When you purchase new bed linens, the first thing you should do is save all of the special care inserts. Notate on the insert which piece each belongs to and store them in, or near, the laundry room. Each piece will require specific care to be taken when it is being laundered and this, if you’re ever unsure what care something needs, the insert will be on hand. The manufacturer will know best what care their products will require. However, if that is not available, here are some general tips to keep everything in tip top shape.
Sheets
Caring for cotton bed sheets is typically very simple. Prewash sheets before their first use to help set the threads and see how much shrinking will occur. Once a week, launder in cool or warm water (never hot) to remove dirt and oil buildup. Avoid chlorine bleach as this is too harsh for most linens. Silk and Satin sheets are a bit more difficult and often require handwashing or dry-cleaning.
Pillowcases and Duvet Covers
Pillowcases are very similar to sheets in the care that is needed. Cotton is usually fine machine washed once a week in cool or warm water, while silk and satin will require more careful washing. If the pillowcase is colored or designed, be sure to pull it inside-out to help preserve the look.
Duvets
While it is sometimes possible to wash a duvet yourself, this is often a huge chore. They are extremely bulky, often require specific care, and take a long time to properly launder. When possible, it’s usually easier to have these taken to a professional dry cleaner.
If this is not an option and you must wash it yourself, make sure to check the insert it came with for the specific care it will need. Should it be safe to machine wash and dry, you should do so on the delicate cycle with warm or cold water, and tumble dry without heat.
Luckily, if you are using a duvet cover, your duvet will only need to be washed if something is spilled on it or it otherwise becomes soiled.
Pillows
Like a duvet cover of your duvet, the pillowcase should protect your pillow from most of the grime it would normally come into contact with. However, it can be useful to toss two of them in the dryer on low heat (two at a time, to help keep the load balanced) to give it a nice fluffing.
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Stephanie Lichtenstein Ramoswrites on behalf of Bedding Style, where customers can use exclusive coupon codes to save on already affordable designer bedding.