ENTRETIEN DE LA LITERIE
SOINS GÉNÉRAUX
DAILY CARE
Fine bed linens are like a fine wine: they improve with age. As they are used, your St. Genève fine bed linens will improve in softness and comfort, unlike basic linens that are worse for wear. This process can take 8-10 launderings, after which they will be soft, smooth and naturally wrinkle-resistant.
Natural fibers, like those used at St Genève, are not fussy, but do require proper care. Follow these simple tips to get the most years and enjoyment from your fine bed linens.
We recommend washing your sheets once per week. Rotate your sheets. By letting your sheets ‘rest’ in between uses you will greatly extend the life of both sets, in addition to making laundry day a little easier!
WASHING
Avoid overcrowding your linens in the wash. Ensure your washing machine allows ample space for your fabrics, taking into account the size of your bedding.
Make sure there is enough water in the cycle. Many washing machines are water-saving, which causes added friction on the bed linens. Use maximum water settings.
Use very little detergent. Too much detergent may not rinse out completely and will cause buildup.
Do not use fabric softener, bleach, or detergents with bleach, whiteners, or alkaline detergents.
DRYING
Space out your bed linens. Dry only a single sheet set or a duvet cover with shams at one time. Do not use hot settings, use medium-temperature for washing and drying. Do not over dry.
ENTRETIEN DU LINGE
WASHING
Launder whites, colours, and prints separately. White linen may be washed hot, and coloured linens should be washed at medium temperatures. Spin to extract excess water, and stretch damp articles to their natural size and shape before ironing.
DRYING
Tumble dry on low or line dry linen. For a softer, less crisp feel, remove from dryer while damp and hang to dry fully.
ENTRETIEN DE LA LAINE ET DU CACHEMIRE
DAILY CARE
Keep wool and cashmere fresh and avoid unnecessary laundering by steaming in between washes. Do not iron as this may crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns, steam instead. Don’t worry about pilling: it may occur and has nothing to do with the quality of the product. It can be removed with a cashmere comb. The fibers should settle after the first couple launderings.
WASHING
If possible, turn items inside out when laundering. Choose the gentlest cycle possible or wash by hand. Use maximum water setting possible. Do not use detergents that contain dyes or other harsh enzymes. Don’t use a fabric softener as it will coat the cashmere fibers and cause excessive pilling.
DRYING
Air dry by laying it flat rather than tossing it in the dryer. Store in a breathable container with cedar chips or anti-moth sachets to prevent moths and mustiness. Don’t hang on the clothesline as this can stretch and warp the shape of your bed linen.
SOINS DE LA SOIE
DAILY CARE
Silk is so smooth that it actually sheds dirt and stays clean longer, so you don’t need to launder it as often as other fabrics. The reason that silk is so strong and light is that it is made of protein, just like you. And, just like you, it is sensitive to harsh cleansers. If you wouldn’t use it on your skin, don’t use it on your silk.
Do not allow silk to become heavily soiled. Silk can be weakened by perspiration and perspiration stains are almost impossible to remove. Keep your silk out of direct sunlight. Keep your silk away from perfumes, hairspray, nail polish remover, and deodorants, which can dissolve silk.
WASHING
Silk is best washed with a pure, gentle soap. In fact, hair shampoo makes an ideal detergent for silk. Use just a little, on your washing machine’s gentle cycle and medium temperatures (not hot or cold). Use the maximum water level. Wash and rinse at the same temperature. Do not wring.
Only use a specialty detergent if it is formulated for silk. Do not bleach, or use any detergent that contains bleach. Do not use brighteners, fabric softeners, pre-soak products, inexpensive detergents, enzyme detergents or Alkaline detergents. Refrain from using specialty soaps such as ‘Lovelast’ are formulated for other fabrics and will often eat silk.
DRYING
When drying, use medium temperatures and select the gentle cycle on your dryer. Remove before it is completely dry and air dry the remainder. For garments and small bed linen items, such as pillowcases, it is wise to turn them inside out and use a large lingerie bag. If pressing is desired, press inside-out on medium temperatures. Do not wring.
