Here's When You Should Really Replace Your Bed Sheets

When it comes to ensuring a good night's sleep, some high-quality (and comfortable!) bed sheets are a pretty essential item. We sleep on them every night, after all — which is why it's important to know how to properly take care of your bedding. Sure, most people know how often you should change your sheets (hint: it's at least every two weeks), but what about replacing them altogether? 

While we've all got some items we hold onto for a bit too long, you may be surprised to know that your favorite set of bed sheets don't last as long as you probably expect. Generally, some obvious signs that it's time to replace your sheets include stains, fraying hems, and fading of color — though the onset of these signs will likely depend on the quality of your sheets (such as the material and thread count) and how often you wash them, according to Mattress Firm.

If you're wondering whether it's finally time to get some fresh new bedding, here's how often you should really be replacing your sheets.

As reported by NBC News, a bedroom poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation revealed that most people replace bed sheets within two years. Vicki Fulop, co-founder of Brooklinen, confirmed to the outlet that about two years is a good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to disposing of your old bed sheets. 

"After regular use and wash cycles, the fibers of your bed linens can start to break down and show signs of wear and tear," she explained. "Having said that, it doesn't mean your sheets will all of a sudden fall apart after two years, just that if they're starting to look and feel worn out, and you want the optimal condition and comfort for your bed, two years or so is a great time for a refresh."

Luckily, if you want to help make your bed sheets last a little bit longer, there's a few things that you can do to extend their lifespan, too. As House Beautiful notes, it's good to have at least two different sets of bed sheets to cycle through, as this can help prolong the life of each set. And when it comes to cleaning your sheets properly, the outlet also recommends washing them on a cool or warm cycle to help maintain their color and elasticity, as well as making sure to line-dry them afterwards.