Care of your linens
Your bed linen will last for many years if cared for properly....
Washing
If you want to pre-soak your linens before washing always do so in cold water.
When washing bedlinen ensure that you read the washing instructions on the wash care label and follow the symbols shown.
Always separate whites, lights and darks, as the darks are likely to contain excess dye.
Many of today’s detergents contain bleach and optical brighteners, which can cause coloured bedlinen to fade or become patchy over time. This is most apparent in shades of creams and ivory.
Use a gentle detergent used sparingly and never pour directly over the bedlinen.
Follow the principal that less is more.
It is worth turning elaborate or delicate pillowcases and duvet covers inside out before washing as this lessens the likelihood of anything being snagged.
Watch out for items that may have hooks, buttons or zips as they can easily damage bedlinen in a wash.
For larger items, such as bedspreads and blankets dry cleaning is recommended.
Some of these items are washable. Professional laundering should then be considered as they can be too heavy when wet for a standard washing machine
Shrinkage
All natural fibres will shrink a small amount after the first wash. The percentage will vary between 3% and 8%. Our sizings take this into account.
Drying and Ironing
Washed items should always be dried immediately after washing and bedlinen should be taken out of the machine as soon as possible as it lessens the creasing.
Embroidered items should be timed inside out and ironing on the inside as this improves the definition of the stitching and lessens the chance of noticeable snags.
Helpful tips for Bedlinen
Many beauty and household products have a damaging effect on bedlinen (also true of towels) especially anything that is blue. Products such as whitening tooth paste, face cleansers and skin care creams contain benzoyl peroxide, which can cause permanent colour loss. If you use such personal products, cover your pillow with a white towel or pillowcase while you sleep.
If you want to get the most out of your linens and ensure their longevity do as the hotels do. Keep one set on the bed, one in the cupboard and one in the wash.
Towel care
Washing
Before using towels for the first time always soak or wash them in cold water without detergent. This allows the natural fibres to expand and maximise their softness and absorbency.
When washing towels ensure that you read the washing instructions on the wash care label and follow the symbols shown.
Always wash dark towels separately from other items. If possible only wash towels with towels as they shed small cotton fibres called lint. These can become stuck to other fabrics during the washing process and are hard to remove.
As with fine bedlinen, detergents can cause coloured towels to fade or become patchy over time. A gentle detergent used sparingly is always recommended and never poured directly over the towels.
Avoid using fabric softeners as these can reduce the absorbency of your towels.
Watch out for items that may have hooks, buttons or zips as they can easily damage towels in a wash.
Drying
Damp towels should always be dried immediately after washing. Where the towels have fabric trims or are double faced it is important to pull them straight before drying. Waffle or linen towels these can be ironed if required.
Page 5
Helpful tips for Towels
If you have pulled a loop on your towel, cut it off with a sharp pair of scissors. As towels are woven rather than knitted the threads will not run.
Be careful when brushing your hair. This causes a large number of pulls on towelling robes
Never use too much washing powder. This results in hard towels and some loss of absorbency.
Tablelinen care
Washing
Linen is a very durable fabric and improves with handling and washing.
Both cotton and linen should be washed with a gentle detergent and finished with a cold rinse.
Do not use bleach as this slowly destroys the integrity of the fabric.
With embroidered items, wash them inside a bag or pillowcase to avoid snagging
If the tablelinen has become stained, soak before you launder (see stain notes)
Drying and Ironing
Do not tumble dry tablelinen. Either hang it up or dry it flat. Drying in the sun can help to whiten linen.
Always iron linen table linen whilst still damp. This helps to get rid of creases more easily and gives a flatter finish. Iron laces, trims and embroideries on the reverse side. Starch can be used for a crisp finish but only on white or pastel tablelinen as any residue can show on darker fabrics
Helpful tips for Tablelinen
When storing linen or cotton, the best environment is on slatted shelves where air can circulate. If they have to be stored in an enclosed box or drawer wrap with acid free tissue paper.