Wash Care Instructions and Tips for Percale Linen and Towels

Percale Linen:

• Machine wash.
• Cold water (30 degrees)
• Do not bleach
• Do not use Fabric Softener
• Steam iron on reverse side with low heat.
• Do not use force when ironing with hand held Irons; this might cause the sharp point at the front of the Iron to hook/damage the fabric
• Do not dry clean.
• Wash deep colours separately

  Towels

• Machine Wash:
• Wash a towel at 60 degrees Celsius as, at this temperature, most bacteria are eliminated.

The following elements increase wear and/or shrinkage of articles during washing in a machine.  The following should be avoided:

• Increased loading
• Longer cycles
• Stronger agitation
• Stronger detergents
• Higher temperatures
• Bleaching compounds
• Tumble Drying

Hooking Precautions:

•  When handling Terry articles make sure that nails or rings do not hook the pile loops.
• Ensure that the washing machine and/or tumble dryer does not have any sharp attachments.
• Ensure that the drying lines are in good condition.
• Ensure that the articles cannot blow onto sharp objects while drying.

 Softening Components:

 The effects and use of softening compounds:

 Softening compounds are mixtures of chemicals capable of softening towels and increasing their bulkiness.

They may be used when an article has become a little harsh, but they can have two unfortunate effects:

•  They can render towels less absorbent.
• They can weaken the fabric of towels and sometimes allow the pile loops of terry fabric to be pulled more easily by acting as a lubricant.

Remember to use softening agents sparingly.

 Stain Removal:

General stain removing compounds are available, usually in aerosol cans.

 Keep the following in mind:

• Act as soon as the stain has occurred.
• Try to remove as much of the staining matter as possible before it is absorbed, dries or sets, by either gently scraping with a blunt blade or absorbing with absorbent paper, talcum powder, etc.
• Work inwards from the periphery of the stain towards the center.
• Do not use salt, rub or spread the stain into the fabric.
• Wash the towel as soon as possible thereafter in order to remove any excess solvent.
• Do not use your good quality towels when using hair dyestuffs.
• Normal recommended washing procedures should eliminate stains caused by contact with blood, lipstick and cosmetics.

We recommend the following for:

• Blood stains: wash immediately in cold water.
• Lipstick: use one of the commercial stain removal sprays, obtainable in aerosol cans before washing.
• Cosmetics: wash as per normal wash.

 Drying & Shrinkage:

Towel manufacturers allows for approximately 8% shrinkage after the first wash. A terminal shrinkage allowance of 11% is permissible after 5 washes.

 When line drying a large article, its weight should be evenly distributed. This will reduce the possibility of it becoming distorted.

 Rotate your stocks for longer wear and store your newly laundered articles at the bottom of the pile in the cupboard.