Sleeping in fine quality linens is always a pleasure; caring for them can be also, if you follow some simple suggestions for ensuring their proper care. In return, you will prolong the life of your bed and table linens, while preserving their beautiful appearance. Sferra offers this fine advice:
Machine Washing Pre-wash your linens before first use. Separate your fine linens from other items in the wash, especially those containing polyester, which tends to create pilling; also, items with heavy zippers which can abrade and damage the fabric. Separate light and dark colors. Avoid overloading the washing machine, which can cause fibers to break down from excessive abrasion and agitation. Wash most linens in warm water on a gentle cycle with a cold-water rinse. Be careful to pre-treat any stains prior to washing.
Detergent Use a mild detergent without added bleach or whiteners. Do not pour detergent directly on textiles; rather, add it to the water as the wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, then add linens. Unless linens are very soiled, you only need to use half the recommended amount of detergent. Avoid citrus detergents, they are generally too harsh.
Fabric Softeners Never use Fabric Softener when washing towels, as this could make them less absorbent.
Bleaching Chlorine bleach can weaken fibers and cause them to yellow. If white fabrics need bleaching, use an oxygen-based bleach.
Drying While line drying outdoors is gentle, safe and imbues linens with the fresh scent of the outdoors and natural bleaching of the sun, it is not always practical. You can machine dry most linens on low heat, but be sure to check the care label. Shake out damp linens before placing in dryer. Never use a high heat setting, which is the surest way to weaken the fibers, cause shrinkage and shorten the life of your linens. Remove from the dryer promptly while still damp to minimize wrinkles. Smooth and fold, or press with an iron if desired.
Chemicals Some hair and skin products such as acne lotions or toothpastes that contain oxidizing agents may cause discoloration of colored sheets and towels. When using such products, it’s safest to sleep on white linens.
Shrinkage All natural fibers will shrink to some extent. Do not wash or, especially, dry linens on a hot setting, which is most likely to cause shrinkage. Follow instructions on care label.
Ironing Iron linens while still slightly damp on the reverse side of the fabric. Use a steam iron on a warm/hot setting for cotton; use a hot setting for linen and a water spritzer if needed. Iron damask table linens on the reverse side first, then on the front side to bring out the sheen. To iron embroidered linens, iron them on the reverse side atop a towel to preserve the three-dimensional effect of the embroidery. Use a press cloth to protect delicate lace and cutwork. To restore the lustrous face of sateen fabrics, iron on the reverse side.
Hand Washing If the label says “hand launder,” never machine wash. Hand wash in gentle soap; rinse thoroughly in clean water to eliminate all soap residue, then line dry, lay flat (on towels) or hang to dry. Avoid wringing linens.
Professional Cleaning Professional hand washing is recommended for the most delicate linens – those with heavy embellishments or embroideries; heirlooms or worn linens. Be sure to use a reputable launderer who knows how to launder delicate linens.
Dry Cleaning Dry cleaning is recommended for luxury fibers such as cashmere, merino wool and alpaca, and also to avoid excessive shrinkage on our formal top-of-bed items such as our Italian matelasse blanket covers. Be sure to use a professional dry cleaner with experience in natural fibers and luxury linens. We do not recommend dry cleaning our sheets!
Storage Store bed linens in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Linens stored long-term should be wrapped in white cotton, muslin (old pillow cases work well) or acid-free paper. Avoid storing linens in plastic bags or boxes, which can cause permanent yellowing; natural fibers need to breathe. Cedar chests can also cause yellowing or streaking on fabrics. Store linen tablecloths rolled on cardboard tubes or hung on hangers (without plastic) to prevent crease marks from setting, which can weaken fibers.
Caring For Your Bath LinensYour bath linens should be soft and absorbent, a cozy cocoon to wrap yourself in after a relaxing bath. Following these simple suggestions will prolong the life of your bath towels while preserving their look and feel. As always, we suggest you also consult the care label on each item for best results.
Machine Washing Machine wash using cold water and a non-chlorine bleach detergent. Chlorine bleach will weaken the fabric and cause yellowing. Always separate light and dark colors – and wash towels only with other towels to prevent pilling. Remember not to overstuff the washer.
Fabric Softener Never use fabric softener when washing towels, as this could make them less absorbent.
Drying Tumble dry on low heat.
Caring For Your Table LinensA lovely addition to any home, a well-dressed table sets the scene for many family gatherings and special occasions. The right tablecloth is the icing on the cake. Caring for your table linens by following these suggestions will ensure that your tables are properly dressed for years to come.
Machine Washing Machine wash in hot water for whites, cold for colors. Use pure soap for soft water or a gentle detergent in hard water, avoid citrus detergents. Use oxygenated bleach for whites only – chlorine bleach can weaken the fabrics and cause yellowing. Remember to use the rinse cycle to remove all detergent. This will help avoid “age spots” which are caused by oxidation of the fibers. If possible, treat stains when they are fresh. If allowed to set, stains may be impossible to remove at a later date. Delicate lace and embellished linens should be placed in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag before being placed in the washing machine. Cover Story recommends you wash your table cloth and napkins before you go to bed!
Drying Avoid twisting or wringing out linens before drying. Tumble dry low until slightly damp. If possible, line dry in the sun to keep linen at its whitest.
Helpful Hints for Stain Removal - Candle Wax – Scrape off as much of the wax as possible with the dull side of a knife, then iron between absorbent paper, changing paper until wax is absorbed.
- Coffee, Tea, Soda – Soak in hot water. Pre-wash with stain remover.
- White Wine – Use Club Soda.
- Red Wine – Cover with salt, then rinse with cool water.
- Oils – Pre-treat with stain remover or liquid laundry detergent.
- Meat Juice or Tomato Juice – Rinse with cool water, never hot.
- Ink – Hold stain against a towel, spray closely from behind with aerosol hair spray. Ink should transfer to the towel.
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