Expert: Jamie Novak - 6/23/2007

Question
Hi Jamie,
I have a question regarding sheets for a bed. My husband is like the princess & the pea when it comes to our bed. Over the years we have spent LOTS of money on this & most sets that we have bought develop "pills" on them very quickly. He cant sleep on them when this happens therefor, I cant sleep because of his tossing & turning. What type of sheets are the best to buy that wont do this right away? I appreciate your advice. Thank you, Pam

Answer
Hi Pam,

You are not the only one with this challenge. Sheets can be a difficult thing and since you use them every day you want them to be great.

So I did some research and combined it with my own personal experience. Here are some ideas, I hope they help. Happy sleeping! -Jamie

1. There seem to be three sheets on the market that resist pilling:

A. www.Macys.com hotel brand as seen here http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=208126&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx...

B. Pure Beech as seen here http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=102743&RN=16

C. A sateen material as seen here http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=107606

2. If you have the time and patience you can shave the pills off the sheets you own. If you are not sure what I mean by a fabric shaver check this out http://www.amazon.com/Remington-TCS-1-Traveler-Fuzz-Away-Fabric/dp/B00006IV4A

3. You can take care when washing all the sheets to avoid as much pilling as possible. Here's how:

Sheets
Washing
·  Wash in cool or lukewarm water that's less than 104 degrees F.
·  Set wash cycle on "gentle"
·  Use the extra rinse cycle if available
·  Use less detergent -- about half the recommended amount
·  Avoid using bleach as it breaks down fabric fibers
Drying
·  Dry sheets in the dryer only until they're dry
·  Avoid over drying
·  Remove sheets from the dryer promptly and fold immediately
·  If sheets have cooled in the dryer and wrinkles have set, then tumble another 5-10 minutes with a washcloth that has been slightly dampened.
Pillowcases
·  Buy extra pillowcases for any sheet patterns you particularly love, as these are the pieces that will wear out the fastest.
·  Iron pillowcases for fresh, crisp good looks on your bed.
·  Change pillowcases at least twice a week in normal climates, more often in hot and humid regions.
Storage
·  Have three sets of sheets per bed. Use one on the bed, one in storage, and one in the laundry.
·  Rotate the sheets you use (vs. the sets you store) frequently so they wear evenly.
·  Buy extra bottom sheets for any sheet patterns you particularly love, as these are the pieces that will wear out the fastest.
·  Change sheets once a week in normal climates, more often in hot and humid regions.
General Tips
·  Use a mattress pad between the mattress and sheets. Wash it when needed, at least every few months.
·  When sheets are used as fabric  for pillow covers, shams, bed skirts, tablecloths, curtain panels and the like  avoid washing them as they will lose body and become limp. Dry clean if necessary