How Long Will It Last?

Recently a customer called to ask how long the sheets in our Organic Cotton Sateen Bedding Collection should be expected to last. It got us thinking about the lifespan of different products we sell, as well as how they show their age as the years go by.

The organic cotton and wool we use isn't mixed with polyester or other petrochemicals to artificially strengthen the fibers, nor are our towel collections treated with a coating of beef tallow and/or chemicals to make them feel softer and more appealing on store shelves. This results in a purer product, as well as one that will actually become softer than artifically-treated products over time. It also means that their lifespans aren't artificially prolonged based on chemical content, however. For that reason, the possibility exists that they may experience a shorter life than artificially enhanced items – although I have to say that I've never experienced it personally in the 10 years I've been using Lifekind. Our customers appreciate this for the most part, knowing it's part of the sacrifice we sometimes make in order to use natural products and to live lives as free of exposure to hazardous chemicals as possible. Based on that knowledge, here's a basic estimate of the expected average life of a few of our more popular products when cared for as recommended:   Flannel Pad:  Five years Moisture-Protector Pad:  Five years Sheets and duvet covers:  Five years Pillows: Wool or cotton:  Five years Natural rubber:  Ten years Buckwheat:  Five years Comforters:  Five years Pillow tops: Wool:  Five years Natural rubber:  Ten years Towels and bath mats:  Five years Keep in mind that these are not warranty time lines, but simply basic averages that can be directly affected by the amount of usage and quality of care. Items that are washable can also be affected by water quality and temperature, detergents, and the use of fabric softeners. Pillows and fitted sheets tend to wear out most quickly, since they bear most of a sleeper's concentrated weight. Sheets and pillowcases may develop thin spots that are more susceptible to tearing, and cotton and wool pillows will compact substantially as they're used -- wool pillows by about one-third, and cotton pillows by about one-half. It doesn't indicate that the product is defective, but rather that it's been working hard and slowing down a bit as time goes by, like people do. If you ever have a question about how a Lifekind product is holding up over time, feel free to give us a call here on the sales team at 800-284-4983 or click on the "Chat with a live product specialist now!" link on our home page. We're here to help.