With the advent of the new year, many people take a look at their old sheets and towels and decide it's time for a refresh. If you're on the fence, you might be wondering how often you should be replacing your bedding, towels, and other household linens. Here's our guide for when to make the switch:
How Often To Replace Bed Sheets
You sleep on your sheets every night and wash them regularly, so they get a lot of wear and tear over the years. You also really do get what you pay for - quality sheets last longer than less expensive sheets from big box stores. That's because the quality of the cotton or linen and the construction of the yarn tends to be better and more durable in the nicer bedding.
Your everyday bedding made from quality cotton should be able to last you about three or four years if you take care of it correctly.
Linen sheets last the longest at three to five years per set.
Of course, seasonal bedding that you switch out for summer, fall, or the holidays will last longer because you don't use it every day of the year.
How to Care for Bed Sheets
- Wash them regularly (at least once every two weeks - more if you have pets or it's hot outside) in warm water with mild detergent.
- Avoid fabric softeners - they coat the fibers and can affect the hand (the feel) of the fabric.
- Store in a cool, dry place like a linen closet. Don't store them in an open shelf in a sunny laundry room - too much sunlight can affect the fibers over time.
How Often to Replace Pillows
Pillows capture the grossest stuff when we sleep - dead skin cells, sweat, etc. They also flatten out and lose "fluff" over time. You should replace your pillows about every 2 years, or when they start to feel no longer comfortable.
How Often to Replace Duvet Inserts and Comforters
Duvet inserts are a big investment, so most people want to hang onto them as long as possible. The good news is that duvet inserts last for a long time - quality ones can last for 10-15 years or more!
Comforters have less staying power than duvet inserts, since they have no protective covering on them. Replace your comforter when the color starts to fade or when filling starts to leak out.
How to Care for Duvet Inserts and Comforters
- Always use a duvet cover over your duvet insert - not only does it add some color to your home, but it protects the insert.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash your duvet insert or comforter.
How Often to Replace Bathroom Towels
Bathroom towels tend to last about 2-3 years, longer if you've chosen ones with strong fibers and quality construction. Replace yours when they start to look ratty or worn.
How to Care for Bathroom Towels
- Wash your towels every 2-4 uses, and make sure to hang damp ones on a towel bar to avoid mildew.
- Don't use fabric softener on your towels - it affects the absorption power.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash your towels.
How Often to Replace Bath Mats
You should replace your bath mat whenever it starts to look worn. High-quality bath mats can last 5-7 years or longer.
How to Care for Bath Mats
- Wash your bath mats every week or two. Hang them over the edge of your tub or on your shower handle bar to avoid them sitting around damp.
- Don't use fabric softener on your bath mats - it affects the absorption power.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wash your towels.
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