How To Know When It's Time To Buy New Sheets

Do you ever find yourself staring into your linen closet , trying to figure out where you can fit one more hand towel, let alone store a new comforter? There's a strategy to organizing your closet and it starts with getting rid of items that are just taking up space in your closet. When it comes to linen closets , in between the slightly tatty towels and extra tablecloths (which probably should be tossed ), one of the main culprits crowding up the place is sheet sets. 

While a good rule of thumb for linens is to have two sets of sheets per bed, it can be hard to know when to get rid of sheets. While shopping for new bed sheets might not be at the top of your to-do list, there is a time to replace. After all, over time, the best-loved sheets can wear out, becoming thin, stained, surprisingly sandpapery, or perhaps just not feeling as fresh as they once did. 

That said, it can be hard to say goodbye to bed linens. So how do you know when it's really time to say goodbye to those sets loitering around the linen closet? It can be hard to determine when sheets are still good for guests or ready to be tossed out of the closet and turned into rags or put to use in the garden. To help, we spoke to a few experts about how often you should replace your sheets and when it's time for an upgrade, which we hope will help clear your linen closet and, just maybe, help you sleep a little better, too.

How Long Do Linens Last? 

"You should replace your sheets every two years, but this can vary based on how many sets you have, if you sweat a lot in sheets, and how well you care for them!" says Kelly Hannon, Chief Merchandising Officer, Brooklinen .

Amy Hoban, Chief Creative Officer at Parachute , agrees: "As a general rule, most sheet sets last around two years with everyday use. Higher-quality fabrics, like long-staple cotton percale or sateen, can often last a bit longer, while linen sheets may hold up beautifully for three to five years or more. Rotating between multiple sets or using seasonal bedding can also help extend their lifespan."

Look For Signs Of Wear And Tear

"I usually tell clients to replace sheets when they are stained, ripped, or torn," says Tonia Tomlin, President/Founder, Sorted Out , a professional organizing service in Dallas. "Also, when the elastic wears out on the bottom fitted sheet."

"You'll know it's time to buy new sheets when they start to lose their softness or structure, or when no amount of washing makes them feel truly fresh," says Parachute 's Hoban. "Sheets and pillowcases have the most direct contact with your skin throughout the night, so they naturally need to be washed more often and tend to break down faster than other bedding. Over time, the fabric fibers wear down, leading to thinning, fraying, or small tears. You might also notice that sweat or body oils have left behind lingering discoloration or odor."

"Ultimately, if your sheets no longer feel as soft or breathable as they once did, or you're simply not sleeping as comfortably, it's probably time to refresh your set. Investing in well-made, natural materials will ensure you enjoy that just-right mix of comfort, quality, and longevity night after night," continues Hoban. 

"You may also find you need to replace your fitted sheet and pillowcases more often than a top flat sheet, or a duvet cover, and this is normal!" says Brooklinen's Hannon. "Fitted sheets and pillowcases generally absorb more sweat or body oils and wear in faster due to the weight on top of them."

When you do buy new sheets, here's how to put them on your bed.

Read the original article on Southern Living