How Often Should You Buy New Sheets?

Bed sheets are often neglected since most of us only think about our bedding as we’re actually going to sleep. 

Not exactly a great time to strip your mattress and do a load of laundry.

However, this cycle of forgetfulness can come back to bite us. Literally.

Bed bugs just love unwashed bedding, it gives them the opportunity to cozy up to you while you sleep, and…have a little nibble. 

And they aren’t the only ones who enjoy dirty sheets. Dust mites feed off of the dead skin cells that flake off your body, and while they’re less abrasive than bed bugs, they have a tendency to affect the air quality in your home, and pick on those with dust mite allergies.

Picturing bugs crawling around in the place you sleep every night is the stuff of nightmares, which is why in this article, we’re going to discuss how often sheets should be cleaned, as well as when they should be replaced altogether.

When Should You Get New Bed Sheets?

Like clothing, bed sheets and pillowcases will get worn out over time. This can look like discoloration, fading, or even thinning fabric.

So how often should you replace your sheet set?

Typically, it’s recommended that sets that are being used every night should be replaced every 2-3 years. However, several factors play into how long your bedding can last.

For example, if you take proper care of your sheets, they tend to last a good while longer. Washing your sheets (and don’t forget your pillowcases) regularly at the proper temperature ensures your health and the longevity of your bedding.

How Often to Clean Sheets

The average American swaps their bedding only about every 24 days!

However, sometimes it’s not a great idea to follow the masses. Experts say 1 to 2 weeks should be the maximum amount of time between washing sheets.

What Bedding Materials Last the Longest?

It may be tempting to buy the cheapest sheet set you can find, despite the quality, but that doesn’t always pay out. If the bedding gets worn out faster, then you’ll end up having to buy another set more quickly than you would have if you had spent a little more initially.

At the same time, however, more expensive does not always mean higher quality. There are a few things to look at beyond the price tag when buying bed linens.

High-quality sheets will often have a higher thread count, as a high thread count will usually mean a softer and longer-lasting material. This is not the rule, though it is quite common. For example, in cotton sheets, a good thread count would be anywhere from 200 to 600.

Cotton is the most common material used in bedding, it’s averagely priced and can be woven in many different ways. Below is a list of the best sheet fabrics (cotton and otherwise) and why they might be your next favorite.

Linen

Though cotton is the most common, linen is one of the best materials for bedding. This is because even though it’s heavier than cotton, it’s more breathable and it’s 30% stronger, making it last much longer. It’s also very moisture-wicking and offers a luxurious feel, which is why it’s often used in hotels.

A good thread count for Linen is 80-140 since it has thicker yarn than cotton. However, when buying linen sheets, the thread count is often undisclosed because it’s not as important of a factor as it is in other types of fabrics. In fact, for linen, it’s actually better to have a lower thread count.

Percale

Cotton sheets themselves can take many forms, but the most common weave is percale. Cotton percale sheets are woven tightly in a criss-cross pattern, allowing the fabric to have a low thread count (200-400) and be lightweight.

Percale sheets have a cool, crisp texture, making them great for those who tend to sleep on the hotter side and they’re also pretty durable in the spectrum of cotton sheets. In fact, if you use a percale weave on Egyptian cotton, it’s one of the strongest materials.

Sateen

Another alternative cotton weave is sateen. Cotton sateen sheets are made out of the mercerized fibers of a cotton plant and woven into a satin weave, meaning a one-yarn under, four-yarns over pattern, giving it a much higher thread count of 300-600.

This results in a heavier, silky material that feels more luxurious to the touch, but isn’t as durable or breathable at percale. It’s better for those who would prefer a warmer sheet set.

Brushed Cotton

Like the various weaves, there are different types of cotton used in the fabric that affects the way the material feels and lasts. For example, Egyptian cotton is a higher quality cotton grown in Egypt, where the climate is perfect for the plant. Fabric made from this type of cotton is often much stronger than fabric made from its more available counterpart.

Another cotton used in the fabric is altered after it is picked. Brushed cotton is where natural cotton and several other materials are combined and then brushed to remove any excess lint. 

Fabric made from brushed cotton is much softer and more elegant than that which is made from natural cotton. It does, however, retain more heat, making it cozy for winter months. 

Tips on How to Make Your Sheets Last Longer

We recommend the frequent washing of your sheets, however, depending on the type of fabric and the situation, you may want to adjust the way you’re washing them. Check out our guide on how to wash sheets to learn how to care for different types of materials. 

Typically, though, we suggest that you wash them on a cool or warm cycle unless you’re trying to get rid of bedbugs or dust mites or if you or your partner has been sick. If that’s the case, get those pests out with hot water. Just make sure your sheets can take the heat without shrinking. 

It’s also a rule of thumb that less is more in regard to detergent. And while tumble drying is fine, if you want your sheets to last extra long, it’s best to let them air dry.

Shop Your New Bedsheets Today 

Is it time to buy a fresh set of sheets? Luckily, Leesa has the perfect set for you!

This wrinkle-resistant, cotton sateen weave sports an impressive 500-thread count, giving it a soft, breathable texture that will make you think you’re sleeping on a cloud. A customizable cloud. Leesa’s sheets are made to fit every mattress, from a twin to a California king, and you’ll have four gorgeous colors to choose from. 

Additionally, they come with free shipping and returns and you can try them risk-free for 75 amazing nights. Not to mention, Leesa also donates one set of sheets for every 75 sets we sell to the 42nd Street Charity!

Start building your sleep sanctuary with Leesa and never look back.

FAQS