Tips for Keeping Your Linens Like New

There's something undeniably luxurious about crisp, fresh linens. Whether it's the feeling of slipping into a bed with perfectly pressed sheets or wrapping yourself in a fluffy, soft towel after a long bath, quality linens can elevate your everyday routines. But how do you maintain that like-new feeling over time?

Your linens—bedding, tablecloths, napkins, and towels—are items that you probably use on a daily basis. You also probably invested time and expense in finding the perfect items for your home, and will want to keep them looking pristine. But, because these kinds of linens are frequently used, it’s important to learn how to take care of them so they last, keep looking good, and continue to give you joy for years to come.

This is especially true when it comes to maintaining your bed sheets and towels, which get hours of use each and every day. It makes such a difference to know that when you go to bed or wrap yourself in a towel after a bath, your linens are fresh, clean, and oh-so-comfy! But how do you go about preserving the color and integrity of the fabric? And how can you wash, dry, and store your linens so they look and feel as fabulous as the day you brought them home? Read on for all the tips you need to keep your linens like new.

First things first, quality matters! Invest in high-quality linens made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, or bamboo. They will not only feel better but last longer.

How to Take Care of Your Bed Sheets

Slipping into crisp, clean bed sheets is such a comforting sensation, but it’s also an important part of creating a cozy and relaxing sleep environment that you’ll love climbing into every night. In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 73% of people feel that fresh sheets are an important factor in getting a good night’s sleep. Take care of your bed sheets and they will take care of you!

How to Wash Bed Sheets

• Always follow the care instructions on the label, as they can vary between fabrics.
• Wash your new sheets before use. The first wash will set the threads, which will preserve the fabric for longer.
• Wash your fitted sheets, bedspreads, and pillowcases (those that are right next to your body) weekly. Duvet covers, shams, thick quilts, and throws can be washed as needed – every 1-3 months – depending on the frequency of use.
• The best method for laundering your sheets is in warm (not hot) water with a mild laundry detergent (harsh chemicals that can break down fibers over time). If you have white sheets, you can use non-chlorine bleach to prevent yellowing. If you need to remove stains, use a product like OxiClean. Adding baking soda to your wash or vinegar to your rinse cycle can also freshen up your laundry. 
• Remember to wash matching items together, and only with similar colored items and fabrics. Keeping matching sets together will help to maintain color consistency.
• Separate your linens by color, fabric, and level of dirtiness. This prevents colors from bleeding onto lighter fabrics and ensures that heavily soiled items don't transfer dirt to cleaner ones.
• Don’t use fabric softeners. They may make fibers feel softer in the short term, but cause damage them over time.

How to Dry and Store Bed Sheets

• To avoid your sheets getting bunched up and damaging fibers, carefully shake out your sheets before you put them into the dryer. Check to ensure that other linens haven’t got caught in with them.
• When it comes to drying, air drying is the gentlest option. If using a dryer, dry your sheets on a low to medium heat and remove them while still slightly damp in order to prevent wrinkles. Smooth them and let them air dry.
• Don’t overload the dryer. This will ensure that your items dry evenly and that smaller items such as pillowcases don’t get balled up inside larger ones like duvet covers.
• Before you store your bed linens or put them back on your bed, be sure they are completely dry.
• Store your bedding in a place that is cool, dry and well-ventilated, such as a linen closet.
• Proper folding not only keeps your linens looking neat but also minimizes wrinkles. When folding fitted sheets, tuck the corners into each other to create a flat, rectangular shape. For flat sheets and pillowcases, smooth out any wrinkles before folding.
• Rotate your linens regularly to ensure even wear. Avoid using the same set of sheets day in and day out. Let them rest and breathe between uses to maintain their freshness.

How to Take Care of Your Bath Towels

While washing your towels might seem as easy as tossing them into the washer-dryer, you’ll need a proper washing and drying routine if you want to keep your towels soft and fluffy for longer. Especially if you’ve invested in quality cotton towels, you’ll want to take good care of them and ensure they stay soft, absorbent, and durable.

How to Wash Towels

• As for bed linens, wash new towels before you use them for the first time. This will remove any pre-treatments and ensure they are as absorbent as they should be.
• Pay attention to water temperature when washing your towels. Hot water can cause colors to fade and fibers to weaken. Opt for cold or warm water, depending on the care instructions. This not only preserves the quality but also helps save on energy bills.
• Wash your towels frequently, every three to four days. For colored towels, wash in cold or warm water depending on the care instructions, and don’t use bleach or cleaners with bleaching agents. For white towels, you can wash them in hot water with non-chlorine bleach if needed.
• Be sure to wash white towels separately, to avoid discoloration.
• While fabric softeners may leave your towels smelling fresh, they can also reduce their absorbency over time.
• Avoid washing towels with clothing that has zippers, hooks, or Velcro to prevent snags. Washing towels with sheets and clothes can also lead to the transfer of lint or fibers, so they should ideally be washed on their own.
• Don’t overload your washing machine. Give the towels room to move around for a thorough wash. Overloading can lead to inadequate cleaning and increase the risk of wrinkles. It’s the small pockets of moisture that can lead to scratchy towels.

How to Dry and Store Towels

• Before drying your towels, give them a little shake to prevent them from balling up in the dryer. At the end of the cycle, shake them out again. This will loosen the fabric’s fibers and help to make the towels nice and fluffy.
• Dry your towels on low to warm heat. Don’t use fabric softeners or dryer sheets, especially for towels made of natural fibers.
• Remove your towels promptly from the dryer to avoid over-drying, which can make them feel stiff.
• Before putting your towels away for storage, make sure they are fully dry. Like sheets, towels should be stored in a cool, dry place. If you like, you can add a bag of lavender to your linen closet or tuckets into the folds of your linens. Not only does it smell wonderful, it’s a deterrent for moths.

Speaking of towels, have you seen our collection of luxury towels? Leveraging the signature softness that has made her bedding and robes fan-favorites, Jennifer Adams has worked her magic to craft not one, but two sensational towel collections. The Kensey and the Lago collections are both made from 100% cotton and woven in Portugal. These towels aren't just a treat for your skin; they're a testament to luxury and comfort. They come in bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and bath sheets, and are supremely soft, luxurious, highly absorbent, and made with all the love and care you expect from all of our products.

Your linens are more than just practical items; they are a source of comfort and luxury in your everyday life. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can extend the life of your linens and keep them feeling fresh and inviting. Treat your linens with care, and they'll reward you with comfort and luxury for years to come!