How to Care for French Linen Sheet Set

Linen sheets have become one of the biggest trends in bedding. They are as practical as they are beautiful and can help elevate any space with their refined, yet relaxed, look. They are also extra durable, easily standing up to everyday use.

 

But, if you’re not familiar with the fabric, caring for linen can seem intimidating. It’s a luxurious material that usually costs a little more, so you want to keep it looking – and feeling – great for as long as possible. To help you with this, here’s our advice on looking after your new French linen sheets.

 

 

First, let’s look at why linen sheets are such a great choice.

We refer to our range as French linen because the flax plant itself (which is the where linen fibres are sourced from) has been grown in France, as opposed to other countries that grow flax such as China, the US, Belgium and the Netherlands. Cooler climates are ideal for growing Flax, and France has been cultivating it for centuries.

 

Known as one of the strongest natural fibres, linen is often considered more durable than cotton and wool. This means that, when cared for correctly, French linen sheets should serve you well for years to come. Growing flax is also considered more sustainable and friendly to the environment because it doesn’t require much irrigation or fertilisers during the growing process.

 

Many people also prefer linen bedding because it breathes well. As such, it helps regulate temperature, keeping you warm in Winter and cool in Summer. This can make for a much more comfortable sleep.

 

Here at Bambury, we really love our French flax linen sheet sets. They are made from authentic French flax, which is washed prior to weaving, making it super soft and durable. They also come in a range of colours and create a beautiful, textural, lived in look.

  

 

 

While they have become particularly popular over the last few years, French flax linen sheets have actually been around for centuries. They are quite robust and caring for linen is actually pretty easy. That being said, washing linen sheets correctly is critical to their longevity.

 

Though your new French linen sheets will arrive pre-washed, you should always wash them before putting them on your bed. A cool or warm water wash on a gentle cycle is best. Also, try to find a gentle liquid detergent and never use bleach as it could damage the fibres and cause discolouration.

 

We recommend washing linen sheets weekly, mostly for hygiene reasons. They should then be line dried, out of the direct sun. Also, when drying your French linen sheets, avoid contact with wood as this could cause staining.

 

While it’s not the preferred method, French flax linen sheets can be tumble dried. If you choose to do this, be sure to use a low setting. You should also avoid dry cleaning as it can weaken the fibres.

 

 

While French linen sheets are generally fairly easy to look after, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Specifically, when caring for linen, you should:

• Remove stains as soon as possible: Sometimes stains are unavoidable. The good news is, treating them quickly should minimise any lasting damage. This can be done by soaking your sheets or dabbing the stain with cold water and baking soda.
• Avoid ironing: While it is possible to iron French linen sheets, you don’t have to. After all, the comfortable, lived in look of unironed linen sheets is a big part of their appeal. If you really prefer to iron your sheets, use a low heat and do it when they are slightly damp.
• Avoid contact with sharp objects and beauty products: While French linen sheets are strong, they can still be damaged. As such, it’s best to keep them away from sharp objects, which can create rips and tears. Similarly, common cosmetics, like make-up and skincare products, should be kept away from your linen sheets as they can cause stains.
• Fold and store correctly: After cleaning, it’s best to fold your French linen sheets neatly, to avoid unnecessary creasing. You should also keep them in a dark, dry place where they will not be exposed to sunlight. This will protect against discolouration and keep them looking bright and beautiful.

 

And remember, when in doubt, consult the linen care instructions. You should always read these when you first get your sheets and follow the rules carefully. This will help make sure your new French linen sheets stay looking luxurious for many years.