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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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