Washing your linen is more intricate than you think

THERE is nothing better than laying down on a clean bed after a long day.

Washing your linen may sound like a simple task, but it requires care to ensure the fabric’s longevity.

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“We often make the mistake of simply putting [our linen] into the washing machine, using any detergent, choosing whatever cycle and letting the washing machine do its job,” explained Personal Touch brand manager Bronwyn Ragavan.“Linen needs a gentle hand and should be treated differently from your everyday washing. To keep its luxurious feel and its fibres soft and inviting for as long as possible, you need to treat your linen with love and tenderness.”

Contrary to popular belief, your linen is just as important as your clothes.

Here are a few tips on how to ensure your sheets remain fresher for longer:

1. Ensure you separate your colours and wash similar colours together to prevent colour bleeding.
2. A useful tip for stains is to pre-treat them with a mild detergent or stain remover. Apply it directly to the stain and gently rub it in.
3. Bleach can weaken fibres and cause discolouration so use a non-bleach detergent when washing your bedding.
4. Lukewarm or cold water are best as hot water can cause the fibres to shrink or become damaged.
5.  Selecting the gentle settings on your machine can prevent the wear-and-tear of the fabric.
6. Rushing to get things done by overloading the machine will result in your linen not being thoroughly cleaned.
7. There is great power in rinsing your bedding properly. It is particularly important for maintaining the softness and texture of the fabric.
8.  Air drying your sheeting in a nice shady spot can help preserve the colour.
With regards to tumble drying your linen, choose a low heat setting and remove it while it is still slightly damp to avoid wrinkling.
9. Medium heat is the perfect setting for ironing your sheets; remember to iron them while slightly damp on the reverse side of the fabric.
10.  Always store in a cool, dry place to avoid trapped moisture that can cause mildew. Avoid using plastic bags as a viable storage option, use breathable cotton bags or wrap them in cotton sheets instead.

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