You've made the leap to great sheets. You love them. You can't imagine life without them. You now have to launder them, and there is no lovely French laundry around. You're nervous, but we're here to help.
Here's what to do:
First, get some Linen Wash from Parkside Linen. We gave you a sample* when you purchased your sheets, and we want you to use it. Your sheets will thank you.
Are there stains on your sheets? Pre spot with a little Linen Wash or use The Laundress Stain Solution mixed with the Laundress Bleach Alternative to get the stains out. Let them soak in a clean bucket of water if the stains are stubborn. NEVER USE BLEACH. NEVER EVER.
Set the water temperature on your machine to "cold." Add the appropriate amount of Linen Wash and that means NOT TOO MUCH. Next load your washing machine, but do not overload. For king sheets, depending on the size of your machine, you might have to split the load. Here's where you will totally wish you bought two sets of sheets. .
Remove sheets from the wash as soon as the cycle is done. Now they need to be dried. Your attitude toward the dryer should be one of caution and distrust. Your washing machine is not the enemy of good sheets, but your dryer may well be. If you have room or an outside line, hang the sheets to dry. If you must use the dryer, dry them on the lowest heat setting the dryer has. If you aren't sure whether your dryer has a "low heat" setting opt for a no-heat setting. Never dry at high heat. It fries fibers and shortens the life of your sheets.
When the sheets are almost dry, remove, shake out and fold or put them on your bed. You can press the return of the flat sheet and the cases quickly as you are making up the bed. Don't have an iron? You can carefully use a clean hair flat iron to do the cases and the return. (The return of the sheet is the part you see when you turn it back.) Use at medium heat. But, really, get a good iron.
If you have good relationship with a local laundry and you want a treat, take your laundered sheets to them to press. Great sheets, however, feel wonderful wrinkled or smooth. That's what makes them great.
Have sheets embellished with lace? Lucky you. Place sheets in a large mesh laundry bag, and go ahead and launder as above.
Do you have monogrammed sheets and an iron? Iron the monograms on the wrong side.
We love to talk about textile care. We learn so much from our customers. Come in or call if you have questions.
SDH linen care and soap from the Laundry at Linens Limited are more than acceptable substitutes for Linen Wash. But that's about it.