How to Preserve Bed Linens

A nice collection of bed linens from duvet covers to luxury sheets not only contributes to a good night's sleep, but also improves the look and feel of your bedroom. Because the sheets, shams, pillowcases and comforter are often expensive, it's important to preserve bed linens as much as possible to make your investment last. Consider these washing, drying and storage tips to ensure the bed linens keep their shape, texture and vibrant colors for years to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Preserve bed linens by laundering them in warm or cold water on the most gentle washing machine setting. Washing luxury linens, particularly fitted bottom sheets, in hot water may cause elastic to stretch out prematurely. Avoid using bleach to brighten colors and whites.

2. Avoid overloading your washing machine when laundering bed linens. Crowding luxury sheets with towels or heavy clothing, for example, can cause excess wear on the sheets. Similarly, try not to pack large bed linens like down comforters or duvets into a home washing machine-take them to be dry cleaned instead.

3. Dry bed linens like bed sheets and pillowcases with your dryer's gentle setting on low-heat since high heat can promote wrinkles and possibly fade colors over time. For wrinkle-free bed linens without ironing, remove the bed sheets, duvet covers or shams from the dryer before they're completely dry. Smooth, pull them taut and fold immediately to eliminate any wrinkles.

4. Keep bed sheets, blankets, duvet covers and more mildew free by stashing them in a cool, dry linen closet. Avoid having such a large collection of bed linens that you won't be able to use each set regularly, which can lead to stale odors. If your linen closet has glass-front doors, cover them to prevent sunlight from streaming in, which can fade vibrant bed linens.

Tips & Warnings

• Although fabric softeners in the washing or drying cycle may seem to soften bed sheets, preserve bed linens by avoiding the products since they can affect the color and texture of the luxury linens over time.

[jaredsgirl]

on 4/23/2009 Thanks for the tips on preserving bed linens! 5*

[jseven]

on 4/22/2009 Excellent tips on bed linens, I like the one about preventing stale odors! Thanks :)