At A Glance
Discover which fabrics can withstand the test of time and learn how to prolong bedsheet lifespan while maintaining hygiene in the long run.
Quick Tips
- Opt for fibres with longer threads and reasonably high thread count.
- Follow care instructions
- Replace your sheets at least once a week.
Featuring Weavve's Cotton Classic Set In Midnight Blue
With the city’s hot and humid weather, a bedsheet in Singapore inevitably gets subjected to regular washing. While some premium cotton sheets get softer with every wash, most bed sheets age with constant use. Exposure to wear and tear impacts their longevity as an investment for quality sleep. Thus, it is imperative to take into consideration the expected bedsheet lifespan of each material before you buy a new set of sheets.
Which type of fabric can stand the test of time? How can we prolong bedsheet lifespan and how often must we change our bedding to balance hygiene and material quality in the long term? Read on to find out!
Most Common Bed Sheet Material Lifespans
Bed sheets are made of different materials. And depending on the durability of the fibre used, the material may last for a couple of years or so.
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Polyester
Polyester bed sheets are an affordable option for those changing bed sheets on a budget. It is lightweight, cool to the touch, and resistant to wrinkling, shrinkage, and colour fading unlike its natural counterparts.
Average Life Span: 1-2 years
Care instructions: Polyester bed sheets can be washed via washing machine on warm water setting. You may choose to line dry or tumble dry the sheets on low or medium heat, removing them immediately after the cycle to reduce wrinkles.
Cotton
Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Fitted Sheets In Fern Green
Cotton bed sheets in Singapore are very commonly used. These sheets come in different types and are generally accessible, affordable, and adaptable to both warm and cool climates. Sleepers also love them for their breathability plus cloud-like soft and silky feel. However, compared to other cooling materials like TENCEL™ bedsheets, cotton may not be the most sustainable option.
Average Life Span: 2-3 years
Care instructions: Similar to polyester, wash cotton sheets using warm water then line dry on low heat. Remember: do not tumble dry, bleach, or dry clean. Limit the use of hot washes to cold or flu seasons to prevent faster wear and tear. Additionally, wash separately before use and use gentle detergent to maintain fabric quality. Iron on low heat if required, and line dry away from direct sunlight to avoid fading and shrinkage.
Linen
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Linen bed sheets are a favorite among those with sensitive skin as the material is hypoallergenic and naturally cooling. They may start out stiff but they get softer with every wash similar to high-quality cotton sheets.
Average Life Span: 3-5 years
Care instructions: Linen bed sheets are best washed in cold water to prevent shrinkage and pilling. These are washing machine-compatible, but best cleaned on a gentle cycle as not to harm the natural fibres.
Bamboo
Bamboo bed sheets in Singapore are well-loved for the strengths of its natural fibres and environmentally-friendly processes. Bamboo sheets are also antifungal, hypoallergenic, breathable and moisture-wicking, all with a reasonable price tag.
Average Life Span: 13-15 years
Care instructions: Bamboo sheets are easy to care for with a mild laundry soap and a gentle wash cycle. Keep bamboo sheets separate from other fabrics as the fabric fades in its first few wash cycles. Afterwards, line dry is most recommended.
TENCEL™
Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Fitted Sheet Set In Mist Grey
TENCEL™ Lyocell bed sheets in Singapore are a pioneer in 100% sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are produced by an environmental and sustainable process, resulting in TENCEL™ sheets which are soft and cool to the touch, hypoallergenic, and wrinkle-resistant. Thanks to its temperature-regulating properties, you can say goodbye to night sweats or constant use of air conditioning!
Average Life Span: 10+ years
Care instructions: Wash in cool water with a mild detergent, preferably in a gentle machine wash at or below 30°C. Avoid tumble drying, and instead, line dry away from direct sunlight. Iron on low heat if necessary, and remember to flip sheets inside out before washing to reduce abrasion. Additionally, use of a laundry bag is highly recommended to prevent pilling. Finally, avoid using bleach or detergents containing bleach, as this can damage the TENCEL™ Lyocell fibre.
Even though some bed sheet materials can last you for many years, most experts recommend you to replace your bed sheets every 2-3 years. This is because, this is usually when visible signs of wear and tear occur. Even the quality of the sheets may have decreased by then and could affect your level of sleep comfort.
Must-Know Tips To Prolong The Lifespan Of Bedsheet Sets
Choose Quality Bedding Sheets
Each bed sheet material has its own corresponding average bedsheet lifespan, determined by how the fabric is made. The material’s fibre length matters - longer threads generally make for sturdier fabric as the threads will be less likely to break with each wash.
Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Deluxe Set In Sandshell
Thread count, pertaining to the number of threads that make up a square inch of fabric, also plays a role in determining fabric quality. A high thread count in bedsheets is highly appreciated, but note that what is considered a “high” thread count for sheets varies per material. As a general rule, look for bed sheets thread count ranging between 400 to 1000. Anything below 400 might not withstand much wear and tear, while the thread count of a bed sheet which is greater than 1000 will not provide much-added comfort and will be unnecessarily expensive as well.
The weave also affects the look, feel, and longevity of the fabric. Plain weaves are the most common, evenly splitting the horizontal and vertical threads to provide equal pull. Sateen weaves use more vertical yarns, producing fabric that is silky smooth to the touch, but more vulnerable to pilling. Other complex and expensive weaves like jacquards and damasks are also available but will set you back quite a bit.
Fabrics made with single-ply yarns are also a plus, compared with threads combined into multi-ply yarn.
Follow Care Instructions
Don’t underestimate the pesky tag - these bedsheet care guides hold the key to extending the life of your bedsheets. The specifics lie on the tag, but in general, be sure to wash your sheets in a separate load from other laundry items. This allows them more space to circle around the washing machine for a deeper clean. Washing your sheets separately also protects them from getting stuck in hooks or zippers, and lessens the pilling that happens over time.
It might be tempting to treat white bed sheets with bleach, but this will cause long-term damage. Instead, pre-treat stains before throwing the sheets in the wash. Natural bleaching agents such as adding ¼ cup lemon juice may also help to naturally whiten fabric. Use mild or special detergents best suited for bedsheet maintenance.
Do You Really Need To Replace Your Sheets?
Yes, they do. What we don’t see is that our sheets accumulate dirt and dead skin cells through days of sleep. Leaving your dirty sheets unchanged for a long period of time leaves you vulnerable to irritants which could develop into skin or respiratory allergies, or skin diseases such as contact dermatitis.
Featuring Weavve’s Cotton Classic Set In Cloud White
To combat this, a bedsheet change must be done at least once a week. Those with skin or respiratory issues may opt to change their sheets more frequently to prevent these worsening during their sleeping hours.
Having multiple sets of sheets to cycle through also helps in improving bedsheet lifespan of each one. Think of them as dividing and conquering your peaceful night’s rest by taking weekly shifts - this way, each set wears out slower over time without compromise. Be sure to keep expected lifespan in mind when buying bed sheets.