caring for your linens

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Universal Laundering Symbols

These are the symbols you will find on the sewn-in labels of each item. Please refer to the label before laundering.

The 2 indicates a normal wash cycle; the 60 means the item should be washed at 60 degrees C, or 140 degrees F.

The 6 indicates a gentle cycle at 40 degrees C or 104 degrees F.

The triangle with X means no chlorine bleach. Without the X, bleach may be used.

The iron indicates that item may be pressed.

Three dots indicates a very hot iron—210 degrees C, 410 degrees F. Two dots indicates a hot iron—160 degrees C, 320 degrees F. One dot indicates a warm iron for touch ups—120 degrees C, 248 F.

The encircled P means all dry cleaning solvents may be used.

Indicates article may be line dried.

Indicates article may be machine dried at moderate heat.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase from the Yves Delorme Collection—the premier collection of French linens for bed, bath and table. Woven of the very finest natural fibers in the classic French tradition, they represent fashionable designs, from breathtaking florals to warm, inviting patterns. All of our linens are packaged with care instructions, and all have sewn-in labels with universal laundering symbols. This brochure is intended to expand on the information found in our packaging, and it includes a section on stain removal.

Bed, bath and table linens are essential elements of the home. With proper care, our fine linens will last for many years, instilling them with real heirloom quality. They are meant for everyday use, and to be enjoyed by all.

Sweet Dreams

Tips before you begin

Home laundering is recommended for all of our linens, except where dry cleaning is indicated (on piqué and matelassé blanket covers, wool and mohair blankets). We strongly recommend that you a) pre-wash all linens before use, and b) wash linens separately from anything else, particularly items that contain any polyester. Polyester "pills," and will shed its pilling on natural fibers, diminishing the smoothness and softness of the fabric. In addition, garments with buttons or zippers can damage more delicate linens in the wash. Select a gentle laundry detergent. Products with bluing agents or whiteners are not recommended on colored linens, as they may progressively fade the colors. Consider the longstanding French tradition to insure the longevity of bedding: rotate your sheets, with a set in the closet, a set on the bed, and a set in the wash. This insures that no one set receives more wear than another.

A Word of Caution: certain skin and hair products that contain oxidizing agents (e.g., lotions used for acne) may cause discoloration of sheets, particularly blue linens. If you use such personal products, cover your pillow with a white pillow case or white towel.

Shrinkage

Shrinkage will occur with all linens made of natural fibers, the amount of shrinkage ranging from 4 to 10 percent, depending on the fibers used. The sizing of our products allows for expected shrinkage. Linens washed in hot water or dried at hot temperatures will shrink excessively. Pre-shrunk items, such as Jacquard-woven table linens or honeycomb towels, normally shrink 3 percent or less. Generally, very large pieces of fabric or very high thread count linens are not pre-shrunk.

Washing bedding

  • Linens should be separated into light or dark colors. Avoid overloading the machine to prevent breaking long fibers like those in Egyptian cotton. Whether cotton, pure linen, or a cotton/linen blend, bedding should be washed in warm water, using a gentle laundering agent, with a final cold rinse. If pre-soaking is necessary, it should be in cold water.
  • Allow your washing machine to fill up and begin agitating before you add detergent or bleach. Unless your linens are extremely soiled, use half the commercial detergent recommended; this will reduce damage to fibers and clean your linens just as well.
  • Remove washed bedding promptly from the machine; this helps reduce wrinkling. Shaking damp linens out before drying (at low heat) will also reduce wrinkles and quicken the drying time.

Washing bath linens

Terry Towels: Washing terry towels before use begins the "breaking in" process, making them softer and more absorbent. Several washings are required for 100% cotton terry towels to achieve their maximum absorbency, softness and fluff.

Honeycomb Towels: These lightweight, waffle weave towels are loosely woven for absorbency, dry very quickly, and have been pre-shrunk. White honeycomb items with colored borders may be bleached safely to keep their brightness.

Launder towels in warm water and a gentle detergent. It is particularly important with towels that you not use fabric softener, since it decreases the absorbency of the towel.

Washing table linens

Our Jacquard-woven table linens are carefree: they’re pre-shrunk, with an easy-care finish, and can be bleached without affecting the brightness of the color. Dry cleaning is not recommended; laundering "relaxes" the fibers, which actually enhances the intricate, Jacquard-woven patterns.

  • Table linens should be washed in warm water and gentle detergent, with a final cold rinse. Bleach may be used, which brightens the linens. Fabric softeners are not recommended, since they decrease absorbency and impart a fragrance that can be disconcerting.
  • Remove table linens promptly from the wash, and shake out to help minimize wrinkles before drying.

Please note: Beautiful as they are, tea towels are meant to be used hard—in the kitchen, great for drying dishes and crystal, but also ideal for wiping up spills. Bleach can be used to maintain their elegant appearance.

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