Hotel sheets have that unique combination of crisp freshness and sumptuous luxury, offering an irresistible comfort cocoon each night. While the high-life might be just out of reach, achieving a five-star snooze in your own bedroom isn’t quite as elusive.
Bed linen experts reveal that it’s not solely about the quality of the fabric, but also about how we look after it. “Your bed linen is the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night, so invest in bedding you love,” said Richard Edwards, proprietor of White House Hideaway, highlighting the importance of proper linen care.
The harsh chemical cleaners in bio laundry cleaners can gradually degrade your bedding material. Despite their promises of heady scents and formidable stain-removal abilities, those same enzymes that claim to disintegrate proteins, fats and grease can also strip away the natural softness and cause colours to lose their brilliance or whites to become lacklustre, reports the Mirror.
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To maintain both the pristine condition and the cosy texture of your beddings, experts recommend a simple yet significant switch is key. Swapping out these aggressive cleaning agents for gentle, fabric-specific detergents will safeguard the delicate fibres, ensuring your sheets remain luxuriously soft and visually bright.
Richard also recommends regularly washing your linens to maintain their freshness and cleanliness. He said: “Sheets and pillowcases should be washed at least once a week, while duvet covers and comforters can be washed every few months. This will prevent dirt, oils, and bacteria build-up, resulting in softer and more hygienic linens.”
Other top tips from experts for achieving five-star hotel-worthy bed linen include:
Using less fabric softener
Fabric softener not only helps soften your linens but lends them a nice fragrance too. As Richard advises: “Be careful not to overdo it, as too much fabric softener can cause a build-up on the fibres, affecting their absorbency and softness.”
Ironing your linens
To get that perfectly crisp and smooth hotel look, ironing is essential. A good quality iron and board are recommended, and always check the care label for guidance.
Ironing makes your linens look impeccably fresh and inviting.
Storing linens properly
It’s better to keep your linens in a cool, dry place, rather than somewhere warm like an airing cupboard, to prolong their life. Moisture can lead to mildew and mustiness, and heat might weaken the fibres.
Also, keep linens out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Invest in high-quality linen
For those considering making the most of the January sales, splurging on high-quality bedding can afford many years of opulent sleep.
Richard said: “Investing in high-quality bedding, paying attention to thread count, and mastering the art of a well-made bed, means we can bring the relaxing and comfortable experience of hotel crisp linen right into our own bedrooms for a truly indulgent and restful night’s sleep.”
He added: “On top of looking pristine and inviting, it has a cooling effect that helps regulate body temperature while we sleep. The smooth, crisp texture of the fabric also provides a calming sensation, lulling us into a deep and restful sleep.”