How long should my bed sheets last?
This is a question asked frequently by both our innkeepers and by our customers for home use.
For home use & hospitality use, with proper care, fine bed linens (depending on the sheets you purchase-this is why I state “fine linens”) can last for many years. It is best to alternate the use of each set on a weekly basis for home use. For innkeepers, of course, sheets need to be changed each time a guest checks out and a new guest arrives. Innkeepers will find that most sheets will need to be replaced sooner (than a homeowner) depending on how often their turnover is of guest occupancy in their properties. Three sets of sheets for each bed is a good guideline to follow for hospitality and for your home: one on the bed, one in the wash, one in the closet. In between each use, launder and store your linens in a well-ventilated space. For best results when laundering, use a non-chlorine bleach and a gentle liquid detergent. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water. Tumble dry until slightly damp. Over drying or drying on too hot a setting is the single biggest factor in reducing the life of your sheets.
Size of sheeting?
Before ordering sheets, check the size of your mattress: Width, Depth and Length. All mattresses are not created equal! If you are using a feather bed or fiber bed on top of your mattress, measure the mattress with the added product. Many standard mattresses average 9 to 12 inches deep, while newer mattresses (including pillow top mattresses) are 14 to 16 inches deep and up. These measurements will determine the sheet you will/should purchase. Ask your Sales Rep for guidance on this issue.
Shrinkage of sheets
All cotton will shrink to some extent after washing and drying. It is best to purchase a cotton sheet that states the depth, width and length so that you are assured that you are purchasing the correct size sheeting for your mattress. There are many cotton sheets that have been pre-washed to avoid this occurring. Many manufacturers oversize their sheets to prevent shrinkage. Read the labels and ask your sales rep for guidance in purchasing the correct size of sheets for your mattress.
Most customers do not iron their sheets, preferring the comfort of cotton and do not mind its slightly wrinkled state. You can help your sheets to look as crisp as possible by not over-drying them. Try rinsing the sheets on a cool setting and dry on a low setting. Remove from dryer promptly even while slightly damp and fold them smooth. For most cotton sheets, if you want a non-wrinkled look, you can touch up with an iron. Most people will do this only on the cuffs of the top sheet and the pillowcase. Our InnStyle Wrinkle Free Sheets need no ironing if washed and dried properly as stated above. This is the reason these sheets are our most popular!!
Sateen sheets
Sateen sheets, after their first washing, may lose some of their shine and silkiness due to the construction of sateen weaves. If you lightly iron, this will smooth the fibers and restore the luster and the sheen of the fabric. Our InnStyle Wrinkle Free Sheets need no ironing if washed and dried properly.
Please call us at 1-800-877-4667 or email us at info@innstyle.com with any questions about sheeting or any other questions you may have about purchasing or care of linens.
Get 10% off any of our cotton sheets throughout the month of June! Visit our Coupons Page for more information.