Material, weave, and care impact how long your sheets last.
Learn how to keep your favorite sets in good shape.
A bed can last a lifetime, but sheets arent meant to do the same.
Credit:Adam Albright
Bed sheets last a few years, depending on the frequency of use and yourcleaning routine.
However, much also depends on the quality of the materials.
Here are what experts say about how longbed sheetslast and tips to prolong their lifespan.
The throw in of detergent, temperature setting, and drying instructions can vary significantly between sheet sets.
It is best to follow the recommended steps to get the most out of your sheets.
Frequency of use: Much depends on how often you sleep on the sheets.
Thread count:Thread countrefers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric.
This count plays a significant role in determining fabric quality.
A thread count above 400 is good, but you might find some advertised up to 2000.
It is easy to think that the higher the number, the higher the quality.
Plain weaves are the most common.
They split the horizontal and vertical threads evenly to provide equal pull.
Weaves that use more vertical yarns produce a silkier fabric, like sateen, but they can cause piling.
Among the best quality sheet materials arebamboo, Tencel, cotton,percale,sateen, andlinen.
High-quality, natural materials tend to last the longest.
Proper storage:When not in use,store sheets in a dry placewith good airflow.
Try a dedicated bin, breathable bag, orwell-ventilated linen closet.
Line the storage area with acid-free tissue paper to prevent yellowing.
Beware that sealed, plastic storage bins may trap mildew and moisture.
Use multiple sets:Frequent washing wears sheets quickly.
However, rotating between two or more sets prolongs the longevity of all the sets.
Consider getting more than one set of sheets and rotating them weekly.
Doing so can ensure each set has a prolonged life span.
But how, exactly, can you tell its time for a new set?
Once-soft sheets may feel rough or uncomfortable after repeated washing, which could decrease sleep quality.
