Our question today comes from a Linen Snob reader named Rebecca. She’s a 30-year-old newlywed in Seattle and had this to say:
“Help! We just got married and were lucky enough to receive a few sets of really beautiful bed linens. Not only that, my grandmother recently passed and we were given some of her antique linens. How do I care for both new and old linens?”
Properly caring for your fine linens should help you enjoy your purchase for years to come as well as maintain the integrity of older linens. In general these guidelines should be used in caring for all your fine linens:
- Read care labels on all products before washing
- Read instructions on all cleaning products before using
- Like fabrics should be washed together
- Bleach will break down natural fibers, reducing the durability of the fabric
- Bleach will also fade or streak colored cotton or linen
- Bleach on silk and rayon will turn the cloth yellow or gray
- Separate whites, lights, brights and darks
- Spot stains from the reverse side (on to a towel or soft colorfast cloth) so the stain works out of the cloth
- Always test fabric before using spotting agents.
- Older linens may be soaked overnight in tepid water to rehydrate. Line soaking tub with a terrycloth towel and use it to support the linen as you lift it out of the water so it doesn’t tear from its own weight. Squeeze gently and line dry. Iron while still damp.
- Any tears not caused by age decomposition should be professionally mended.
- You can apply a thick coat of baking soda paste to any stains or yellowing. Check frequently to see if stain has lifted and rinse completely when stain is gone.
- Hand-wash antique linens if there is any doubt of the fabric’s integrity.
QUESTION FOR YOU: Have you ever used lemons to brighten fine linens? Martha Stewart suggests, “…to whiten cloth napkins, linens, and even socks, fill a large pot with water, and drop in several slices of lemon. Bring to a boil, then turn off the heat. Add the linens, and let them soak for about an hour. Then launder as usual.” Have you tried this? How did it work for you? Let us know in the comments.
Don’t forget: our annual white sale runs through February 12 (we extended it because of the snow a couple of weeks ago). Shop online at Table Top and Home (use WHITE2012 for the discount) or in our Bellevue store. You guys, it’s 20% off all bed and bath linens. Don’t miss this sale!
Appliqué is a traditional technique for decorating fabrics. Evidence of the technique spans many cultures of the world, across thousands of years. Some ancient societies considered it a form writing! Others believe the technique was developed to patch holes in worn garments. Whatever the reason, applique can be seen on fine bedding and bath linens. The term is French in origin and, in this context, means “applied” or “thing that has been applied.” Typically, different fabrics are selected for the appliqué to add texture, contrast and style.
On this day of remembrance of the great Dr. King, we wanted to share this inspiring profile of Ruby Bridges. You may remember her as the child depicted on Norman Rockwell’s work titled “The Problem We all Live With.” In this moving interview, Ms. Bridges talks about her experiences crossing the angry mob each day on her way to school and what she learned along the way.
