Caring For Your Linens

Ensuring Longevity

All our linens are made from the highest quality cotton, specifically woven to our specifications. If they are cared for well, your linens will last for years. Proper cleaning and storage will prolong the life of textiles and ensure that your linens retain their quality.

Wash Care Advice

Machine wash in warm water (around 40 degrees) on a gentle cycle. 
Do not wash linens in a hot wash.

For linens with contrast colour borders or inserts we highly recommend washing with a colour 
catcher to ensure colours do not transfer onto lighter fabrics. Linens should be dry before pressing. 


We would strongly recommend you use “Ecover” non-biological or biological liquid/powder or “Persil Colour Care” as these do not contain OBAs (Optical Brightening Agents), which can affect colour. Use enzyme-reactive stain removers only. Do not use chlorine, bleach, stain removers or detergents with lighteners. Never pour detergent or soap directly on your textiles. Either pour it in when the tub is full, or dilute it. 


To brighten your linens, try using “oxi-stain/vanish” or “soda crystals”, which are available from most supermarkets. This can help to remove staining/soiling. 


Do not use fabric softeners. These only coat the fibres and make them appear to be soft. Use one cup of white vinegar in the rinse water to remove any traces of soap and leave fabrics smelling fresh. 


For percales wash on a low spin to reduce creasing and for easier ironing.

Drying

The ideal way to dry textiles is air only. A line is perfect, but you can use a railing or shower rod as well. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest setting and never allow the linens to dry completely in the dryer. During the last few minutes of a dryer cycle the fabric overheats and dries out, making it brittle and lifeless over time. Always remove linens from the dryer while still slightly damp.

Pressing

This is an ideal time to press them, but if that is not possible, let them air dry. You can also “store” laundered linens in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer before air drying or pressing. You can even air dry sheetings by throwing them over a bed. If you smooth the wrinkles out at this point, the pressing becomes even easier. Press on the underside, using a well-padded ironing board and a clean iron. Do not press in creases because this will also cause wear over time. When pressing monograms or embellishments, place face down on a terry towel so that the decoration will pop out.

We do not recommend linens being roller pressed particularly when damp, however if a roller press is used please ensure that the poppers/press studs are not put through the roller press as this will damage them and the fabric.

To store, fold neatly, but never in plastic. If you must cover them, use an old piece of sheeting or a pillow case. Storage should be dry and away from light with some air circulation. 


NOW AVAILABLE IN STORE
AT BLUE ALMONDS

164 Walton Street
London
SW3 2JL

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© 2019 Carolyn Parker Interior Design. All rights reserved. VAT Number: 613168950

Thread Count

Thread count is a measure of how many threads are in one square inch. Both the vertical (warp) and horizontal (weft) weave of the fabric are counted up to determine the thread count. The higher the thread count, the more luxurious the linen.