I have used sheets, not new ones, but many times washed ones. I find that when I buy a sheet set, the bottom sheet wears out much faster, due to my rough heels, mostly. So the top sheets get washed plenty, but I don't find they are stained or faded with wear like the bottom sheet. I have used the 300 tc after being washed with no problems on my machine. I don't think I would ever use a new one because I feel it would be too dense.