One of the determinants of a good night’s sleep is your bedding, as studies have shown that having the right set of bedding can improve the quality of your sleep. The right set of bedding is incredibly soft, breathable, capable of regulating body temperature, and provides comfort, which are all properties of bamboo viscose fabrics.
We spend on average six to eight hours every night in bed, which amounts to about 25% of a day. So, to better utilize this period while minimizing costs, we need the perfect long-lasting bedding sheets capable of maintaining their integrity as the year progresses.
Bamboo sheets are known for their durability, ability to withstand wear and tear, eco-friendliness, and the ability to maintain their softness and looks for decades, unlike traditional fabrics that last a year or two before needing replacement. So if you are wondering “how long do bamboo sheets last” or “how to make bamboo sheets last longer,” you should continue reading this article to learn more.
How Long Do Bamboo Sheets Last?
Changing worn-out sheets can become a financial burden over time, but with bamboo sheets, that will become a thing of the past. To fully understand how long your bamboo sheets can last, one needs to understand what causes them to wear out, what they are made of, and the processes involved in creating them.
One of the major reasons for changing traditional cotton or linen sheets very often is due to tearing and pilling. This wear in the fabrics is caused by the subpar methods used in manufacturing the sheets. The fibers of most traditional cotton sheets are woven together, and in weaving, if the ends of the thread are not properly fastened, they tend to come loose, leading to tearing and pilling.
As you continue to use your sheets, the threads become overworked, leading to weaker edges. As time goes by, these weak edges become overworked, and the threads begin to come loose, leading to tearing and pilling. But with bamboo sheets, this is not the case.
When manufacturing bamboo sheets, their fibers are stretched across the length of the fabric and securely anchored along the borders of the sheet using modern, state-of-the-art processes that prevent the loosening of the sheet’s threads. This makes pilling and tearing of your bamboo sheets almost impossible from normal use or wear over time.
High-quality bamboo sheets that are properly cared for can last for over 15 years of frequent use, unlike traditional cotton sheets that might need replacing every other year. In the care of your bamboo sheets, you need to exercise caution, as there are practices or care routines that are normal for traditional sheets but detrimental to the lifespan of your delicate bamboo fabric.
When To Consider Changing Your Bamboo Sheets
There are majorly three reasons why most people change their bedsheets: either as a result of discoloration, pilling, and tearing, or because the sheet has lost its soft feel. Bamboo sheets can also be affected by these problems, although it takes longer to happen compared to other traditional sheets.
You should consider changing your sheets once you notice they are becoming stiff, rigid, and uncomfortable to sleep on. This rarely happens, but after decades of using the same sheet, they may start to feel stiff. So if you have the resources, it might be a great idea to change the sheet for a newer, softer one.
Also, discoloration, pilling, and tearing might occur over many years of continuous use, especially when the sheets are not properly cared for. Wrong bamboo sheet care practices like using harsh chemicals such as fabric Softeners or bleach can ruin your sheets, thereby reducing their lifespan. So, once you notice these problems and have the means, you should consider changing the sheets.
How to Make Your Bamboo Bed Sheets Last a Long Time
The best way to make your bamboo sheets last longer is by taking proper care of them. The care routine for bamboo sheets is not even complex, but going contrary to what is required can shorten the lifespan of your bamboo fabrics. Due to the delicate nature of bamboo sheets, they cannot be handled the same way regular sheets are handled.
DOs
In the first part of this section, we will be looking at what is required of you when caring for your bamboo sheets.
Wash Regularly
Washing is the bedrock for long-lasting bamboo sheets. You need to regularly wash your bamboo fibers for them to maintain their luxuriously bright look and soft feel. Washing should be done every 7 to 10 days. This is important, especially during the summer months when temperatures are high and we tend to sweat a lot.
Bamboo sheets are very absorbent, and leaving them unwashed can lead to the buildup of bacteria and germs, which can cause health issues such as acne and eczema. Also, leaving your sheets unwashed for too long can cause them to lose their bright color and weaken their fibers, which in turn weakens the sheet.
How to Wash
You can choose to wash your bamboo sheets either by hand or with a washing machine. If you decide to wash by hand, always remember to wash gently and dab (not scrub) on areas with stains so as not to spread them to other parts. If you choose to use a washing machine, always endeavor to set your washer on a delicate or gentle wash cycle.
When washing, always use cold water. You are expected to use hot water only during the first wash after purchasing the sheets. Using hot water at any other time can cause the sheet to shrink. Also, only use mild liquid detergents when washing. If you intend to use powdered detergents, always dissolve them in water before using them.
Avoid any detergent with harsh chemicals, such as benzoyl peroxide or alpha hydroxy acids. These chemicals are capable of causing discoloration on your sheets and, at the same time, killing the soft feel of your bamboo sheets.
When trying to remove stains or whiten your bamboo sheets, there are lots of household items you can use without any side effects. Baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice are great examples of such household items. To use, make a solution with either baking soda or white vinegar and water.
You can choose to either soak the whole sheet in the mixture (for sheet whitening) or rub it directly on the stain. Then proceed to place the sheet in the washer while adding lemon juice to it. This way, your sheets would regain their luster and also last longer.
Dry Properly
You can choose to line dry your sheets in the open air or by using a dryer. When line drying, avoid placing the sheets under intense sunlight, as this can easily damage them. And if you choose to use a dryer, ensure it is kept on a low tumble cycle and low heat, as intense heat can cause shrinkage and a high tumble cycle can cause tears.
Fold And Store Properly
If you won’t be using your sheets for a while, it is very important that you store them properly. Gently fold and store the sheets in the original reusable bags in which they came. Avoid using plastic containers to store the sheets, as they easily trap moisture, causing mildew and mold growth.
DON’Ts
There are some things you should avoid when handling your bamboo sheets if you want them to last longer. You should always keep your bamboo sheets away from harsh household cleaners, as they contain harsh chemicals capable of damaging your sheet.
Also, don’t use bleach or any form of fabric softener on your bamboo sheets. Bamboo sheets are naturally soft, so using these chemicals will make them softer, leading to tears and pilling.
How Easy Does Bamboo Fabric Tear or Pill?
Will bamboo sheets pill or tear easily? The answer is no. As long as the bamboo sheet is properly cared for, it is unlikely to pill or tear. One of the advantages bamboo sheets have over traditional cotton bedding is their ability to withstand tearing and pilling. During manufacturing, the fibers of bamboo sheets are properly and adequately stretched, and their threads are properly anchored using cutting-edge techniques along the borders of the sheet, making them very difficult to pill or tear.
Bamboo vs. Cotton Sheets: What’s the Difference?
Bamboo and cotton sheets are both made from natural materials but also have lots of differences. Also, both bamboo and cotton sheets share similarities, as they are both soft, regulate temperature, and have a similar weave pattern.
Differences Between Bamboo and Cotton
- Bamboo sheets are very durable and, if properly cared for, can last up to 15 years, while cotton sheets are not as durable as bamboo sheets. They have an average lifespan of 2 to 5 years before a change is required.
- Bamboo sheets are slightly more expensive, ranging from $50 to $200, while cotton sheets are relatively cheaper compared to bamboo sheets. Although there are some others, like the Egyptian cotton sheets, that are expensive.
- It is very unlikely to see bamboo sheets pill or tear, while after a few years, most cotton sheets tend to start pilling along the edges.
- Bamboo is eco-friendly, with a lesser environmental impact and a smaller carbon footprint compared to its cotton counterparts, which have a greater environmental impact and a higher carbon footprint than bamboo sheets.
Tips on Buying Bamboo Sheets
When looking to buy bamboo sheets, one of the most important factors to consider is what material the bamboo sheets are made from. Most bamboo sheets are made from rayon, lyocell, or modal fabric extracted from the bamboo plant. Sheets made from these materials are always soft, durable, and sustainable.
Also, the weave pattern is important, as it greatly influences the feel and performance of the sheet. The three most popular weaving patterns used in making bamboo sheets include percale, sateen, and twill. Some of the best bamboo sheets available today are made using one of the above-mentioned weaving patterns.
Finally, always go for bamboo bedding products with a higher thread count. Sheets with higher thread counts are softer, so when shopping for your bedding, whether a bed sheet, duvet cover, or pillowcase, look for sheets with a thread count between 200 and 1000.
Final Thoughts
The length of time bamboo bedding products will last is dependent on how well they are taken care of. Most bamboo sheets can last for over 15 years, provided their care requirements are met. If you make a mistake, the sheet’s lifespan can be drastically reduced.
To make sure your bamboo sheets last longer, ensure you wash them regularly, every 7 to 10 days. Ensure they are properly dried before using and avoid any detergent with harsh chemicals. By doing this diligently, your bamboo sheets should last you for a very long time.
