Given their frequent use, bed sheets sustain a lot of wear and tear, but there are several ways you can keep them fresh in between washes. This includes treating stains as soon as they happen, owning multiple sheets, so you can use them on rotation, using a fabric refreshing spray, and more.

Read on for more details and an expert’s tips for keeping your sheets fresh in between washes.

6 Best Tips for Keeping Sheets Fresh in Between Washes

There are so many things you can do to keep your sheets looking their best, but the common theme is always going to be constant maintenance.

Treat Stains

Having a spot cleaner on hand is crucial so you can clean up spots in between washes quickly, instead of waiting until laundry day and risking the stain setting in and permanently damaging the sheets.

“It’s no secret that our beds are a focal point in our lives, whether you’re eating in bed or you let your pets sleep with you, spills and messes are bound to happen,” design director at Brooklinen Katie Elks says.

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Use Multiple Sheet Sets

Over time, the fibers in the sheet fabric begin to break down, which leads to discoloration, unwanted odors, pilling, and tearing. It also affects how well the fabric washes and how easily stains set in.

Instead of using and washing one set of bed sheets over and over, Elks recommends buying multiple bed sheet sets that you can use on rotation, prolonging the lifespan of each.

Don’t Skip the Flat Sheet

Whether you use a comforter or a duvet, Elks stresses that you should not skip the flat (or top) sheet because they’re an easy way to keep your duvet cover fresher between washes.

“It’s also easier to wash your flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases rather than unbuttoning your duvet cover and putting it in the washer,” Elks says.

Have a Separate Blanket for Pets

“If you decide to have your pets in bed, know you’ll have to wash your sheets more regularly”, Elks says.

She recommends using a lightweight bed blanket at the foot of the bed as an easy-to-wash layer for your pet to use.

Wash Bed Sheets Regularly

Washing your bed sheets regularly will make it easier to keep them fresh in between washes, too. Additionally, Elks advises that you wash one bedding component more frequently than the rest—she changes her pillowcases twice as frequently as her sheets.

Use a Fabric Refreshing Spray

Keeping your sheets fresh in between washes isn’t just about the way they look and feel, it’s also about the way they smell. Make sure you air out the bedroom daily to minimize dust and allergens that attach to bed sheets and use a fabric refreshing spray to give them a pleasant scent.

“Our Brooklinen fabric refresher is a great way to keep your bedding smelling like it’s been freshly washed,” Elks says.

How Often Should You Buy Sheets

As a general rule of thumb, if the sheet set is intended for daily use, you should buy new sheets every two years. Seasonal sets such as Christmas sheets which are only pulled out once a year don’t need to be replaced as frequently.

Aside from the frequency of use, other factors that determine how often you should buy new sheets include how often you wash them and their thread count, material, and weave type.

7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Sheets

• Discoloration: If you notice your sheets have started yellowing or fading and color-boosting laundry detergents no longer help.
• Thinning fabric: Your sheets have begun to wear and become very thin.
• Rips and tears: There are noticeable rips, tears, and holes in the sheets.
• Stretched out fabric: The sheets have stretched out or become misshapen, no longer hold their shape, and the elastic on the fitted sheet is worn.
• Foul smell: There is a noticeable unpleasant odor that cannot be removed.
• Stains: The sheets have stains that are so set in they can’t be removed.
• Uncomfortable texture: The surface of the sheets has become rough or uncomfortable and causes skin irritation.

Why You Need to Replace Your Sheets

• Hygiene: Given the sheets’ frequent use, dirt, grime, and allergens build up despite frequent washing. Over time, the sheets’ fibers begin breaking down and grime such as body oils no longer washes out as well, causing the sheets to become less sanitary.
• Comfort: Excessive stretching, rips and tears, rough texture, pilling, and thinning fabric can make sheets less comfortable and affect your sleep quality.
• Style: Discolored or yellowing sheets will affect the overall look of your bedroom, making it feel outdated and less clean.

Best Tips for Making Your Sheets Last Longer

• Use multiple sheet sets: Have two or three sheet sets on rotation to prolong their lifespan.
• Treat stains immediately. Treat stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from setting in and permanently damaging the sheets.
• Wash on a gentle cycle in cold water. Hot water and heavy-duty wash cycles with high agitation can cause sheet fibers to break down, so stick with a gentle cycle and cold water setting.
• Wash white sheets frequently. Because white sheets are prone to yellowing, wash them weekly. If you start noticing yellowing, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the load.
• Invest in quality sheets. High-quality sheets may cost more upfront, but they are worth the investment as they’ll last for longer and therefore save you money in the long run.
• Avoid harsh products. Protect sheets by avoiding harsh laundry detergents and fabric softener.