How to Choose and Store Bed Linen for Longevity: Expert Opinion

Bed linen is not only a way to transform your bedroom's interior but also a daily necessity that comes into contact with your skin and hair. The more natural and eco-friendly it is throughout its service life, the more it positively impacts your health. We’ve created a detailed guide to ensure you make the right choice.

How to Choose Bed Linen?

When selecting a set for your bedroom, you need to consider several factors beyond just aesthetics.

Fabric

Choosing the right fabric is crucial, especially with so many brands offering similar products at varying quality levels. It's essential to focus on the fabric's composition.

Look for natural fabrics that wick moisture and allow air circulation. Labels that state "100% cotton" are the gold standard. The best cotton fabrics for bed linen include poplin, percale, and calico. These materials vary in price, with calico being the most affordable and percale and poplin being slightly more expensive. However, calico is not a compromise—it doesn’t generate static, and its high thread density prevents pilling.

Pilling, which can accumulate dust, is not just a visual problem but can also pose a health risk, particularly for allergy sufferers. Synthetic fabrics share this downside.

Poplin, known for its plain weave, is durable and holds up well after years of use, maintaining its color and shape. Percale, considered a premium cotton fabric for centuries, is an excellent choice for those who want a balance of eco-friendliness, quality, and price. It’s breathable, doesn’t generate static, stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer, is hypoallergenic, and long-lasting. That’s why it’s often used in bed linen collections that promote sustainability and long-term use.

Size

To avoid any sizing issues, it’s important to carefully check your bedding before choosing a set. Measure your pillows, duvet, and mattress, as sizes can vary across brands.

For duvet covers, add 5-7 cm to the duvet’s dimensions. When selecting a fitted sheet, measure the width, length, and height of your mattress and add an extra 10 cm for a proper fit. Be mindful of the difference between fitted and flat sheet sizing. Flat sheet sizes are measured from edge to edge, while fitted sheets also take into account the mattress height.

Pillows are easier, as there are two standard sizes: rectangular (50x70 cm) and square (70x70 cm). Most brands adhere to these standardized sizes.

How to Care for Bed Linen?

With proper care, bed linen made from fabrics like poplin or percale can retain its original appearance for up to 7-8 years. Here’s how to care for it properly.

Washing

• Bed linen made of percale and poplin should be washed at least once every two weeks, preferably weekly, and more often if necessary. Pillowcases, which come into close contact with your skin and hair, should be washed every five days. The reasoning? Besides accumulating dust, bed linen can also gather dead skin—about 1 to 2 grams daily.
• Wash cotton bed linen at 30-40°C. This temperature is sufficient to clean the fabric effectively without damaging it. Avoid using high temperatures, which can damage the fibers and lead to shrinkage.
• Opt for gentle liquid detergents over harsh bleach or cleaning agents to maintain the fabric’s quality.
• Wash bed linen separately from other clothes or textiles to prevent wear and tear.

Ironing

Ironing bed linen not only smooths it but also helps eliminate bacteria and dust mites, which can cause allergies. The ironing setting should not exceed 110°C, and it’s best to iron the linen on the reverse side.

Storage

• Store washed and thoroughly dried bed linen. Never fold the fabric if it hasn’t dried completely. 
• Keep bed linen in a dry, dark place, away from temperature fluctuations and high humidity. Otherwise, you risk the development of mold or pests. 
• Avoid exposing the fabric to direct sunlight, which can dry out fibers and cause the colors to fade. 
• Store linens in a place with good air circulation, such as closets or dressers. However, it’s not advisable to keep linens in sealed plastic containers or bags, as this can lead to a musty smell. Vacuum bags are the exception since they prevent air, odors, pests, and mold. Fabric covers are also suitable because they allow the linen to "breathe." 
• For extra freshness, place aromatic sachets or herbal-scented cushions in the storage area. Remember to change them every couple of months once the fragrance fades.