Care Tips for a Lasting Bright White - How to Keep Your White Linens Looking Immaculate
White linens are the hallmark of effortless elegance—crisp, clean, and timeless. Whether you're dressing your table with a beautiful damask cloth or layering your bed with classic cotton sheets, white never goes out of style. But as much as we love the look, keeping white linens truly white can take a little extra care.
With the right techniques, you can preserve their brightness and beauty for years to come. Here’s how to keep your white linens looking as pristine as the day you bought them.
1. Choose Gentle, Non-Bleach Detergents
While bleach may seem like the obvious solution for brightening whites, it can damage natural fibres over time, particularly linen and cotton. Instead, opt for a gentle detergent free from harsh chemicals and optical brighteners. For stubborn stains, pre-treat with a natural stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water before washing.
2. Wash Whites Separately
Always launder white linens separately from coloured items, as even the lightest tones can lead to discolouration over time. Washing whites on their own helps preserve their brightness and prevents dye transfer.
Natural fibres like cotton and linen can tolerate higher temperatures—cotton up to 60°C and linen up to 90°C—but we recommend using high-temperature washes only occasionally. Frequent use can weaken the fibres, so reserve hotter cycles for occasional deep cleans to keep your linens fresh while preserving their longevity.
3. Avoid Over-Drying
High heat can weaken fibres, cause shrinkage, and yellow whites. Air-drying is ideal, especially for linen, which softens beautifully over time. If you’re using a tumble dryer, choose a low heat setting and remove items while slightly damp to prevent over-drying.
4. Press with a Warm Iron
To restore that crisp, just-laundered look, press your linens with a warm iron while they’re still slightly damp. This is especially helpful for tablecloths and napkins you want to present beautifully. For linen, using a steam iron will help smooth out creases without damaging the fibres.
5. Store Thoughtfully
Store white linens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can lead to yellowing. Avoid using plastic containers, bags, or cardboard boxes, which can trap moisture and affect the fabric. Instead, opt for breathable storage solutions like natural fabric bags or cotton pillowcases.
Slatted shelves are ideal for air circulation, and it’s best to avoid cupboards with heating pipes or cedar chests, as both can cause discolouration. Whenever possible, store linens rolled rather than folded to help preserve their shape and reduce creasing.
Bonus Tip: Let Nature Help
On a sunny day, line-drying your white linens outside can actually help naturally bleach and brighten them. Sunlight is a gentle, eco-friendly way to enhance whiteness without harsh chemicals.
Invest in Quality, Care with Intention
From our crisp white cotton bedding to our new Pure Linen Celtic Damask table linens, each piece is crafted to stand the test of time—with proper care. A little extra attention to washing, drying, and storing goes a long way in keeping your whites radiant.
