There are a number of items from around the home that we use every day. From the towels that we use to dry ourselves after a shower to the dishcloths we use in the kitchen sink and the toothbrush we rely on to keep our oral hygiene up to standard.
One of the key items we use each day is the bed – in fact, we spend a third of our lives lying there. But do you really know how regularly you should replace these bedroom items? Read our blog before you indulge in bed online shopping.
Pillows
According to the National Sleep Foundation, you should ideally replace your pillows every year, or every 2 years maximum.
Why?
This is because your pillows do not just support your head and neck, they also “absorb body oil, dead skin cells and hair”.This period of time can create the perfect environment for dust mites and other common allergens.
It’s also advised that you wash your pillows at least every six months and use a protective case between the pillowcase and pillow.
Sheets
Research by You Gov in 2017 showed that a third of us only wash our bed sheets once a fortnight, significantly less frequently than we would change our clothes. Given that beds can become warm, moist environments and collect up to half an ounce of skin each week (per person), it would perhaps be advisable that more of us considered changing our sheets each week.
Similarly, a poll from the National Sleep Foundation revealed that most people replace their sheets every 2 years. This, according to Vicki Fulop, founder of Brooklinen, is about right:
“After regular use and wash cycles, the fibres of your bed linens can start to break down and show signs of wear and tear […] Are they looking torn and worn out? Do you want the optimal condition and comfort for your bed, two years or so is a great time for a refresh.”
So if you’ve had your sheets for a couple of years and they’re not looking their best, it might be time for an update.
Duvet
Thankfully, you can afford to hold on to your comforters and duvets for a while longer. Unlike your pillows and mattress, your duvet doesn’t need to support any weight, meaning it could potentially last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced.
However, this is entirely dependent on how well you look after it. Domestic guru Martha Stewart says your duvet can last for up to 15 years, as long as you “keep it covered and air it regularly.” And if you’re not sure how long you’ve had your duvet, Stewart simply suggests that you “replace it when it begins to look limp or flat or starts leaking bits of filling.”
Humidifier and dehumidifier
Many of us find that using a humidifier in the winter months and a dehumidifier during the summer helps us find the right humidity level for a better night’s sleep. But if you use these tools, you need to know how to care for them too.
A dehumidifier’s filter should be checked twice a year for damage, and once a year it should be replaced no matter whether there is damage or not. The same goes for humidifier filters, while you can expect to get 6 to 9 years out of the humidifier and dehumidifier themselves.
Mattress
Thinking of bed online shopping. ?
Your mattress is arguably the most important sleep tool you possess, as it can have a significant effect on how well you sleep. According to the National Bed Federation, you should replace your mattress every 7 years, on average. This recommendation depends on the quality of your mattress (Slumberzone’s Durable Luxury mattresses are proven to deliver outstanding comfort and support for over 10 years), with cheaper mattresses often given a shelf life of as little as 5 years.
What’s more, if you are over the age of 40 you may get even less time out of your mattress because, according to Consumer Reports, “your body tolerates less pressure as it grows old.” If you’re unsure whether you need a new mattress or not, simply listen to your body. If you feel groggy and uncomfortable when you wake up, it might be time to invest in a high quality mattress.