When thinking of bedding, the term “bed sheets” typically encompasses the pillowcases, fitted sheet, and flat sheet that touches your skin. Together, sheets protect bed pillows, mattresses, and the comforter/duvet layer of your bedding from sweat and oil since they’re closest to your skin. Because of this, bed sheets experience a lot of wear and tear. In this guide we answer the question, "how long do sheets last?" so you can determine when it's time to get new sheets. Read further to determine the average lifespan of your bed sheets, factors that influence sheet durability as well as cleaning practices, and how to determine if it's time to move on to new, fresh bed sheets.

How Long Do Sheets Last?
Factors That Determine How Long Bed Sheets Last
How to Take Care of Your Sheets
How to Tell When You Need New Bed Sheets

How Long Do Sheets Last?

Regardless of the type of bed sheets you have, they usually last about two to three years. After this time frame, you might notice them start to fade, pill, thin, or even tear in certain spots, which is completely normal for bedding that comes in direct contact with your skin on the regular. This next section outlines all the factors that help or hinder the durability of your sheets.

Factors That Determine How Long Bed Sheets Last

When asking "how long should sheets last?", you also need to consider the factors that cause bed sheets to stay pristine for longer or deteriorate quicker. Understanding what makes bed sheets stand the test of time can help you save more money in the long run by ensuring that your bed sheets stay as cozy and soft as possible. Here are some important factors that contribute to the lifespan of your sheets:

Material

Your bed sheet’s material can have a large impact on the quality of your bed sheets over time and determine whether you need to replace them more frequently with new sets. Review each of these sheet material options to see how long they’ll typically last.

Cotton

Cotton bed sheets are some of the highest quality sheets when it comes to durability. However, how long they’ll last depends in part on the type of cotton you choose. While basic 100% cotton sheets can last two to three years due to their shorter fibers, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets (or pima/supima, which is the American cotton equivalent) are the optimal choice for long-lasting bed sheets. So, how long do Egyptian cotton sheets last? The answer is approximately 10 to 15 years! This is because they're made from a type of extra-long staple cotton (ELS) that has super long fibers. Long cotton fibers are better at holding weave patterns and are less likely to come undone or pill than short-staple cotton varieties.

You also have two weave options when it comes to cotton or Egyptian cotton varieties: percale or sateen. Cotton with a percale weave is typically more durable because of its distinct tight weave pattern, whereas cotton sateen is all about achieving a silky smooth feel and appearance. Cotton sateen is still a durable weave option, but percale ultimately offers the most durability. Both sateen and percale sheets have the potential to hold up for three to five years or more. Just make sure the weave pattern you go with is made using either 100% cotton/Egyptian cotton. Synthetic cotton blends may not last as long but can be more budget-friendly.

Tip!

Learn more about the difference between cotton percale and cotton sateen in Percale vs. Sateen: How to Choose the Best Sheets.

Linen

Cool, breathable linen is another smart option for durable sheets. So, how long do linen sheets last? The answer is three to five years or more with the right care. Sheets made of 100% linen have long-staple flax fibers. These fibers make for an ultra-strong weave pattern (which means less pilling for your sheets!). However, this quality also makes linen less stretchy, which could cause your sheets to tear over time. Linen-cotton blends are common to help promote a softer, more flexible material.

Tip!

Still trying to decide between cotton and linen for your bed sheets? Check out our guide on Comparing Cotton vs. Linen Sheets for Everyday Comfort.

Silk/Satin

Sheets made from 100% silk can last up to 10 years with the right care. Satin refers to the weave pattern of silk material that creates the smooth glossy finish. Faux silk sheets made using a blend of natural and manmade materials (like wool or cotton and rayon or polyester) usually don't last as long as real silk sheets, but they're more budget-friendly.

Synthetic Blends & Microfiber

Microfiber bed sheets and other synthetic fabrics usually last one to three years. Their synthetic construction is made using materials like polyester or nylon. These materials also hold color better than natural materials so your sheets won't fade as quickly. Microfiber sheets have fine fibers woven tightly together that make the sheets less likely to pill. However, this strong weave pattern also means sheets can tear or break over time.

Tip!

Reference, What Is Microfiber? for more information about this synthetic material option for bed sheets.

Flannel

Flannel sheets are made of synthetic materials, cotton, or wool and are designed to keep you warm in the winter. These sheets usually last two to four years with the right care. Flannel sheets have a brushed weave pattern that adds a soft cozy feel to bedding, but this also makes them more likely to pill over time.

Tip!

Check out What Is Flannel? to gain a better understanding of this bed sheet material.

Thread Count

When determining how long bed sheets should last, thread count is another important factor to consider. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The more threads, the denser and more tightly woven a fabric is, and the better it stands up to wear and tear. This ultimately means that sheets with higher thread counts can potentially hold up better over time. Look for sheets with thread counts of 200 to 800 for the best results. The higher the thread count, the higher the price point, but it also ensures a more luxurious, durable fabric.

Frequency Of Use

How frequently you use a particular set of sheets can also influence their long-term durability. If you use the same sheet set all the time, they might deteriorate quicker than if you had more than one set of sheets to swap-in. More on how many sheet sets you should own in the next section.

Care & Cleaning Practices

As tempting as it might be to toss your bedding in the washing machine without a second thought, you can preserve the quality and lifespan of your sheets by paying close attention to the care instructions. Make sure to wash bed sheets with a mild detergent to keep the fabric from deteriorating or fading. Most sheets do best on a gentle washing setting with cool or warm water and a cool drying setting. Hot water or drying methods could cause shrinkage or fading.

How to Take Care of Your Sheets

Now that we've answered the question, "how long do sheets last?", let's discuss how to take care of your sheets to get the maximum amount of use out of them.

1. Cycle Through Multiple Sets

As we touched on in the previous section, having multiple sets of sheets helps prolong the use you can get out of each individual set. This is because you aren't using the same set of sheets constantly and giving each sheet set a break. We recommend you have at least three sets of sheets so you always have one to use, one to wash, and one to stash away.

2. Adhere to the Care Instructions

Every sheet set should come with care instructions or a care tag sewn into the hem. Reference this tag to determine factors such as wash cycle, water temperature, drying requirements, and whether or not a sheet set is bleachable. As mentioned above, when in doubt, refrain from using strong detergents and high heat settings for washing and drying to keep your sheets in pristine condition.

3. Store Them Properly

Believe it or not, there is a right way to store bed sheets! It's best to keep sheets in a linen closet or anywhere dry and dark. This prevents fading or moisture damage that would occur if they’re exposed to humidity or harsh sunlight. We also recommend taking the time to fold your sheets neatly before you store them. This prevents unwanted creases or wrinkling that could deteriorate the fabric over time. You can also keep your sheets from gathering dust by putting them in breathable fabric bags or pillowcases. Refrain from putting sheets in plastic containers as these aren't porous and can lock in moisture, causing a musty or mildew-prone environment.

How to Tell When You Need New Bed Sheets

So, how often should you buy new sheets? There are a few ways to tell if your current bed sheets have seen better days. Review these signs to determine if it's time for new sheets.

1. The Fabric Has Started to Visibly Deteriorate Thin, Pill, or Tear

If you start to notice your bed sheets are showcasing visible tears or thinning spots, you definitely want to replace them soon. This means sweat and oils could be seeping through to the mattress or other bedding to form stains. If you also start to notice small balls of fabric (pills) accumulating on the fabric, this means your bed sheets are starting to pill, fray, and deteriorate, so you'll want to replace your sheets soon. Plus pilling fabric is uncomfortable to sleep on.

2. The Fabric's Color/Design Is Fading

Everyone deserves pristine sheets that look as good as they feel. If your sheets have started to lose their color and vibrancy, you may want to replace them soon. Faded sheets can also allude to a thinning of the fabric due to constant friction with your skin.

3. There Are Visible Stains You Can't Remove

If you've tried everything to remove sweat stains or food spills from your sheets and they're still there, it's time to get new sheets. This will ensure you have a fresh, clean environment to sleep in.

4. You Can't Remember the Last Time Your Bought New Sheets

Can't remember when you bought your bed sheets? It's probably a good time to pick up a few new sheet sets. Your bed and sleep routine will thank you!

Tip!

Now that we've answered the question: "how long do sheets last?" Check out Your Guide to Bed Sheets for Sleepers of All Kinds.

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