Sferra Luxury Linens - Care Guide:
SFERRA linens have been expertly woven using the finest materials and with proper care will grace your home for years to come.
BED LINEN CARE:
(1) Always pre-wash new linens before using. As fine fabrics are generally not pre-washed, this first wash is important for setting threads, preserving fabric’s beauty and prolonging its life. Be sure to fully unfold, set machine to include a cold pre-soak and use minimal liquid detergent.
(2) Use of a fabric softener (liquid or dryer sheets) is not recommended for any fine linens, as it coats and weakens natural fibers. Your luxury linens will soften naturally with frequent use and additional washings.
(3) We recommend using three sets of bed linens in rotation: one on the bed, one in the wash, one in linen closet. This will allow each set a rest from use and a rest from wash. Similarly, we recommend that you wash matching linens (e.g. sheets and pillowcases) together, as each piece should be cared for similarly regardless of whether or not it is soiled (or even, used) to help maintain color consistency and brightness.
(4) Remove jewelry and watches or other accessories that may damage fibers while sleeping. The added abrasion can—over time—break down fibers possibly resulting in pilling.
(5) Take care when drawing up sheets or shimmying a pillow into its case: pull from below hem—not on or above hemstitch, lace detail, or embroidery—so as not to subject these delicate threads to undue stress.
(6) Avoid laundering fine linens with other items especially those containing polyester and items made of heavy material, rivets, buttons, zippers, etc., (for example, denim jeans) as these can damage fibers and fabric.
Do not overload washing machine as this can cause unnecessary abrasion to fabric.
LAUNDERING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEDDING
Machine Washing - Always check care label before laundering, and separate linens into light and dark colors.
Most linens can be washed on gentle cycle in warm water with cold-water rinse
Pre-treat any stains prior to washing; do not use bleach (bleaching may weaken fabric and cause yellowing)
Use mild liquid detergent without added bleach, optical brighteners, whiteners, or fabric softeners
Do not pour detergent directly on textiles; rather, add it to water as wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, then add linens
Do not use bleach—bleaching may weaken fibers and cause them to yellow
TIP: Unless linens are very soiled, you need only use half the recommended amount of detergent.
Drying - Natural fibers will wrinkle, but there are steps you can take while drying linens to minimize wrinkling. Line drying linens in soft, outdoor sunlight is ideal—it is the most gentle, and sun provides natural bleaching—though this is not always practical.
To machine dry, gently shake out and smooth damp linens before placing in dryer (unraveling any items that may have twisted in wash cycle). Do not use dryer sheet fabric softeners.
Avoid overloading dryer so items will dry evenly
Set to lowest heat—high heat settings will weaken fibers and increase shrinkage
Remove items from dryer promptly and while still slightly damp; smooth and let air dry before storing, or press with an iron while damp to remove any remaining wrinkles
Ironing - Always check to make sure your steam iron is clean. Mineral deposits may build up and cause brown spotting.
Iron linens while still slightly damp
Use a steam iron on a warm/hot setting for cotton or a hot setting for linen
Spray with water from a spray bottle for stubborn wrinkles, if needed
To restore the lustrous face of sateen and jacquard fabrics, iron on reverse side
To preserve three-dimensional effect of embroidery, iron on its reverse side, atop a white towel to give soft support to the threadwork design
Linens with delicate lace and cutwork should be ironed beneath a press cloth
TIP: If you cannot iron immediately, roll linens in a towel or a plastic bag and temporarily store in freezer for up to 24 hours. This trick will make your linens easier to iron while preventing mildew.
Storing Bed Linens - Natural fibers need to breathe: store bed linens in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, shielded from long exposure to direct sunlight. Linens stored long-term should be wrapped in white cotton, muslin (old pillowcases work well), or acid-free paper. Avoid storing linens in plastic bags, boxes, or in cedar chests which can all cause permanent yellowing or streak fabrics.