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SFERRA Linen Care Recommendations

WASHING

Always check the care label before laundering, and separate linens into light and dark colors.

  • Always pre-wash linens before first use.
  • Machine wash on gentle cycle. For bed linens, use warm or cold water. For table and bath linens, use hot water for whites and cold water for colors.
  • Use a mild liquid detergent without added bleach, whiteners, or fabric softeners.
  • Pre-treat any stains prior to washing. Do not use bleach. Bleaching may weaken fibers and cause yellowing.
  • Avoid laundering fine linens and bath towels with other items, especially those containing polyester, and items made of heavy material, rivets, buttons, zippers, and other hardware (for example, denim jeans) as these can damage fibers and fabric.
  • Delicate lace and embellished linens should be placed in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag before being placed in the washing machine.
  • Unless linens are very soiled, you need only use half the recommended amount of detergent.
  • Do not overload the washing machine, as this can cause unnecessary abrasion to the fabric.

Tip: Do not pour detergent directly on textiles. Rather, add it to the water as the wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, then add linens.

DRYING AND IRONING

Always check to ensure your steam iron is clean—mineral deposits may build up and cause brown spotting.

  • Iron bed and bath linens while still slightly damp. Do not iron bath towels.
  • 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 the reverse side.
  • To preserve the three-dimensional effect of embroidery, iron on its reverse side, atop a white towel to give soft support to the thread work design.
  • Linens with delicate lace and cut work 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 the freezer for up to 24 hours. This trick will make your linens easier to iron while preventing mildew.

Final tips for Bed Linens

Always pre-wash new linens before using. As fine fabrics are generally not pre-washed, this first wash is important for setting the threads, preserving the fabric’s beauty, and prolonging its life. Be sure to fully unfold, set the machine to include a cold pre-soak, and use minimal liquid detergent. Following the first wash, refer to the instructions below.

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. 

We recommend using three sets of bed linens in rotation: one on the bed, one in the wash, one in the 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 to help maintain color consistency and brightness.

Remove jewelry and watches, or other accessories that may damage fibers while sleeping. The added abrasion can break down the fibers over time, possibly resulting in pilling.

Wash off all makeup, sunscreen, and harsh skincare products before bed, as strong chemicals can react to the dye and damage fine fibers.

Take care when drawing up your sheets or shimmying a pillow into its case: pull from below the hem—not on or above the hemstitch, lace detail, or embroidery—so as not to subject these delicate threads to undue stress.

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.