When in the year to replace your bedding
Short answer: Bedding lasts a long time, but not for ever. A good moment to look it over is at the change of season in spring and autumn, when the duvet is being swapped anyway. Check the fabric for wear, stains and bobbling, and replace whatever no longer feels pleasant to sleep in.
How long bedding lasts
It depends on the fabric, the weave and how often it is washed. A set that is used every other week and washed at the right temperature can last for several years. If you only have two sets, they wear out faster than if you have three or four, because each one is washed more often. Look for thin patches, especially where shoulders and feet rest. Hold a sheet up to the light and you will quickly see where it has worn thin.
Spring as a good moment
When the winter duvet is being packed away, it is natural to look over the duvet cover as well. Winter bedding has often been washed many times, and zips or buttons may have come loose. Clear out anything that is worn and wash the rest before it is put away for the summer. In spring it is also pleasant to have a lighter set ready for the first mild nights, so the change feels like a fresh start.
Autumn as a good moment
When the winter duvet comes out again, it is a good time to check that the cover still fits and that you have enough sets for the winter ahead. Autumn is also when many people spend more time in bed and on the sofa. Soft layers for the evening belong in the picture too. A bamboo hoodie for men or something similar is handy to keep by the bed for cold mornings.
Signs that something needs replacing
Yellow marks that do not come out in the wash are a typical sign. So is bobbling, where small balls of fluff make the fabric rough against the skin. The elastic in fitted sheets can lose its stretch, so the sheet slips off the corners of the mattress. Holes at the seams can sometimes be mended, but thin patches in the middle of the fabric tend to tear quickly. If bedding still smells after washing, it may also be time for a new set.
Care that makes it last
Wash bedding according to the label, usually at 40 to 60 degrees depending on the fabric. Do not use too much detergent, because residue makes the fabric stiff. Dry it on a line if possible, and fold it while it is still slightly warm so it creases less. Viscose from bamboo is often washed at a lower temperature and should not go in the tumble dryer unless the label allows it. Rotate between sets so they wear evenly.
Sleepwear and loungewear at the same time
While you are going through the linen cupboard, you can include your sleepwear. It wears in much the same way and is washed just as often. Look for the same signs and think about the season ahead. At home in the evening many people wear bamboo sweatwear, and at night sleepwear in a soft fabric. Do not throw out anything that still works, but let the worn pieces carry on as cleaning cloths.
Frequently asked questions
How many sets of bedding should you have
Two to three sets per bed is common, so there is always a clean set while another is being washed.
Why does bedding turn yellow
Sweat and skin oils build up in the fabric over time. More frequent washing at the right temperature helps.
Can viscose bedding go in the tumble dryer
Often not. Follow the label and dry it on a line if you are unsure.
See our range of Nordic Weaving bedding.
