Caring for Fine Linens Sleeping in fine quality linens is always a pleasure; caring for them can be also, if you follow some simple suggestions for ensuring their proper care. In return, you will prolong the life of your bed and table linens, while preserving their beautiful appearance.
While all Sferra linens are made from natural fibers that generally can be machine-washed at home, please be sure to read the care label on each item for best results.

Our general recommendations for care:
Machine Washing Prewash your linens before first use. Separate linens from other items in the wash, especially those containing polyester which tends to create pilling; also, items with heavy zippers which can abrade and damage the fabric. Separate light and dark colors. Avoid overloading the washing machine, which can cause fibers to break down from excessive abrasion and agitation. Wash most linens in warm water on a gentle cycle with a cold-water rinse.

Detergent Use a mild detergent, preferably non-alkaline, and without added bleach or whiteners. Do not pour detergent directly on textiles; rather, add it to the water as the wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, then add linens. Unless linens are very soiled, you only need to use half the recommended amount of commercial detergent.

Bleaching Recommend that you DO NOT use chlorine bleach, if possible, as it can weaken fibers and cause them to yellow prematurely.
If white fabrics need bleaching, use an oxygen-based bleach.

Drying While line drying outdoors is gentle, safe, and imbues linens with the fresh scent of the outdoors and natural bleaching of the sun, it is not always practical.

You can machine dry most linens on LOW heat, but be sure to CHECK the care LABEL. Shake out damp linens before placing in dryer.

Never use a high heat setting, which is the surest way to weaken the fibers, cause shrinkage, and shorten the life of your linens. Remove from dryer promptly while slightly damp to minimize wrinkles. Smooth and fold, or press with an iron if desired.

Chemicals Some hair and skin products such as acne lotions or toothpastes that contain oxidizing agents may cause discoloration of colored sheets and towels. When using such products, it’s safest to sleep on white bed linens.

Shrinkage All natural fibers will shrink to some extent, but in most instances we generously overcut our items to allow for shrinkage. Do not wash or, especially, dry linens on a hot setting, which is most likely to cause shrinkage. Follow instructions on care label.

Ironing Iron linens while still slightly damp on the reverse side of fabric. Use a steam iron on a warm/hot setting for cotton; use a hot setting for linen and a water spritzer if needed. Iron damask table linens on the reverse side first, then on the front side to bring out the sheen.

To iron embroidered linens, iron them on the reverse side atop a towel to preserve the three-dimensional effect of the embroidery. Use a press cloth to protect delicate lace and cutwork. Sateen linens are refreshed by ironing on the reverse side, restoring the lustrous face of the weave.

Hand Washing If the label says "hand launder," never machine wash. Hand wash in gentle soap; rinse thoroughly in clean water to eliminate all soap residue, then line dry, lay flat (on towels) or hang to dry. Avoid wringing linens.

Professional Cleaning : Professional hand washing is recommended for the most delicate linens-those with heavy embellishments or embroideries; heirlooms or worn linens. Be sure to use a reputable launderer who know how to launder delicate linens.

Dry Cleaning Dry cleaning is recommended for luxury fibers such as cashmere, merino wool and alpaca, and also to avoid excessive shrinkage on our formal top-of-bed items such as our Italian matelassé blanket covers.

Be sure to use a professional dry cl