Linen care guide
Our household linen tells a lot about us; our own style, habits and daily rituals, the special care of our actions, of the attention we give to ourselves and to those who share our lives and spaces. Rivolta Carmignani linen goes beyond; it is highly durable and handcrafted to create a deep bond between ourselves and our homes. To ensure the longevity of our linen and preserve the extreme comfort of its precious yarns for years to come, it is essential to take good care of it by following some simple instructions.
Washing Symbols
The secret for the correct maintenance of each item is the care label. The symbols represent the instructions for washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and dry cleaning. Reading the labels correctly and understanding the symbols is the first step to taking care of household linen.
How to wash household linen
A correct washing cycle is essential for the best conservation of the linens over time and to ensure our well-being. It is necessary to always separate the linen items by colour (white and colours) as well as by type of fabric (cotton, wool, linen, silk, etc.). This allows you to better organize the washing cycles and to choose the most suitable program for the different types of linens.
For a proper cleaning process, it is important to unfold and shake them before putting into the washing machine. The drum should never be overloaded, both for regular washing machine operation and for truly effective washing procedures. Household linen, in principle and unless otherwise indicated on the label, should be washed at a temperature of 30 ° / 40 °. In the case of tough, stubborn stains, washing can be carried out at temperatures above 40 ° only when indicated on the label. High temperatures are allowed only on very resistant fabrics.
Once the washing cycle is over, it is recommended to remove the laundry as soon as possible and to shake it to eliminate creases and make drying easier. The door should be left ajar until the inside of the drum is completely dry to avoid any mould or unwanted smells. It is important to remember that cleaning and maintenance of the washing machine are also fundamental to the effective cleaning of linens and for their preservation over time. Clean the washing machine interior once a month at high temperature, taking the opportunity to wash rags and other very resistant items, to remove detergent residues and other impurities.
What detergents to use for household linen
To best preserve your household linen, we recommend choosing a mild liquid detergent. The success of the washing cycle also depends on the quantity of detergent used, which should vary based on the water characteristics and hardness. Usually the dosing guide is on the packing and shows specific instructions relating to the correct quantity to be used for each washing cycle, depending on the weight of the laundry and the water characteristics. For the best washing cycle, detergent and water should simultaneously reach the laundry inside the drum. For this reason, it is advisable to pour the detergent into the compartment drawer and start washing immediately. Instead, in case of delay start, we recommend to pour the detergent into a dosing ball and place it vertically inside the drum. In this way, the detergent will wet the fabric only when the washing cycle starts, thus allowing for uniform cleaning.
How to dry household linen
To maintain the colour of household linen and of any fabric in general, it is important that drying never occurs under direct exposure to the sun. Prolonged exposure of any textiles to direct sunlight causes loss of sheen and often a yellowing of the fabric. Before hanging the linen items, remember to shake them and hang them neatly in order to reduce creasing. If you use a tumble dryer, it is always advisable to make sure that the linens are suitable for this type of treatment. To verify, simply check the symbol on the label. Low temperature drying is generally preferred, then remove items from the drum while they are still damp and iron them immediately to achieve a perfect result.
How to iron household linen
The first secret of excellent ironing lies in drying. If you have followed the previous instructions correctly, when it is time to iron everything will seem easier. Most creases originate when the linens remain in the drum too long after washing and when drying has not been carried out correctly. The label of each item also contains indications about iron ideal temperature. In general, it is advisable to use high temperatures for linen (flax) and medium temperatures for all other fabrics. If there are prints and embroideries, the garment should be ironed inside out.
How to store household linen in the closet.
The linens should be stored in the closet only when perfectly dry and clean. This measure avoids any mould growth or bad odours. Use lavender bags or scented soaps to give your linen your own desired fragrance.