Bedsheet 101

Wash

When in doubt, follow the washing directions on the sheet's label. For most sheets, wash in cool or lukewarm water using half of the recommended detergent. If possible, avoid using bleach as it breaks down obers or use non-chlorine bleach every other washing. Be careful not to over load as sheets will not wash properly. When drying, try to remove sheets when dry and fold immediately to avoid wrinkles. If they have already cooled in the dryer and wrinkles have set in, tumble another 5-10 minutes with a damp towel or washcloth.

Wear

Change bed linens once a week and pillowcases twice a week or more. Have three sets of sheets per bed: one for use on the bed, one in the laundry, and one in storage. Rotate all three sets so they wear evenly.

Tips

# Store sheet sets inside a pillowcase of the respective sheets to keep sets together.

# Buy extra bottom sheets for sheet patterns you love-bottom sheets wear out fastest.

# If you have time, iron pillowcases for a fresh, crisp look.

# Use a mattress pad between the mattress and sheets. Wash pad every three months.

(sources: www.about.com, www.apparelsearch.com, www.ezinearticles.com, www.calcot.com)

For more great linens, check out these Web sites:

www.threadcountzzz.com; www.thecompanystore.com; www.potterybarn.com; www.garnethill.com; www.frette.com; www.llbean.com; www.anthropologie.com; www.abundantearth.com; www.lavenderoelds.com; www.laylagrayce.com; www.dwellshop.com; www.designpublic.com; www.variegatedinc.com