Fresh, white bed linen remains the most popular colour by far. It’s versatile and will never go out of fashion. But with white bed linen comes great responsibility, as that whiteness we all love can easily stain or look a bit dull if it’s not looked after properly.
Here are some tips from us, the experts, on how to keep your sheets pristine, and bright white.
Keep it Clean
To avoid a build up of excess dirt and stains, wash your sheets regularly - weekly or fortnightly.
Pre treat stains
If your sheets do have some stains, soak them in a diluted white vinegar solution for 30 minutes before washing. Lemon juice and baking soda on offending spots also works a treat.
Cool and Calm
Use a gently cycle with cool or warm water if possible. If it's not too dirty, you won't need to use high temperatures.
Protect the fabric
To prevent damage to the cotton, and to keep it in pristine condition, never fill the drum too much. Allow the items you're washing to be loose in the drum. This will also ensure all of the fabric gets to be washed.
Avoid Bleach
This may seem like a short cut and quick fix, but it will actually yellow your linen over time.
Avoid Fabric Softener
This leaves a residue which not only stops your cotton from breathing, but it will also attract dirt and look dull.
Basic Chemistry
A process passed down the generations helps to whiten your sheets if they're not looking their best. Add approximately 130g/5oz/half a cup of baking soda/bicarbonate of soda to the drum of your empty washing machine. Add white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser. Separating them like this ensures they don't mix - you wouldn't get the same results if you moved them together first.
The results are white, soft and protected sheets.
Use Mother Nature
The sun's UV rays will help to whiten your sheets naturally, so line dry where you can.
