How to Wash, Launder & Dry Your New Egyptian Cotton Sheets Set, Duvet Cover Set, Italian Fine Linens and Luxury Bedding:

How Do I Care for My New Egyptian Cotton Sheets Set, Duvet Set & other Luxury Bedding?

First, keep in mind that not all Bedding is Machine-Washable. Nearly all Egyptian Cotton or Pure Cotton Sheets and Lightweight Duvet Cover Sets also made of Cottons are usually Washable. Most are also suitable for machine-dry, although this is not always the case as some manufacturers do recommend line-dry for delicates. Always read the attached tag instructions before ever placing your new bed linens into any machine for home launder. Certain fibers, fabrics and materials such as Cashmere Blankets and Bedding and most Wools, require dry-clean only care. This is also true for nearly all Comforter Sets which typically have some acetate content, so never assume your Bedding is made to be machine-laundered without following tag instructions. Carefully check the interior, attached tag of your Fine Bed Linens for manufacturer instructions before proceeding. This Specialty Bedding Guide is designed to assist with Machine-Washable designated Bedding only. For any specific questions, or should you have any doubt as to the washable nature of your new Fine Linens, please contact the manufacturer/company directly before ever placing your Bedding in a washer or dryer.

Venus Rising Limited is not responsible for consumer care of bed linens and is supplying this guide as a helpful tool for those seeking more information as to how to properly care for Fine Linens. This Guide does not replace manufacturer care instructions of the product you are using or laundering and any questions should be directed to the manufacturer.

The best Fine Bed Linens, Sheets and Duvet Covers are designed to last with minimal effort on your part. A few quick tips will ensure your enjoyment, longevity and enhanced durability of your new Bedding. It is important to note that, above all, interior tag instructions of your new Sheets or Duvet should always be placed first and foremost in care of your new Set. Always look for, and follow, tag instructions. Tags however will never provide thorough instructions, and the following is an excellent guide to caring for your new Egyptian Cotton Sheets. Simple tips can extend the life of your new Set by years. While we specialize in Egyptian Cotton Sets, the following guide is excellent for Specialty Bedding products made of Egyptian Cotton, Pima Cotton or Pure Cotton. Care and launder of your new, natural fiber Bedding is actually quite simple but there are some pitfalls to avoid.

Do I Need to Wash or Launder My New Egyptian Cotton Sheets, Sheet Set or Duvet Before Using the Set for the Very First Time?

This depends where you have purchased the set and who manufactured your new Sheet or Duvet Set. Specifically, Venus Rising Limited Sheets and Duvets/Duvet Covers do not need to be washed or laundered before first use. In fact, you can use your new Set right out of the package and it is actually recommended that you do so. Such Linens have been treated with a special pre-laundering process, far more expensive in production but extremely worthwhile. Nearly all manufacturers do not use this process, and because cotton is a natural fiber, it will shrink upon first launderings. You've probably heard that you're always supposed to wash new Sheets or Duvets, or Bedding products, before their first use. This is true of nearly every manufacturer, and the reason for this is twofold. First, most Egyptian Cotton Sheets and Duvet Cover Sets are vat-dyed and the first washing helps remove excess dye that occurred during the dyeing process.  Excess dyes through vat-dyeing techniques for Bed Linens can be particularly problematic for allergy sufferers or those with sensitive skin and subsequent contact. In general, the excess dye also causes increased stiffness of the Egyptian Cotton fabric, poor drape of fabric and drastically reduced softness. The pre-laundering process is extremely important for a secondary reason: Egyptian Cotton, and all Cottons for that matter, are natural fibers which will have a certain amount of shrinkage which is most commonly known to be 1-2" upon initial washings and dry cycles depending upon the Cotton grade used in manufacture. 

Nearly all Sheet Sets do typically need to be laundered to cause and initiate the shrinkage process to occur, so that the Fitted Sheet pockets of the Sheet Set will shrink to the correct or closest size to fit your mattress pocket. If you've ever used a new Sheet Set without first washing it, you've probably noticed that the pockets seem roomy or oversized, and don't fit snugly right out of the package. This is because manufacturers actually allow additional room for shrinkage and cut the fabric larger so that the pocket shrinks to the correct size when you first launder the Set. Unfortunately, what often occurs is that the pockets are not sized correctly when they fabric has not been pre-laundered and will usually shrink to a size that causes or allows the Sheet to lift or pop off of the mattress corners. If you've endured this problem, you know how frustrating it is to combat the issue of an improperly fitting Fitted Sheet. Check with the manufacturer to determine whether your new Sheets require laundering before first use. Any Sheet Set that has not been pre-laundered before it is actually cut and constructed does need to be washed before the first use.

Is There Anything I Need to do Before Washing or Laundering My New Egyptian Cotton Sheets or Duvet Cover Set?

Before you begin, know that it is always best to launder your new Egyptian Cotton Sheets in a separate cycle and without garments in the same load whenever possible, to avoid any possible entanglement of smaller items. Small items, particularly undergarments possessing hooks, etc, can easily become entangled in the large expanse of Sheeting material and such items should never be combined in a single load with Egyptian Cotton Linens.

While it is typically standard to wash light colors of general loads with other lights, and darks with dark tones, this is a practice that should be avoided altogether with your Fine Bed Linens. Launder your Sheets or Bedding in a cycle by itself. Your new Arctic Blue shirt that looks so fabulous on you will not be so appealing if it is transferred to your new white Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set-a story we've heard all too frequently.

What Water Temperature is Best to Use When Washing My New Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set or Duvet Set?

What temperature is best for your Egyptian Cotton Bedding? The biggest mistake that can be made with Cottons of any type is laundering or drying on very hot temperatures. Extremely hot temperatures can be devastating to Cottons of all types and can actually burn the fiber tips. Cottons, including the finest Egyptian Cotton and Pima Cottons, are natural fibers that allow the body to breathe and are the most sought-after and best fibers for Bedding, particularly fine Egyptian Cotton. Because Cotton fibers are natural, they can also be susceptible to extremely hot and unnecessary temperatures. Wash Egyptian Cotton Sheets and Duvets on cool to mildly warm or warm water, never on hot. 

Some consumers are highly concerned about germs and have been known to launder even their finest bed linens at temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot, hot water and hot or high dryer cycles are not friends to the soft, natural fibers of Egyptian Cotton and Pima. Do not exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit, which for most Residential washers is the Warm Cycle. Be aware that Commercial washers are set to higher temperatures and that a Cool setting should always be used if you are utilizing a laundromat or other Commercial setting. When possible, launder your bedding and Sheets frequently or once a week, which requires lower temperatures such as Cool. A good rule of thumb is that, if the temperature of the water feels too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your Fine Bed Linens. If in doubt, always utilize cooler temperatures and err on the side of safety: if you're not sure whether the water is too hot, use one temperature setting below.

For cycle settings, use a Gentle cycle for your Egyptian Cotton Sheets, which will not be too rough during the laundering process or spin cycle. Heavy spin cycles can needlessly beat clothing and Bedding with fast, repeated rotations. Your Sheets and Bedding do not require the same level of agitation required as regular clothing or work shirts. This is particularly important for 100% Egyptian Cotton or Cotton fiber Sheet Sets, which can become damaged when improperly cared for or washed on too high of temperature.

When washing your Egyptian Cotton Sheets or Duvet Set, always avoid chlorinated bleach at all times.

While excellent for pools, chlorine is not necessary for Bed Linens and Sheets and is extremely damaging to natural fibers of every variety including Egyptian Cotton Sheets and Bedding, Pima and other Cottons. Chlorine will additionally destroy the integrity of elastic in your Egyptian Cotton Fitted Sheet and the elastic within, rendering your Sheet Set useless over time. Chlorine will cause the elastic to lose integrity and hold the pocket less and less with each wash. Chlorine in chlorinated bleach will utterly destroy Egyptian Cotton and Superfine Cotton fibers, breaking and deteriorating the fibers over time and compromising longevity, drape, sheen and gloss. Non-chlorinated bleach is safer for your Fine Linens and may be used occasionally, if necessary, with white and ivories however should also be avoided on a regular basis.

SPECIAL NOTES FOR BRIGHT WHITE, VIVID COLORS AND DARKS

For colors, particularly rich or dark tones, use of non-chlorinated bleaches or harsh detergents is not recommended. Particularly for Darks/Dark Colors, always use only the amount of detergent recommended for the load size and do not use 'extra' laundry detergent in hopes that it will make your load 'cleaner.' Overuse of detergents will quickly fade colors and darks and becomes impossible for washers to completely remove during the rinse cycles, leading to residue and fabric stiffness.

Through years of experience, we've heard many reviews and feedback concerning the use of Woolite for Delicates. We are not affiliated with the company, nor have personal opinion regarding the products. Our consumer feedback has been that Woolite for Darks, a relatively new product, has worked well for consumers. Woolite for Delicates is also extremely popular for all colors, however we have had consumer feedback that there is a possible yellowing that can occur with repeated use of the product with bright white tones. This has not been tested and is based on consumer feedback and comments only. 

What Dryer Temperature is Best for Drying My New Egyptian Cotton Sheet or Duvet Set?

Once the wash cycle is complete, tumble dry your Egyptian Cotton Sheets or Set on low or on a light air cycle. Be sure to remove your sheets from the dryer promptly at cycle end, or right prior to, dryer cycle finish. Take care not to unnecessarily over-dry your Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set and never use a high heat temperature, as doing so can ultimately reduce surface sheen over time. Whenever possible, avoid fabric softeners with your Sheets and Linens. Most consumers are not aware that both liquid and sheet fabric softeners will actually clog the Egyptian Cotton fabric pores, resulting in reduced luster and gloss of your Sheet Set. The all-natural fibers of your new Sheet Set will "bloom" with use and launder, becoming smoother and softer over time and granting you years of relaxation and enjoyment.

What Type of Laundry Detergent Should I Use or is Best for my New Egyptian Cotton Sheets or Duvet Set?

Ph-balanced laundry detergents are recommended, inclusive of care products for Fine Linens especially developed for Egyptian Cotton bedding. Tide, readily available in nearly every grocery store, is also ph-balanced. Do be sure, however, never to use a combined detergent that incorporates bleach in any manner.

Woolite is an excellent product and Woolite for Darks has been noted to work well to preserve dark dyes and tones of deep, rich colors. There has been feedback however that traditional Woolite, when used in conjunction with whites, may slightly alter or yellow bright white Sheet Set tones.

Regardless of the detergent used, always be sure to read and follow the instructions. When caring for Fine Linens, never overuse or exceed the amount recommended by the manufacturer. There are two key problems that can occur with excessive detergent use. The most obvious and visible problem is that overuse of detergents can strip or fade colors and richness of dye. This is true for even the finest Egyptian Cotton Sheet Sets and Duvet Cover Sets. Yarn-dyed Bedding, the best dyeing process for Egyptian Cotton Sheet and Duvet Sets, holds dye far better than less expensive vat-dyed Bedding products. Regardless, overuse of detergent can negatively affect both types of dyeing processes. You may not immediately notice the difference however prolonged use of too much detergent in each cycle will cause loss of richness in tone.

Just as important however is a lesser-known problem that can occur. Too much detergent, particularly when used on a prolonged or frequent basis, can cause build-up or residue. Essentially, the detergent can become trapped in natural Egyptian Cotton or Cotton fibers, unable to be thoroughly rinsed by the washer when used in large amounts. When trapped in the fibers, unrinsed detergent can eventually compromise the fibers and surface, causing stickiness or stiffness in the Egyptian Cotton. Over time, soap residue which continuously remains and is repeatedly dried into the Egyptian Cotton fibers can attract oils and dirt that would normally be repeled.

This Guide is meant to provide overall Fine Linen Care to aid the process of caring for your Bed Linens. Please be aware that this Guide is not meant to replace the manufacturer's own Care Instructions and that internal, attached care tags should always be followed first and foremost.

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