Linen Care
How Long Do Linens Last?
It's very simple. The lifespan of all fine quality linens depends upon how they’re cared for. While some lower quality sheeting may not last more than a year, our linens are made from the finest, all-natural fabrics and superbly woven to create a soft and authentic quality product.
Our linens can last several years with proper care. To maximize the longevity of your sheeting, follow our simple care instructions below.
Our Washing Instructions
Machine Wash With Mild Detergent
Wash your linens in cold or lukewarm water with a gentle liquid detergent. Avoid detergents such as Tide that contain bleach, ammonia or enzymes as they may cause damage & discolouration (Sunlight, Ivory and Le Blanc liquid detergents are all Au Lit approved!). Always wash cotton sateens on cold first to set the fibres.
Hang To Dry
Hanging to dry may seem daunting but it will ensure more longevity and less wrinkling. We suggest using the warm dryer for no more than ten to fifteen minutes, as the heat destroys the natural fibres of the fabric and will considerably shorten the lifespan of your linens. Smooth out or iron while damp. Simply hang the sheets on a folding rack.
What To Avoid
Avoid hot dryers, bleaches, fabric softeners, clothespins, and dryer sheets! All of these things can damage fine fibres and result in premature wear and tear. We also recommend avoiding detergent pods and powders, as they've been known to stain or fade fabrics. We strongly recommend using only gentle liquid detergent.
How to Care for Linens
Aut Lit owner & expert, Joanna Goodman, discusses the ease of laundering your linens and how to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
Watch VideoWhitest Whites
Hot Tip
Wash your linens in cold or lukewarm water. To keep your whites white, soak them overnight in hot water with mild detergent only.
Keep it Natural
Natural household staples like vinegar and baking soda are not only better on the environment, but they're more effective than bleach.
Be Aware
Please be aware that skin creams and beauty products may stain or discolour your linens.
Prevent Pilling
Dreaded pilling happens when those tiny natural fibres break and ball up on the ends, but it can be prevented! Here are our top tips:
- Wash all Cotton Satin linens in cold water before use to set the fibres.
- Do not use caustic soaps, bleaches, Persil, Tide or Woolite detergents, which can be very harsh on fabric. We recommend gentle detergents like Sunlight, Ivory, and Le Blanc.
- Sleep in nightwear made with natural fabrics, as synthetic PJs are one of the biggest causes of pilling.
- Do not wash with any articles that are heavy or coarse - such as bathmats, towels, or denim - as they can scour the fabric.
- Acne medications and whitening toothpastes contain chemicals that will bleach almost everything.
The Wrinkle Factor
Simply put: high-quality, un-treated, all-natural fabrics will wrinkle. This is par for the course with natural fabrics and in fact a sign of quality, as low- or no-wrinkle alternatives are either heavily chemically treated (often with highly toxic formaldehyde!) or cut with a high percentage of polyester. Luckily, wrinkling & creasing will naturally reduce with time as those natural fibres relax and break-in, and any lingering creasing can be well-managed with proper care. We recommend removing your bed linens promptly from the washing machine then smoothing the damp bedding out with your hands before line or hang drying, leaving you with a smooth look and fabulous feel.
TIP: a simple spray bottle filled with water can work wonders for smoothing out imperfections! Here is how we keep the display beds on our sales floor looking pristine: simply spray any rumpled or creased area(s) with water until slightly damp, then smooth out with a warm palm to release any wrinkles. Voila!
Other Factors
Type of Fabric
Cotton percales and cotton/linen blends have heartier fibres and weaves, while cotton sateen is a more delicate fabric and will wear a bit more quickly. Cotton sateens should always be washed on cold first to help set the fibres and extend the life of the linens, but a finer, silkier sheet will typically have a shorter lifespan than a more durable fabric.
Sheet Rotation
The rotation or cycling of your sheeting will have a direct impact on their lifespan. If you’re using the same set continuously, it will wear more quickly than if it is being rotated with another sheet set or sets. We always recommend rotating at least 2 sets of sheets to prevent premature wear and to keep your bedding fresh.
Type of Sheet
Sheeting that experiences more friction will wear faster, so it is often the case that fitted sheets and pillowcases will wear more quickly and be the first to need replacing.
what to expect
From Your New Bed Linens
Like wine and quality leather, fine bed linens fall into the category of things that only improve with age. Our all-natural linens are an heirloom product, expertly crafted artisanal textiles that start out beautiful and only grow softer, smoother, and more comfortable with each use & wash, built to stand the test of time.
Learn More