Product care

To keep bed linens looking their best, they should be laundered every five to six days. Leaving it longer may cause discolouration, especially with white linens. We recommend that all bed and table linen be separated into light or dark colours and washed at 40 degrees. Contrary to popular belief, fine white linens should not be boil washed, especially since modern detergents now achieve excellent results at low temperatures. For best results, select a non-biological detergent containing no optical whiteners, bleaching agents or enzymes that can cause colours to fade or become patchy and can also damage fabrics. When hand washing, do not place the detergent directly onto the laundry, but ensure liquids are dispersed and powders completely dissolved before immersing the items to be washed.

Washing terry fabrics before first use begins the 'breaking in' process. Several washes are required for pure combed cotton terry towels and bathrobes to achieve their maximum absorbency, softness and fluff. Adding a fabric conditioner to the final rinse enhances the softness of terry fabrics, but use sparingly as excessive quantities will reduce absorbency.

Line drying is ideal for leaving your laundry outdoor-fresh and almost crease-free, but using a tumble dryer at the correct setting also gives good results. When using a tumble dryer, do not over dry laundry and remove it promptly to reduce creasing. Smooth out and reshape everything, paying particular attention to borders on bed linens and hems on towels and table linens, then fold carefully.

Washing and drying linens correctly will help eliminate creasing and make ironing easier. Natural fibres crease more when new, but with time the fabric softens and this will reduce. For best results, iron bed linens and table linens whilst still slightly damp, using a steam iron. In the event that linens have become bone-dry, we advise re-damping with a water spray before ironing. To give a super crisp finish, use spray starch when ironing and, for an extra special touch, softly scent fabrics with one of our special Linen Mists. As with a shirt collar, always iron the corners of pillowcases from the outside inwards to avoid corner creasing. If the item is embroidered or embellished, iron this area on the reverse to enhance and protect it. When ironing sheets and duvet covers, folding them in half lengthways makes them easier to handle.

All White Company bedspreads and throws are labelled with precise care information. The importance of always following these instructions cannot be overstated as washing or drying such items incorrectly or at too high a temperature will cause damage and shrinkage. Depending on the size of your washing machine, larger bedspreads may need to be professionally laundered.

Although many manufacturers claim that you can wash duvets and pillows in your machine, we believe it is actually very difficult to achieve a good result. So, if you do not have an extra-capacity washing machine, we strongly recommend these be commercially laundered. Whatever method you choose, be certain that all items are thoroughly dry before returning them to the bed or storing. For correct storage, always keep items in a 'breathable' cotton bag, never in plastic.

Always follow the care instructions on the label and, for best results, remove from the washing machine promptly and reshape before drying. As with linens, avoid using detergents containing optical whiteners, bleaching agents or enzymes on any coloured items and when tumble drying, take care not to over dry or use too high a heat setting.

Our children's pyjamas and jerseywear are made from pure cotton interlock and are sized to allow for a washing shrinkage of approximately five percent. These items should not be tumble dried, (but simply removed from the washing machine promptly and reshaped whilst damp).

Our Cashmere garments are made from the finest natural fibre. Believe it or not, the finer the fabric the greater the tendency to bobble or pill under friction so you may notice bobbling more under the arms and where the fabric rubs against something. You can easily make the garment look as good as new by gentle combing with a cashmere comb.

All Natural fibres will shrink and this shrinkage is allowed for in the sizing of White Company goods. However, washing or drying fabrics at excessively hot temperatures will cause more shrinkage than allowed for.