|
|
For a good long-lasting preservation we recommend the following washing instructions : Washing instruction Machine wash in cool water using gentle cycle. Use neutral or mild detergent, that does not contain any bleaching agents such as chlorine or peroxide. Tumble dry for 5 to 7 minutes on low setting only. Remove and press while damp. This will help maintain the luster and lifespan of your fine linens. Overdrying is the most harmful process for fine linens. Line drying is also a good option when possible. All embroidered items should be ironed on the reverse side or between two pieces of cloth. After washing, it is very important to rinse the soap residue out with plenty of cold water immediately. Never leave wet or damp embroidered items on top of another. Do not spin dry or wring out embellished goods. Wash embroidered items separately and add salt to the water. Linen fabric and quilts can be cared for as above. Comforters with cording and matelassè coverlets are dry clean only. Silk linens may be drycleaned, hand washed, or machine washed on a gentle cycle. Please line dry when possible. Cotton is a very durable fabric and can withstand many conditions. Cotton clothes, sheets and tablecloths can be washed on regular cycles and hold-up to strong detergents. Some cottons may shrink when washed or dried in high temperatures. To avoid shrinkage use cool or cold water and low dryer temperatures. Cotton has a tendency to yellow with age. One of the best ways to brighten white cotton is to hang it outside on a clothesline. It is important though, to keep colored cottons in the shade. When ironing cotton, your iron should be set on hot and starch is recommended for a crisper look. When drying linen never wring it out. This will cause wrinkling and may weaken the fibers. Set dryer at the lowest setting possible, and then hang linen or lie flat to completely dry. Roll your linen in a towel to soak up extra moisture.To iron linen it's important to keep the fabric damp. Linen becomes fragile and delicate when dry. When ironing sheets lay flat and stretch to desired position. Hang ironed linen still damp. With proper care you will get the maximum benefit from your linens. If you have any questions about the care of your product, contact the place of purchase, for further clarification. Removing spot and stains on fine linens Here are some suggestions: Wine. White wine is always easiest and will usually come out during a soapy washing in hot water. Red wine is a different story, try sprinkling salt on the stain followed by soaking the linen in cold water. If the stain remains rub it out with more salt then wash. Also soaking a stain with club soda and water will often remove it. Coffee or Tea Stains. Probably, if serving, you wont be able to treat these stains before they are dry, to treat dry stains, use a mix of one part glycerine, and one part water to loosen the stain. Another way to get out tougher stains on tougher fabrics is to stretch the fabric over a bowl and pour boiling water through it from about 2 or 3 feet high until the stain disappears. Chocolate Stains. For delicate linens try sponging them with warm water while ringing out the sponge often. For your tougher linens, try putting dry borax on the stain and then washing in cold water. Fruit and Berries Stains. Take a wet stain and sprinkle it with salt and then rub the stain with a damp soapy sponge. Then wait a few hours and rinse. Another way to get out tougher stains on tougher fabrics is to stretch the fabric over a bowl and pour boiling water through it from about 2 or 3 feet high until the stain disappears. Try soaking in 1 part borax to 6 parts water. For Fruit, Coffee and Tea you can rub with alcohol, white vinegar and ammonia. Blood Stains. Always start removing a blood stain by using cold water, if you use hot water you will just "set" the stain. Wash as soon as you can with cold water, and then for hard to get out stains soak the linen in salty cold water, then wash as usual. Rinse immediately in cold water. Grease Stains. Try to remove these stains while they are still fresh. Put baking soda on it and leave it for a few hours, then brush off baking soda and wash. Apply an absorbent such as talcum powder or cornstarch to the affected area, then brush away. If the stain is heavy or old, proceed to Step 2; if fresh, skip to Step 3: 2. Place stain facedown on paper towels.Blot back of stain with a dry-cleaning solvent. Replace paper towels as they soak up the stain. 3. Spray with laundry pretreatment. 4. Wash in the hottest water that's safe for the garment. 5. Air dry. Ketchup, Mustard. Remove excess mustard or ketchup by scraping with a dull knife or blotting with paper towels. Sponge stain with cool water. Gently work a mild detergent into stain. Rinse in cool water. Apply a laundry stain remover. Wash and air dry. Ink Soak in milk, or in a soap and ammonia blend, and rub the stain Wax Stains. Chill with ice and scrape away as much wax as you can with a dull knife. Place a sheet of butcher paper, glossy side up, or a portion of a brown paper bag on top of the wax. Press the tip of a warm iron gently over the affected area until the wax melts and attaches to the paper. Lift the paper from the fabric as it cools. Dab a small amount of denatured alcohol onto the stain if any candle dye remains on the fabric. Sponge with water. Wash the fabric as usual. Tips to store bed linens Wash and dry your washable linens before storing them. Remove linens from dryer while still warm so they don't wrinkle. If they're already cool, put them back in the dryer and dry for a couple of minutes with a moist cloth. Fold linens. Store linens in a cool, dark and dry spot. Use cotton, linen or muslin if storing your linens in a garment bag. Don't use anything synthetic. Place tags on your linens or on the shelves in your linen closet describing the type and size of item you're storing. Place a lavender sachet with your linens to keep them smelling fresh. Rotate your linens every six months. Don't store your linens in anything plastic, cardboard or cedar. Each emits fumes and acids that can stain or yellow your linens. Avoid storing linens in the bathroom, as the moisture will lead to mildewing. |