What's the best colour bed linin to last/durability?

GreyQueen

MissyMinx wrote: »

Right then I think a trip to primarni is in order!

For stain removal ability should I ensure the bed linin I buy is 100% cotton? Will poly/cotton ones have less stain removing potential? xx

I'm one of those people whose flesh creeps when in contact with polyester cotton, so it's a no-no for that reason alone, for me. They are also liable to make you sweat in the summer.

Pure cotton has a much nice feel and will last longer and look better than polycotton, although it varies considerably in quality, as does pure cotton, of course.

Polyester is a petroleum by-product and cotton is a vegetable fibre and can stand up to a lot of heat and bleaching. It does take longer to dry and some people iron their bedlinens, I'm told, and there will be a tiny bit more care involved in caring for the 100% cotton.

An elderly pal from South Africa told me about BMD sheets. Stands for Birth-Marriage-Death because that is seriously how long a really good quality sheet should last.

My sheets hotel grade and weren't new when I had them. Have had them 15 years now and they keep on trucking.

MissyMinx

Wow - thank you everyone for all your advice. Right then White it most definately is. I'm willing to spend a bit more if I'm getting good value, in that the bedding can take more of a hammering with heavy washing to remove any stains. But unless you know you stuff (which I clearly don't on this topic) it's like anything you don't know when you are getting value for money and when you are just paying over the odds for no reason. Can anyone make any recommendations of where to buy the bedding get best value for money? xx

Helen2k8

What's your budget?
I treated myself to posh Dunelm Mill sheets - sorry can't remember the range/brand name. So soft and silky! http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/bedding/bed-linen/

kittendothroar

I bought my last set in Sainsbury's on offer and been very pleased - both sets are cream/ off white, one has a coloured red silk trim, the other light pink embroidery and they both wash beautifully. Their cream basics sheets are excellent value too and surprisingly good quality for a couple of quid!

Debran

You say you are on a budget so here's a tip.

Don't spend your money on pillow slips. It's cheaper to buy single sheets, cut them up and sew your own pillow slips. You can usually get four pillow slips from one single sheet.

Linda32

I see Sainsbury's was mentioned, I second that as well. Also I would always go with white or cream. Goes with anything. If you want colours then you can always choose different pillow cases, and maybe a cushion, if you fancy cushions on the bed.

thriftwizard

Another vote here for spending a bit more on a high thread-count 100% cotton, which can be bleached & boiled if necessary - which it often is in this household. The hotel-grade sheets I bought on a friend's card in Ma&ro many years ago are still crisp & clean after more than 10 years of hard use in a household containing 5+ young people, although they weren't expensive; polycotton sheets, even from the poshest sources, have tended to turn up their toes after about 5 years.
There are exceptions: I have several really old polycotton sheets, dating back to the 1970s, including one I had when I was 16. Somehow they are a completely different grade, of a far higher quality than anything you can buy easily today. I don't have a clue why, I'm afraid.

meritaten

I have some good quality patterned flannelette sheets mum gave me years ago (she hated the pattern - but I dont care as I use them for bottom sheets). I wash them at 60 degrees and they come up as good as new every time. Yes, she paid more than I would - but I have had those sheets for over ten years!
I bought cream flannelette sheets from shaws thinking I was getting a bargain - they werent! two washes and they could be used for straining jam!
buy the best quality cotton or flanelette sheets you can (look on home shopping sites - they often have bargains), look at the thread count - the higher the number the better the quality and the longer they will last (and look good).
its like carpets - cheap wont last or repel stains or take cleaning - buy the best quality and it will repay you by lasting years.
(look in charity shops - you can often find really good quality there and all it needs is a good wash).

lobbyludd

I have 2 little kids and 2 cats - my bed linen is all white and I remember my mother thought I was mad whan I bought it - but it can be bleached/boil washed, left in the sun to brighten and has lasted much better than the children's brightly coloured stuff.

I would say though - either buy very cheap knowing that it will last 3-4 years max (and can then become linings for curtains/dusters etc) OR buy the highest threadcount you can afford and wash it well knowing that it will last for 20+ years (it depends on which suits best your lifestyle right now - I've done both in my time)

meritaten

thriftwizard wrote: »

Another vote here for spending a bit more on a high thread-count 100% cotton, which can be bleached & boiled if necessary - which it often is in this household. The hotel-grade sheets I bought on a friend's card in Ma&ro many years ago are still crisp & clean after more than 10 years of hard use in a household containing 5+ young people, although they weren't expensive; polycotton sheets, even from the poshest sources, have tended to turn up their toes after about 5 years.
There are exceptions: I have several really old polycotton sheets, dating back to the 1970s, including one I had when I was 16. Somehow they are a completely different grade, of a far higher quality than anything you can buy easily today. I don't have a clue why, I'm afraid.[/QUOTE]

I know exactly what you mean! I have a duvet cover from the seventies (belonged to MIL) which is hideous in design - but, its polycotton and it goes in the wash in any temp and the tumble dryer and comes out looking perfect! it doesnt even need ironing! I use it on top of the vinyl sheet on my bed when my incontinent GD stays over. so it get used at least once a month - and it still looks brand new! and I know she bought it in the 1970s!