Caring For Your Bed Linens
Keep your bed linen soft, bright and fresh for years
Our 100% cotton bed linen is machine washable and gets even better with age. A little care when washing, drying and storing will keep it feeling beautiful for years.
Always follow the care label on each product. The tips below work for most of our bedding, from sheets and duvet covers to duvets, pillows and silk.
- 30 or 40°COn a gentle cycle
- Non-biologicalNo whiteners or blueing agents
- Line or low dryNever over-dry
- Iron slightly dampAvoid the embroidery
Washing and drying bed linen
Change your bed linen at least once a week. Body oils and skin cells build up in the fibres over time, so regular washing helps your sheets last longer as well as feel fresher.
- Wash gentlyUse a gentle 30 or 40°C cycle with a non-biological powder or liquid. Wash cotton separately from polyester, and don't overload the machine, as this breaks down the fibres.
- Spin lightlyAvoid over-spinning, and remove your bed linen as soon as the cycle finishes to reduce creasing.
- Dry with careLine dry outside if you can, or tumble dry on a low heat. Over-drying shortens the life of cotton.
- Iron while slightly dampThis gives the smoothest finish. Iron around embroidery rather than over it, as heat can fade the colour.
- Store completely dryMake sure your linen is fully dry before folding it away, to keep it fresh and free from mildew.
Do
- Follow the care label on every product
- Use a gentle 30 or 40°C cycle with non-biological detergent
- Keep dark colours away from light colours while damp
- Line dry or tumble on a low heat
- Rotate three sets per bed so each one lasts longer
Don't
- Use biological powders, whiteners or blueing agents
- Wash cotton bed linen with polyester fabrics
- Overload the machine or over-spin
- Over-dry, or iron directly over embroidery
- Store linen before it is completely dry
Caring for duvets and pillows
With the right care, a natural duvet such as our Geneva goose down duvet can last for over 10 years. How often it is washed, and how often it is sat or lain on, both affect how long it keeps its loft.
Full instructions are on each duvet's care label. For wool, vegan down and other fillings, always check the label before cleaning.
Use a specialist cleaner
We recommend taking natural duvets and pillows to a specialist cleaner. Their large dryers make sure the filling is completely dry, so it won't develop mildew.
Shake and plump daily
Give your duvet a good shake each morning to redistribute the filling, and plump your pillows every day to restore their shape.
Avoid compressing the filling
Sitting or lying on top of a duvet squashes the filling and, over time, reduces its ability to trap warm air.
Know when to replace pillows
Pillows support the weight of your head all night, so they wear faster than duvets. Replace them when they no longer feel supportive. Browse our luxury pillows.
Mattress protectors and toppers
A protector is the simplest way to keep your mattress, pillows and duvet fresh, because it can go in the wash while they stay on the bed.
Machine washable
Mattress enhancers and toppers such as our Tuscany washable mattress topper can go in your washing machine. Follow the care label.
Dry completely
Make sure toppers and protectors are completely dry before you store or use them again, to keep them fresh and free from mildew.
Protect your pillows
A washable cotton quilted pillow protector under your pillowcase means your pillows need cleaning far less often.
Caring for silk bedding
Silk is a luxury fibre, so always protect silk-filled duvets, toppers and pillows with a removable, washable cover. Properly covered, they should almost never need cleaning.
Silk is naturally resistant to dust mites, and because it is so breathable it stays fresh, so a thorough clean is rarely needed. Simply hang it outside in the sun for a couple of hours once a year to air.
Silk care at a glance
| Item | How to clean |
|---|---|
| Silk-filled duvets and toppers | Spot clean. If a thorough clean is needed, have them professionally laundered at 30°C, then cool tumble dried. |
| Silk-filled pillows | Spot clean and professionally launder. |
| 100% silk blankets, eiderdowns and bedspreads | Dry clean only. |
| Children's silk cot bed duvets | Follow the care label. See our children's silk duvet and pillow collection. |
Bedding care questions answered
What temperature should I wash bed sheets at?
We recommend a gentle cycle at 30 or 40°C with a non-biological detergent. This cleans cotton thoroughly while protecting the fibres, so your sheets stay soft and last longer. Always check the care label first.
How often should I change my bed linen?
At least once a week. Rotating three sets per bed means a fresh set is always ready and spreads the wear, so each set lasts longer.
How do I keep white bed linen bright?
Wash whites separately, keep dark colours away from light ones while damp, and avoid washing cotton with polyester. Use a non-biological detergent without whiteners or blueing agents, which can weaken the fibres, and dry outside when you can.
How can I stop my bed linen from creasing?
Don't overload the machine or over-spin, and remove your bed linen as soon as the cycle finishes. Iron while it is still slightly damp. Sateen is naturally easier to iron than percale.
Can I wash a duvet at home?
We recommend taking natural duvets and pillows to a specialist cleaner. Their large dryers make sure the filling dries completely, which prevents mildew. Always check your duvet's care label, and use a protector to reduce how often it needs cleaning.
How do I clean a silk pillow?
Keep it in a removable, washable cover so it rarely needs cleaning. Spot clean marks, have it professionally laundered when needed, and air it outside in the sun for a couple of hours once a year.
More bedding guides
Have a care question?
If you're unsure how to care for a product, our team is happy to help. Call us on 0345 602 9050 or send us a message.
