The Art of Caring for Your Linens
Beautifully made linens deserve to be cared for with the same consideration that went into crafting them. Treated well, fine cotton bed linen doesn't simply endure – it improves, softening naturally with each wash while retaining the crispness and quality you first fell in love with. Here, we share our guidance on getting the most from your Peter Reed linens, year after year.
The Right Wash
Fine cotton benefits from a dedicated cotton cycle at 60°C – the ideal temperature for bedding, gently but effectively removing body oils and allergens that cooler washes can leave behind. The cotton cycle ensures the drum movement and spin speed are well-suited to the fabric, treating your linens with the care they deserve.
Keep It Simple
When it comes to detergent, less is more. A standard, gentle detergent is all that’s needed – avoid bleach of any kind, which weakens cotton fibres over time and can lead to unwanted thinning. Dry cleaning is equally best avoided; the chemicals involved can strip cotton of its natural softness, and a domestic machine will always serve your linens better.
The Case for Line Drying
Where possible, line drying is the kindest thing you can do for fine bed linen and for the planet. Natural air and gentle sunlight help keep whites bright and fresh, while avoiding the friction of a tumble dryer that can, over time, affect the smoothness of the fabric. It is also the more energy-conscious choice, reducing the carbon footprint of every wash. If the tumble dryer is necessary, a low heat setting and removing the linen while still slightly damp will always give the best result.
The Finishing Touch
There is something deeply satisfying about climbing into freshly ironed sheets and for Peter Reed linens, a high-heat iron is the right choice. Iron while the fabric is still just a little damp and creases release with ease, leaving that signature crisp finish that is, perhaps, one of life's most rewarding of simple pleasures.
A Quick Reference Guide
Washing: 60°C cotton cycle
Detergent: Standard, no bleach
Drying: Line dry where possible
Finishing: High-heat iron, slightly damp
Dry cleaning: Not recommended
On Longevity
Caring for fine cotton linen is not merely a matter of cleanliness – it is an act of preservation. With the right care, a Peter Reed linen will soften and settle over time, becoming more personal with every wash. This is the nature of something genuinely well made: it only gets better.
