Linen Care

Like any luxury item, a little extra care will reward you for many years with comfort and lasting beauty.  These simple tips will help keep your fine linens looking and feeling wonderful!

Laundering linens

Wash your new linens before use.  Pre-soak new linens in cold water before proceeding with a gentle laundry cycle.  This helps to seal the yarn and extends their lifespan. 

Separate linens - wash whites and colours separately.  Never wash bed linens with towels, jeans, items with hooks or velcro, or synthetic fabrics as these can all cause damage such as pilling.  Towels should be washed separately.

Do not overload the machine or use water saver settings.  Fabrics will last better if they have plenty of water to move around in. Ample water also helps to ensure soap gets thoroughly rinsed out.

Select a mild soap - avoid powder soap in soft water as it does not rinse out well.  Specialty soaps such as LeBlanc linen wash or SDH fine fabric wash will keep your linens looking and feeling their best for longer. 

Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or any detergent containing bleach.  Fabric softeners coat fabrics and impede breathability, and bleach weakens fibres.

Machine wash on the gentle cycle with cool or warm water at 30c or less. Hot water causes excessive shrinkage and weakens fibres.  It also sets many stains. Cold water active soaps (such as those mentioned above) will work well even without heat. For embroidered linens, the embroidery may be gently stretched when taken out of the washer.

For new towels add ½ cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle - this will help to remove any natural oils or finishes and increase absorbency.

Drying linens

Do not use dryer sheets. Luxury linens are naturally soft and do not require dryer sheets which can cause pilling.

Dry linens in a cool dryer or hang to dry.  If using a dryer, select a cool setting and remove linens before they are completely dry if possible.  This will cause less wrinkling, keep your linens feeling smoother and increase longevity.  A hot dryer cycle can cause permanent damage to the yarn, particularly the last 5 minutes. If you have the option, line drying is a wonderful way to care for your linens, giving them crisp, wrinkle free freshness. White linens may be line-dried in direct sunlight but coloured fabrics should be hung in the shade.

Ironing linens

Iron damp or use a spray to remove wrinkles more easily.  Ironing also helps sateen weave sheets to regain their luster and sheen. 

Iron embroidery on the reverse side.  Gently stretch and iron on the appropriate setting with plenty of steam.

Dark coloured linen should be ironed on the reverse.  This will prevent shiny patches or fading. 

Keeping linens fresh

Always store fine linens in a well ventilated moisture free area.  Avoid plastic or coloured tissue as it may cause discoloration.

Turn back bedlinens in the morning.  This allows the moisture and heat to escape. Use a linen spray to refresh linens and smooth out any wrinkles.