Care for your Fine Linens

Care for Your Sheets

Machine wash in cold or warm (not hot) water on gentle cycle using a mild detergent or soap; we recommend LcBlanc Linen Wash. Use enzyme reactive stain removers if necessary. Do not use chlorine bleach, or stain removers or detergents with lighteners. Never put detergent or soap directly on your textiles. Either pour it in and fill the tub or dilute it. Do not use fabric softeners; these only coat the fibers and make them "appear" to be soft. One cup of white vinegar in the rinse water removes all traces of soap and leaves fabrics smelling fresh.

The ideal way to dry textiles is air only, use the lowest setting and never, never dry completely. It is in the last few minutes of the dryer cycle that the fabric overheats and dries out, making them brittle and lifeless over time. Always remove them from the dryer while still slightly damp. This is an ideal time to press them if desired, otherwise just let them air dry. You may even air dry sheets 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.

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

Care for Cotton Coverlets and Matelasses
These are tricky! We recommend professional dry cleaning or suggest professional water cleaning through Linens Limited (800) 637-6334.

Care for Terry Towels and Robes
Follow instructions for sheeting except you can dry them completely in a dryer. You may have some shrinkage.

Care for Table Linens
Follow the sheeting instructions. For specific cleaning, try these tips:

If wine is spilled, immediately splash seltzer water on the spot and place a dry towel underneath it.

For food stains, not much can be done until after the meal. When the meal is finished, "spot" the stain with diluted mild detergent and fill the washing machine with warm water; let them soak all night. In the morning, turn the machine on and this usually will take care of it. If you still have a problem, then soak another 24 hours in an enzyme reactive stain remover.

Care for Cotton and Linen (non-terry) Towels
Treat the same as table linens. If there are fringes, gather them together in your hand, bend in half and secure with a rubber band. This will keep them from getting tangled.

Care for Down Comforters

Always use a cover to protect your comforter; duvet cover or zippered pillow cover that can be cleaned as often as necessary.
Dry on low or hang in the sun to refresh
Down loves ozone. It restores the lanolin that keeps down soft and pliable. So hang it on a line after a thunderstorm when there’s more ozone in the air.
The less down is cleaned, the longer it will last (as a rule of thumb, every two to four years- depending on use)
To spot clean, use a mild detergent. To re-fluff and refresh your pillows, put them in the dryer on air cycle for a few minutes.
For major cleaning, use a professional launderer familiar with down.
Do not dry clean.
Store in a breathable bag and in a dry, well ventilated area.

With the right care and maintenance, your fine linens could become your children’s . . . your grandchildren’s too.