One of the best ways to ensure a good night’s sleep is to invest in comfortable, high-quality, lightweight and breathable flat sheets. A good flat sheet should be something you look forward to draping over you at the end of a busy day and it should feel soft against your skin rather than scratchy and uncomfortable.
If you’ve gone to the trouble of researching flat sheets and finding the best ones for your needs, then you want to keep them in like-new condition for as long as possible. We’ll cover all the basic steps on how to properly care for your flat sheets so that you’re able to extend their lifespan and enjoy many nights of fabulous sleep for years to come.
How Long Do Flat Sheets Last?
Let’s start with a dose of reality. While it would be great if flat sheets lasted as long as your mattress, that’s just not the case. Realistically speaking, when you follow the proper care steps, you can expect them to last two to three years. It’s still a significant amount of time and you may be able to stretch it a little further depending on how many sets you’ve got, allowing you to swap them out regularly.
It’s worth noting that, because flat sheets don’t have elastic in them, unlike fitted sheets, they can last a little longer. The elastic is often the first thing to show signs of wear and tear on fitted sheets. This means you may find yourself replacing the fitted one before your flat one needs replacement.
Create a Washing Schedule
The first tip is to use a washing schedule. This will ensure that you’re washing your flat sheet often enough that it remains clean and hygienic, but not over-washing it, which can drastically shorten its lifespan. So, what’s the perfect schedule?
It is recommended that you remove your sheets once a week to wash them. If your pets share your bed, this will need to be shortened and you’ll need to wash your flat sheet, and fitted sheet, every three to four days to ensure their dander and hair don’t build up. If you have asthma, seasonal allergies, or you tend to sweat a lot during sleep, chances are you’ll need to wash your sheets more often than once a week.
Always Follow the Instructions on the Label
While you may be tempted to treat all flat sheets the same in terms of washing, that’s not always the case. It is determined by the material, and each flat sheet will have a label or tag that provides you with specific care instructions. Washing fabrics at the wrong temperature can result in shrinkage or the item becoming misshapen.
The Chambray sheets found here: https://givans.co.uk/collections/luxury-flat-sheets-uk are made from a lightweight linen fabric, which means they are machine washable on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Don’t forget to also pay attention to drying instructions, as this is where shrinkage can also occur with some fabrics.
These simple steps will help ensure that your flat sheets last for many years to come, making them an investment piece.