Back to the Basics

How to Care for the Basics and When to Replace Them
 

Pillows, Blankets and Duvets:

• Pillows and duvets are washed in a front loading machine with a 1/4 - 1/2 the amount of soap.  They are washed either on the delicate cycle and or the "down" cycle.  Once they are washed they come out and go directly into the dryer with tennis balls.  Don't use the sensor as the shell of the duvet dries faster and you may need to keep it in the dryer anywhere from 1 - 2 hours to properly dry the inside.
• Pillows should be washed monthly if possible in cold or warm water
• Duvets should be washed quarterly if possible in cold or warm water
• Pillows should be replaced yearly because of bed bugs, dust mites etc that live in them.
• Duvets can last longer if they’re well taken care of, pending on the condition of the feathers.
• Wool blankets should also be washed quarterly in cold water. 

Sheets and Towels:

• Sheets and towels should have any and all stains treated first, then washed in hot water separately.
• Sheets should be 3/4 dry and then ironed
• Towels should be fully dried then folded.
• Sheets and towels are replaced based on the "feel" you want and if they are colour fading.

The Four Season's Hotel calculated that all towels and sheets once washed need to sit and "rest" for a 24 hour period so that the fibers can relax.  Using the linens and towels right away "stresses" the fabric and causes them to break down faster.

Wash bath towels and kitchen towels separately. 

Storing items int the linen closet:

• Items  need to be easy to reach, so baskets with pillows and or duvets on top work best.
• Sheets and towels  in the middle are ideal, and easy to reach
• Heavy blankets, bead spreads etc. on the lower part are ideal
• A lavender pouch in the closet is ideal to keep the moths away