. Pull the sheet tight to smooth out the wrinkles when you’re finished.
1

Drape a flat sheet over your mattress.

  1. Spread the sheet out so it hangs evenly on all sides. If you have a fitted sheet, put it on your mattress first. To start making your bed, lay out your flat sheet and align the top edge with the head of your bed. Adjust the sides and bottom end of the sheet until the same amount hangs down from the sides and foot of your bed.[1]
    • You can also just use a flat rectangular sheet if you don’t have a fitted sheet. In that case, make sure the top edge of the sheet at the head of your bed hangs down the same distance.
    • If you have a blanket you want to tuck in with hospital corners as well, lay it out on top of the flat sheet.
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2

Tuck the end of the sheet under your mattress.

  1. Pull the sheet taut after tucking it in to get rid of wrinkles. Slightly lift up the foot of your mattress and push the end of the sheet underneath it. Carefully set your mattress back down again so your sheet doesn’t bunch up.[2] [3]
    • Tug lightly on the outer ends of the sheet that are still hanging down to help keep it taut and smooth.
    • If you do not have a fitted sheet underneath, tuck the flat sheet in at the head of your bed too.
    • If the sheet bunches up when you put your mattress down, run the handle of a wooden spoon under your mattress to push the sheet and smooth it out.
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Repeat the process on the other corner.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Is the top sheet a specific size to do this? If so, what size?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    it would be best to use a top sheet that is fitted for your bed, (ex. king, queen, full, twin).
  • Question
    What should I do if the bed is against a wall and I cannot pull it out to gain access for tucking it in on the wall side of the mattress?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In this case, it is best to undo the final step of one of the corners that is not against the wall and try to copy it on the other side.
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References

  1. https://nerleea.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Essential-Cadet-Skills-Booklet-CADET-POLICE-ACADEMY.pdf
  2. https://youtu.be/sI58kWTrQO4?t=97
  3. Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
  4. https://airforcejourney.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/201804_dorm-tng-manual-27-mar-17.pdf
  5. https://youtu.be/ao_dEAUbgJo?t=24
  6. Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
  7. https://afrotc.ua.edu/uploads/5/3/7/5/53759463/ft_21_field_training_manual__ftm_.pdf
  8. Cleanzen Cleaning Services. Residential Cleaning Specialists. Expert Interview. 4 February 2022.
  9. https://youtu.be/mhSlsqmati0?t=47

About This Article

Cleanzen Cleaning Services
Co-authored by:
Residential Cleaning Specialists
This article was co-authored by Cleanzen Cleaning Services and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. The Cleanzen Cleaning Services Team consists of Residential Cleaning Specialists. With more than six years of experience, they specialize in connecting independent cleaning professionals with those who need help cleaning their houses. All of Cleanzen’s professionals are experienced and licensed and have passed background checks. This article has been viewed 724,227 times.
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Co-authors: 27
Updated: March 7, 2023
Views: 724,227
Categories: Featured Articles | Beds
Article SummaryX

To make hospital corners, start by putting a flat sheet rather than a fitted sheet over your mattress. Next, tuck the bottom of the flat sheet in at the foot of the bed. Then, pick a corner at the foot of the bed to work with, grab the bottom of the sheet and lift it up to form a tent shape. Tuck in any excess fabric that is hanging down around the bed corner, draw the “tent” down over the side of the mattress, and tuck it tightly under the mattress. Repeat this process on the other corner before smoothing out any wrinkles on the sheet. To learn how to make a military style bed, keep reading!

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