WAshing
Instructions

Most natural fabrics can safely be machine washed in water. However, always check the care guide on the article before washing and wash dirty items right away to prevent any staining. Note that some hair and skin care products (particularly Acne preparations) contain oxidants that may affect colours. Make sure such products don't come into direct contact with pillowcases and bed sheets.

Always wash your bed linen before it is used for the first time. This will “set” the fibres and pull them together to reduce the possibility of “pilling”. Sateen bed linen, regardless of quality, has a greater risk of ‘pilling” than other weaves because the weft threads are woven more loosely to achieve the satin sheen. It is essential that Sateen is washed before use.

Pre-soak new items in cold water with a little gentle, bio-degradable detergent. (Pre-soaking is especially recommended for new toweling items as soaking helps the cotton fibres to swell, making them more absorbent.) Then run a washing cycle at low temperature, using only a little detergent. Finally, rinse in cold water.

With any natural fibres, some shrinkage is to be expected and Moss River bed linen is cut with shrinkages added to achieve the perfect fit after the first wash. The percentage of shrinkage varies between 4 to 10%. The amount of shrinkage depends on the fibre and on the washing temperature used. The colder the wash water, the better it is for your household linen. Take extra care with wool as it is particularly subject to shrinkage when washed.

All Moss River bed linen can be washed in cold water and this is our preferred setting. However if you prefer to wash in warm water we recommend a maximum temperature of 40 degrees Celsius.

Take special care to sort your laundry and wash dark colours and synthetic fabrics separately.

Wash delicate items inside out or in a laundry bag to prevent snagging or pulling. Pillow cases and quilt covers can be washed inside out to protect any particularly delicate trims.

When the wash cycle is completed, remove the laundry immediately and shake it to minimise wrinkles. Ideally, dry your linen on a clothes line, shaking it out and smoothing any wrinkles with your hands as you go. Alternatively, tumble dry on medium heat. Never over-dry as this may damage the fibres. To reduce creasing, remove bed linen from the dryer as soon as the cycle has finished.

All quality bed linen should be ironed after washing and drying. The reward of slipping between perfectly ironed sheets needs no explanation. Use a good quality steam iron on the medium/high setting for cotton or linen. It is easier to iron your bed linen slightly damp, or use a fragrant water spray.

When to dry clean?

It may be best to have silk, wool and other animal derived fibres professionally cleaned, though they can often be hand-washed in water with care. Always be guided by the care label. If the label says the item is machine washable, use the delicate cycle and cold water. For blended fabrics, follow the washing instructions for the most delicate fibre in the blend. However, fabrics containing a combination of more than three different fibres should probably be dry-cleaned.

Bedspreads, Quilted Bed Covers and Blankets?

Professionally wash piquet or quilted items. Wool blankets should be professionally dry cleaned.

Laundering Towels

Ensure the towels are fully unfolded when loading the machine. Begin with a pre-soak in cold water and a little detergent. Then run a washing cycle at low temperature, using little detergent. Finally, rinse in cold water. With proper washing, the weave in terry cloth becomes compact and softness and absorbency increase. Do not use fabric softener (which coats the fibres making towels less absorbent). Do not iron towels.

Storing your linen

Fold linen flat and make sure it is not exposed to direct light for extended periods. Cover any wooden shelves with paper to prevent any oils in the wood from staining. It is a nice idea to place small lavender bags in your cupboards to lightly fragrance your linen and discourage moths.

By following these simple rules you will enhance the pleasure of sleeping in high quality Moss River bed linen and extend the life of your purchase…

And so to bed… sweet dreams are made of these!