Care of Cotton

 

Our bedlinens are made from the finest fabrics and finished to the highest standards and in order to retain this quality for many years it is important to follow these few simple steps.

 

Washing

Always wash white and coloured items separately and follow the stitched in washing instructions. To keep colours true for as long as possible it is important not to use washing powders or detergents containing optical brighteners.

Do not apply detergent (either powder or liquid) directly onto the fabric, but ensure it is fully dissolved before immersing the items to be washed.

We recommend very sparing use of fabric conditioners. These products coat the fibres of a fabric and repeated application or excessive quantity can result in a build up of residue. This will mean the linens becoming hard to the touch and less supple.

Separate linens from other items in the wash, especially those containing polyester, which can create pilling or “bobbling” of the cotton fabric. Do not wash your linens with items with zips or hooks as these can catch on and damage the fabric or stitching.

Be aware that many beauty products today can have detrimental effects on fabrics as they contain bleaching agents. Whitening toothpastes, some cleansers and face creams can cause permanent colour loss.

 

Drying & Ironing 
You can tumble dry most bedlinens on low heat, but be sure to check the care label. Shake out damp linens before placing in dryer. Remove from dryer promptly while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles.

Use a steam iron on a warm/hot setting for cotton. To iron embroidered bedlinen, iron them on the reverse side to preserve the three-dimensional effect of the embroidery. Use a pressing cloth to protect delicate lace and cutwork. Sateen linens are refreshed by ironing on the reverse side, restoring the lustrous face of the weave.

 

Storage 
Bedlinen should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area. Linens stored long-term should be wrapped in white cotton, muslin (old pillow cases work well) or acid free tissue paper. Avoid storing linens in plastic bags or boxes, which can cause permanent yellowing; natural fibres need to “breathe.” Cedar chests can also result in fabrics becoming yellow or streaked. Adding a scented linen liner  or moth-away sachet will not only help keep the linens fresh smelling and ready to use but will also keep the dreaded moth away from your cupboards.