Frustrated with dingy white t-shirts? Did the dry cleaner ruin another item? Well not to worry, because there is a way to take the chore out of doing laundry.
About 90% of all fabric items found in homes, including designer clothing and fine embroidered sheeting that are labeled “dry clean only” can be washed. From delicate silks to fine cashmere, most clothing and home linens can be cared for with just a few simple laundering tips.
• For the best results when caring for linens always separate laundry by color. This will reduce the chance of color bleeding. A quick tip before using brand new towels for the first time to make sure the color maintains its longevity is to use a ¼ cup of white vinegar (without detergent) during the first wash. DO NOT pour vinegar directly on towels; wait until the machine has filled up with water then add the vinegar. Then re-wash immediately with your favorite detergent. A liquid detergent that is neutral Ph formulated and free of any bleach alternatives is recommended.
• Washing delicates by hand is always best because the washing machine agitator is notorious for snagging and tearing fine linens. But who has time to wash everything by hand? A quick tip for getting around the agitator is to place delicates, like lingerie and embellished bedding in mesh laundering bags (http://www.pioneerlinens.com/laundressaccessories).
• Nothing says old and worn like a bad case of pilling! Well there is no one to blame but the dryer for this problem. Over drying clothing and home linens is the number one killer of fine fabrics. The high heat breaks down the fibers which in result causes pilling. A quick tip for reducing pilling is to remove fine linens from the dryer before they are fully dry and either line dry or lay flat to finish drying. Also, when using the dryer, it is important not to use dryer sheets, especially on towels. Fabric softeners coat the fibers and render them less absorbent.
• Most cashmere and wool can be machine washed in cool water on a delicate cycle with specially formulated detergent like The Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo. To reduce pilling on sweaters, simply wash inside out and lay flat to dry, which will help to keep the shape. A quick tip to take away unwanted fuzzies when on the go is to keep a sweater stone on hand; so small it fits in a purse!
• From stinky gym shoes to the odor the dog left on the couch to the jacket that was worn out on the town last night, unwanted smells can tend to linger around a while. While properly laundering the smelly items is the right way to get rid of the odor, sometimes there just isn’t enough time. A quick tip to freshen up unpleasant odors is to keep an anti-bacterial odor remover readily available in a delicious scent. A couple quick sprays and those shoes can come out of the closest, house guests will never know there was a dog in the house and that favorite jacket can be worn two days in a row!
About Pioneer Linens:
Since 1912, Pioneer Linens has remained the premier luxury bedding retailer in West Palm Beach, Florida, selling fine linens, table linens, bath accessories and home decor for the bedroom, bathroom, dining, yacht or jet.
For more laundering tips and care instructions for fine clothing and home linens, visit www.PioneerLinens.com.
