Caring for Household Linens
Washing and Storing Sheets, Quilts, Pillows and Blankets
Laundering bedding can seem a daunting task, but by following some bed linen washing and storing tips, it is easy to ensure a good night's sleep.
Bed linens come in all sorts of fabrics and materials that require different methods of cleaning. By following simple instructions, you can keep bedding hygienic, and make it last longer.
Silks, satins, wool and Egyptian cottons all need special care. Save care instructions – if they are not attached to the linen, remove them from the packaging and tape inside a laundry cupboard.
Sheet and Pillowcases
- Wash in cold or lukewarm water on a delicate cycle
- Hanging sheets on a clothesline is preferable, as it airs them well. Take the time to hang sheets evenly, aiding easy removal and folding.
- If using a dryer, remove sheets as soon as they are dry, and fold immediately to prevent wrinkles. If sheets are left in a dryer until they cool, simply dry them for a few more minutes after including a damp cloth.
For an organised linen cupboard, store matching sets of bed linen together. Fold the sheet, fitted sheet and pillowcases, and place them inside one of the pillowcases. A dryer sheet can be added to provide a gentle fragrance. Ensure that the linen cupboard is large enough to allow air to circulate and keep sheets fresh. Consider using cedar balls or shavings, or lavender sachets as they repel moths and bugs and are more pleasant smelling than chemical-based mothballs.
Comforters, Bedspreads and Pillows
- Care of filled bedding items such as comforters and pillows will depend on the type of filling. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. Bedspreads in particular are prone to shrinking when machine-washed, so dry clean only.
- Fluff pillows and comforters daily to redistribute the filling. Air them weekly on a clothesline in the sun when possible to help eliminate bacteria. Consider using pillow covers underneath attractive pillowcases to further protect pillows.
- Down items require special care, and should only be taken to a dry cleaner – once a year is sufficient. Look for one that specialises in bed linen.
- Wash duvet covers as per sheets, again taking care to air them well and fold immediately upon removing from the clothesline or dryer.
- Store filled items in a breathable bag. Plastic bags trap moisture that can lead to mildew. Alternately comforters and pillows can be wrapped in an old sheet when stored.
Care of Woollen Blankets
Wool is not as popular for bedding as it once was, but the need for care should not prevent purchases of warm woollen blankets, as good care only requires following a few simple rules:
- Always wash woollens in cold water, as heat can cause them to shrink.
- Use a delicate cycle. Most modern washing machines have a setting specifically for woollens, making hand washing unnecessary. Always use a specialist wool wash. These often contain eucalyptus oil, which helps with repelling moths.
- Do not tumble dry, but hang blankets over several lines of a clothesline as the flatter the blanket can be hung, the less likely it will lose its shape.
- Wool is particularly attractive to moths, so ensure wool blankets are washed and dried well and store in airtight storage bags or well-sealed chests with a good sprinkling of cedar shavings.
A simple bed linen cleaning and airing routine will ensure that linens last longer and remain fresh and clean.
