We receive lots of questions from many of you about the care of linens. Here are some general rules that will help our customers get the maximum life and enjoyment out of the sheets that you bought from us.
Unless the care instructions on the sewn-in label specifically state otherwise, sheets may be safely machine-washed. Cold or warm water for the wash cycle is best. Opt for a cold-water rinse. If your washing machine has the option for a second rinse cycle, use it to make sure that any excess soap is washed out. Excess soap will make your sheets feel scratchy and stiff. Please follow the guidelines below.
WASHING
Always pre-wash linens before using.
DO NOT overload the washing machine.
DO NOT wash linens with items that contain zippers, hooks, etc.
Use 1/2 capful of liquid detergent.
Use 1/2 capful of fabric softener.
Wash in cool to warm water, normal cycle, wash sheets separately from other items.
DRYING
Shake out linens between washing and drying to minimize wrinkles.
DO NOT overload the dryer.
DO NOT use dryer sheets. Dry sheets separately from other items.
Tumble dry or normal cycle or low temperature setting.
Remove sheets before the end of the drying cycle while they are slightly damp.
Smooth and fold right away.
Use a stream iron on a warm/hot setting to touch up wrinkles for a crisp look.
Do not use chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach will strip out the color and also weakens the cotton with repeated use. On wood fibers (like bamboo, beechwood, Tencel, Lyocel, and Rayon) chlorine is particularly destructive. You may use peroxide bleach (safe for colors) or stain treatments like “Shout” or “Oxi Clean” to remove stains.
Do not use fabric softeners or detergents that have fabric softener in it. Fabric Softeners chemically react with the cellulose (cotton, linen, bamboo, beechwood/Modal, Lyocell, Tencel, etc.) fiber and “eat” away at the molecules, shortening the life of your textile products. Fabric Softeners also inhibit the functioning of your textile product by coating the yarns with a chemical that artificially makes that fabric feel soft but prevents the yarns from absorbing moisture or "breathing" the way the fabric was designed to do.
Again unless the sewn-in label specifically states otherwise, you may tumble dry your sheets. We recommend using the perma-press or low temperature setting. High heat will not only cause the fabric to shrink but it will “cook” the yarn and cause the fabric to lose its natural softness.
Do not use dryer sheets for the same reason stated above.
Tumble dry at a low temperature setting. High temperatures will cook the cotton making it brittle. Be sure to remove your sheet immediately at the end of the drying cycle and hand smooth as you fold it. Most sheets will not need ironing if you are good about removing the sheet immediately at the end of the drying cycle and smoothing it as it is folded. If you cannot remove the sheets from the drier at the end of the cycle, tumble dry with a damp washcloth for a few minutes and then fold and smooth.
Please remember, some lotions, creams and soaps contain chemicals that act just like bleach with most textiles. You should make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands and/or face before drying your hands after applying any cream, lotion, or make-up. You should not use dyed sheets if you use creams, lotions, or soaps that contain benzoyl peroxide, Retin A, or alpha hydroxide. If you use products with benzoyl peroxide (like Clearasil and other acne medication) or alpha hydroxide or Retin A, we suggest that you buy white sheets.
