Caring For Your Bed Linen

By Author: Elizabeth Beresford
Total Articles: 1
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Caring For Your Bed Linen- How To Launder   You spent time and money on your bed linen and you want it to stay as lovely as it was when you bought it. Good linen will last a lifetime if well cared for.

Because bed linen is washed so frequently correct laundering plays a big part in preserving it. If you are buying brand new bed linen the care label should tell you exactly how to wash and dry it, but failing that the following method will keep it in good condition.

First sort the colored linens from the whites and wash separately. Bed sheets, duvet covers and pillow cases of either cotton, linen, or a cotton linen blend, should be washed in warm water and the wash cycle set to gentle.

Use a good detergent but, to preserve the fabric, only add half the recommended quantity. Never use bleach, it destroys the fibers and can produce nasty yellow marks- especially if you dry your linen in the sunshine. Adding some fabric conditioner to the final wash will keep your bed linen nice and soft.

If the bed linen is stained pre-soak it in cold water with an oxygen pre-soaker. For ...
... heavily soiled linen you may need to soak for up to 8 hours. For protein stains such as blood, if you do not have a pre-soaker use salt. Dissolve 2 tablespoons in half a bucket of cold water and soak the item for several hours.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to dry your bed linen outside not only will that wonderful fresh air smell cling to it, but it will be almost wrinkle free. If you use a tumble dryer set it to warm and, if you have such an option, set the timer to almost dry. Removing the linen from the dryer as soon as its dry, or almost dry, will prevent too many creases, meaning you won't need to iron. (Unless they are pure linen, which does tend to retain creases.) If you can't pull them out right away putting them back into the dryer for 5 to 10 minutes will remove creases.

A really nice finishing touch for bed linen is to spray your sheets and pillow cases with lavender laundry water. If you are ironing your bed linen spray lavender water onto them as you iron. Not only does it give them a lovely smell, but lavender is said to be an aid to sleep.

Its worth taking this care of your bed linen, its really no harder than doing it wrongly, and you will still be enjoying your bed linen many years from now.


About the author:

Liz Beresford is a writer and publisher of several web sites including All Bed Linens. To find stylish contemporary or traditional bed linen visit her web site at: http://www.all-bed-linens.com/