How Often Should You Buy New Sheets?

July 30, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

If you’re getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep a night, you’re spending one-third of your day (and lifetime) snuggled in your sheets. Your bed is one of the most important pieces of furniture you own, and your bed sheets are the most important accessories. So, how often should you buy new sheets for optimal comfort? 

With this in mind, most experts recommend buying new sheets every two to three years if you’re buying sheets of standard quality.1

Of course, your sheets’ length of service in the bedroom depends on several factors including the quality of the bed linen, how you do your washing, and how many sheet sets you circulate between.

Read on to learn more about the factors that impact how often to buy new sheets. We’ll even help you decide on your next pair of sheets.

Upgrading your bed sheets has never been easier. Casper’s selection of premium bed sheet sets has something for everyone whether you desire a luxurious feel, a crisp sleep, or breathability through the night. 

Factors Impacting Bed Sheet Longevity

It’s easy to become attached to something you’re spending every night with, especially if it took you forever to find the perfect match for your bedroom’s atmosphere. 

So, are you really limited to two to three years with your bedding? In short, no. Sheet sets can last anywhere from one year to upwards of twenty years depending on the quality and how well you take care of them.2

The following factors can impact your sheets’ lifespan:

How Often You Sleep in Your Bed

If you frequently travel or sleep somewhere other than your bed, your sheets aren’t getting as much wear and tear as they otherwise would. How often you’re using your bedding plays a part in its longevity. 

Circulating Your Sheet Sets

If you own multiple sets that you rotate, your sheets will last longer because they are not facing the same constant erosion that a single set would endure from frequent washing and sleep-ins. 

Bed Sheet Storage

Your sheets will stick around with you even longer if you know how to fold sheets and store them properly. Whether they be made from materials like silk vs. satin or tencel vs. cotton, here are some storing tips that can ensure longevity:3

  • Store sheets in a cool, dry area.
  • Line your storage area with acid-free tissue paper to prevent yellowing.
  • Avoid using sealed, plastic storage bins to prevent mildew from trapped moisture.

Washing Your Sheets

One other factor plays a major role in the longevity of your sheets—your washing habits.

You should be laundering your sheets using a washing machine once a week to avoid creating a habitable environment for critters like dust mites or bed bugs. Mites will eat dead skin cells and both bugs like to live in warm, moist environments. If you find your skin is irritated when you wake up, that may be a signal to wash your sheets more frequently.

There are some circumstances when it’s okay to wash once every two weeks, thus expanding your bedding’s life. However, sweating a lot in your sleep, sleeping in your birthday suit, taking morning rather than evening showers, eating in bed, having sensitive skin, and sleeping with pets are all good reasons why it may be better for you to stick to a weekly wash schedule.4

Maintaining sheet-friendly washing practices will help your set last for a longer period. Here are the factors to consider when washing sheets.

  • The label – The best practice is to follow the instructions your bedding manufacturer specified for their product. They will recommend what’s best for the fabric in the long run. 
  • Water heat – Your instinct may be to set your washing machine to sanitize your sheets at the hottest setting, but this could shrink your bedding and cause the colors to bleed if it’s one of the first washes. Though there are several tricks on how to keep sheets on your bed depending on size and fabric, maintaining their original condition should take priority.

However, if you experience intense seasonal allergies or have just recovered from a contagious illness, it may be worth the risk to wash on the hottest setting to remove any allergens or viruses. If you know you will be regularly washing sheets on the hottest setting, consider sizing up your sheets in case shrinking occurs.

  • Bleach – It can be frustrating when your white or light-colored sheets stain or discolor. When looking for bleach, reach for an oxygenated variety instead of a chlorinated one. Oxygen bleach is less toxic than the alternative and much gentler on your bedding’s fibers. 
  • Drying – Just as washing on the hottest setting is ill-advised, so is drying at the highest possible temperature.

If you have the ability, line drying in the sun is the gentlest drying method. The next best thing is to tumble dry on low. Ironing before storing the sheets or making your bed is an optional extra step to kill anything that may be living in your bedding. 

Selecting the Right Features in New Sheets

You’ve probably heard that thread count is the end all be all for what makes a good quality sheet. But in actuality, picking the sheets that are right for you goes beyond thread count considerations. 

Here are some of our favorite options depending on your sleep preference:

  • Sateen SheetsSateen sheets are wrinkle-resistant and the most likely to bring a little bit of hygge to your life. These sheets look and feel sleek and work best for the cooler months or for sleepers who get a little chilly in the night.
  • Hyperlite Sheets – Casper’s coolest sheets yet, the Hyperlite cooling sheets are made of 100% Tencel™ Lyocell weaved in a unique grid pattern to help even the most warm-blooded sleeper get some ZZZ’s in the heat.
  • Percale Sheets – The Percale Sheets are another good option for hot summer nights. Using 100% cotton and a plain weave, the Percale delivers a cool and crisp feel to soothe you to sleep. 

Decide what you’re looking for in new sheets, then find the corresponding fabrics and weaves. A sleep expert at Casper can help you figure out which bed sheet will work best for you.

Sheets That Are Made to Last

At the end of the day, your sheets don’t need to be thrown out or recycled until there’s visible damage of their declining condition like thinning, discoloration, stains, frayed edges, or loose elastic. 

But even if your sheets aren’t on their last leg yet, adding another bed sheet set to your collection can help prolong their life.

When it’s time to buy new sheets, Casper has a range of premium sheets that are made to last and made for unique sleeping preferences.

Sources: 

  1. House Beautiful. How Often Should You Replace Your Sheets Set? https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/cleaning-tips/a25799450/how-often-should-you-replace-buy-new-sheets/# 
  2. Sleep Advisor. How Often Should You Wash (& Change) Your Bed Sheets? https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-often-should-you-wash-your-sheets/ 
  3. Martha Stewart. Bedding Care 101. https://www.marthastewart.com/270618/bedding-care-101
  4. Healthline. How Often Should You Change Your Sheets? https://www.healthline.com/health/how-often-should-you-change-your-sheets#risks 

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