What a sheet goes through in a year
Short answer: A sheet is in contact with the body for many hours every night, and it is exposed to sweat, friction and regular washing. There are no fixed figures, but general mechanisms explain how to make the sheet last longer.
Many nights in a row
A sheet is used almost every night, which means it is in action for many hours. You lie on it, turn over, and it is pulled and rubbed. Corners and edges, where the sheet is stretched tight, take the most strain. How much the sheet wears depends on the mattress, on your sleep and on how often you wash. A sheet is also in contact with the mattress and the duvet, so it takes in both sweat and skin oils.
Sweat and moisture
Many people sweat at night, and the sheet takes in part of the moisture. That is why most people wash sheets often. Habits vary, but many wash every two to three weeks, and more often in summer. Air the bed in the morning so that the moisture can evaporate before you make it. A sheet that breathes may feel more comfortable, but that depends on the material and on how warm the bedroom is. See bamboo bedding.
Washing and drying
Sheets are washed often and take up a lot of room in the machine. Wash them at 30 to 40 degrees unless the label says otherwise, and leave the machine room so that the sheet can move. If the drum is overfilled, the sheet is washed and rinsed badly. Dry it preferably on low heat or on a line, so that the fibres do not turn stiff. Avoid too much fabric softener, which can build up in the fabric. Always follow the care label.
Special sheets for special beds
If you have a bed with two parts, ordinary sheets can be hard to keep in place. Here you can use sheets made specially to fit each part. See bamboo split sheets. A sheet that fits stays in place better, rolls up less and wears more evenly. Measure your mattress before choosing, and check the depth, so that the sheet can reach all the way under the mattress.
When the sheet is worn
In time a sheet may become thin, lose some fibres and start to pill. Many people use worn sheets as protection when painting or moving, when they are no longer needed in the bed. If you have several sets, the wear is spread, and you always have a clean sheet ready. It is a good idea to rotate between two or three sets. See home and homewear in bamboo for more things for the home.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a sheet be washed
Many wash every two to three weeks, but it depends on sweat, season and habits. Wash more often if you sweat a lot.
Why do sheets pill
Friction and frequent washing can make the surface pill. Wash them gently and avoid high heat in the dryer.
When should a sheet be replaced
When the fabric is thin, gets holes or no longer fits properly. It depends on use.
See our range of bamboo sheets.
