Used Bed Linen?

[2ndTimer]

How do you feel about buying things like sheets in a thrift store?

Over on Reader Recommendations someone is looking for help choosing a duvet.  I noticed that quite a few people advocate buying new.  That surprised me because I regard used bed linen as one of the great thrift store resources since people seem to toss it for fashion reasons rather than wear.  A couple of people disagreed and indicated that they found it distasteful.

As a teenager, I worked one summer as a maid in a fancy resort hotel and I can report that sheets did mostly get changed between guests (but not if the same guest stays more than one night).  The bed spread and blankets got washed monthly.  Mattress covers every three months and pillows were never washed unless someone complained.  Nothing ever got the three hot washes I give bed linen that I bring home from a thrift store before I put it on the bed. 

I am genuinely repelled by hotel bedding and make them give me clean blankets, spread and pillow for my rare hotel stays.  Clearly there is another way of viewing this.  What do I not understand?

[seattlecyclone]

We just bought "new" sheets at a thrift store. Why not? I wouldn't have bought something with visible stains, but what we bought looked to be in great shape.

[MicroRN]

I don't have a problem with it.  I won't buy used mattresses due to the bed bug risk, or used upholstered furniture (learned my mistake with a flea infested one 10 years ago), but linens can be washed.  I don't see linens as being different than used clothes, and I buy those all the time.  I   

[Joshin]

I've never understood the ick factor with bed linens. Sleeping in used linens is a fancy treat at a hotel, but not at home? I just roll my eyes and laugh. More quality bedding at the thrift store for me, then!

I also don't do mattresses, or upholstered furniture, mainly because of the bed bug thing. I do have a thrifted couch in my basement, but we've had it for years -- before the bed bug scare. I inherited by mom's oak canonball couch and chair when she upgraded. A gorgeous, timeless set that at most will need cushion replacements at some point. For now, I can sew my own cushion covers for an easy update, so no need to thrift upholstered items ever again.

[southern granny]

I have no problem with buying bed linens at garage sales or thrift stores.  They go straight to the washer when I get home.