BLEACH IS NOT THE SOLUTION

Bleach

By Camilla Swart

How often have you bought beautiful white bed linen, only to see it becoming dingy and not quite white as time, and washes, go on?

Hopefully this article can help you maintain and care for your white bed linen.

  • Start with quality – 100% cotton 200 thread count bed linen is the entry level you are looking at.  Buy from a reputable source – have a look at the fabric.  It should not look ‘reedy’ when you hold it up to the light. Good fabric feels smooth and has a crisp handle.
  • Wash in hot water – would you wash your plates and saucepans in cold water?  Well, that’s why we recommend hot water – body oils, perspiration and skin flakes all are more difficult to remove in less than hot water.  Most washing instructions recommend a minimum of 60°C, but 100% cotton will do very well in 90°C water.
  • Know your water – if you are in an outlying area your water could have mineral deposits naturally occurring in the water. This influences the wash outcome, and knowing a little about the type of water – soft, brackish, iron-laden – will help to determine the type and quantity of detergent you use.
  • Detergent Linen Drawer has developed a detergent that answers the need for deep cleaning without damaging the product.  However, should you have your favourite – please use enough (see recommendations on packaging) – and ensure that it works in higher temperatures.
  • Rinsing – a very important step in ensuring your white bedding stays white.  Detergent residue is not good for your bed linen, and affects the handle and comfort of your bedding.  Make sure to rinse in hot water and then in warmer water.  Never just cold water.
  • NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENER!! Fabric softener contains silicone particles, which coat the fabric and leave it less breathable and more likely to become dingy over time.
  • Stains are an issue to tackle before washing the product completely. For a comprehensive stain removal guide see https://linendrawer.co.za/advice-stain-removal  or contact info@linendrawer.co.za
  • Bleach – is not an automatic solution at all. Try all stain removal avenues before resorting to bleach, as it damages cotton fabric.  If you should require to use it, follow the instructions on the bottle carefully and rinse thoroughly after bleaching.  You really want to remove it as residue only damages your beautiful cotton bed linen.
  • Drying – whether you are a fan of line drying or tumble drying, you need to ensure that you bed linen is still has some moisture in it before attempting to iron your bed linen.
  • Ironing – shaking and hanging bed linen carefully when line drying should allow your bedding to dry easily without too many creases.  Tumble drying is even more effective, and remember not to dry out your bed linen before ironing.  Iron with a hot iron and let bed linen ‘cool’ before folding carefully.

I know it seems a great deal to take in. 

The care you take in following the above steps will yield white, crisp bed linen time after time.  What is lovelier than sliding into clean crisp sheets that smell of sunshine and care?

Please contact Linen Drawer for assistance should you have issues with stains, or laundering bed or bath linens. info@linendrawer.co.za