So now that you've invested in new linens, what's the best way to care for them? This is one of our most frequently asked questions, and we believe that following a few key steps could be the difference between sheets that last for years (or for many of our customers, decades!) and sheets that don't. Here are our top tips on how to care for your linens and extend their lifespan so you can enjoy them for years to come.
Washing
There's a widely circulated myth that white sheets are difficult to care in for. In reality, this is far from the case (and we're including milk and cream sheets in this category, too!). With white sheets, there's no worry about colours bleeding or fading, and stains are incredibly easy to remove. There's a reason that hotels choose to use white sheets!
When washing white sheets, we recommend washing them on a weekly basis in cold or lukewarm water - it's completely your personal preference. The same goes for coloured sheets, although it's best to avoid using hot water - the high water temperature can cause colours to fade.
However, we do recommend washing Cotton Satin sheets for the first time in cold water - this will set the fibres and prevent pilling.
Crisp & Cool 200 Thread Count Percale
As for detergent, we've found that gentle detergents work the best for retaining the quality of your sheets. Check the label of your detergent for bleach, ammonia or enzymes - some commercial detergents that contain these ingredients are harsh on cotton and can cause discolouration. Here in the store, we use gentle detergents such as LeBlanc, Ivory Snow, and Sunlight. One bonus tip: you don't need as much detergent as you think you do! Just a tiny amount of soap will do the trick.
Drying
To truly extend the lifespan of your sheets, the best thing you can do is air-dry them. We understand that space can be an issue - throwing them over a simple drying rack works well in small spaces, or even letting them dry over a stair bannister.
220 Thread Count Percale White
If you want to dry them in the dryer, that's completely fine too - just try to limit the amount of time your sheets spent in there. Putting them in the dryer for the full hour can "cook" the delicate cotton fibres, weakening them, and the high heat can cause the elastic on fitted sheets to wear out more quickly.
Instead, try putting your sheets in the dryer for 10-15 minutes - you'll be shocked at how dry they get in such a short amount of time. While they're still slightly damp, you can let them dry on a drying rack, or even put them right on the bed. You'll find they'll dry very quickly, and this trick will truly extend their lifespan.
Stain Removal
220 Thread Count Percale White
It's easier than you think to keep your whites white. If your white sheets have been stained or become yellowed with age, simply soak them overnight in hot water with a mild detergent the night before washing them.
For stain removal, natural household staples like vinegar and baking soda work more effectively than you may realize (in comparison to bleach), and are better for the environment. If you feel the need to use Oxy Clean or a similar non-bleach product, we always recommend doing a second rinse cycle in your washer to ensure the sheets are thoroughly rinsed prior to sleeping on them.
Sheet Storage
We recommend having at least 2 sets of sheets per bed for convenience. To store your extra linens, choose a closet or armoire - somewhere that is dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight (too much sun can cause your linens to permanently yellow). Also important - the space should be well-ventilated, unlike a plastic storage container. These airless compartments trap any moisture residue left on your sheets and cause mildew.
Au Lit Cotton Sheet Storage Bag
The simplest, easiest, and most efficient way to store your linens is with a Sheet Storage Bag. Especially if you have multiple sets to store in one linen closet, folding each bed's linens and each one individually inside its own storage bag is the easiest way to stay organized. Plus, our Sheet Storage Bags are made from pure cotton (which is completely natural and breathable) and will fit every sized bed from Twin to King.
If you have several different-sized beds in your house, consider dedicating one shelf to each bed size to keep things visually organized. If not, it's easy to tie a small label or different coloured ribbon to each bag to easily identify them by size or colour.
One more tip: to keep your sheets smelling fresh while they're in storage, considering spritzing them with a bit of our Pure Linen Scented Water before folding them!
