Silky and comfortable, cotton satin is a type of weave with many advantages. Synonymous with elegance, it is fragile and must be maintained with care. Bonsoirs gives you advice on how to wash cotton satin: precautions must be taken for perfect care of your bed linen.
Cotton satin, a delicate textile
Known for its luster and shine, satin can be woven from various fibers such as silk, wool or polyester. One of the most popular versions is cotton sateen, an ideal solution for luxury bed linen. The softness and shiny appearance of this type of fabric make it a recommended choice for sheets, a duvet cover or a beautiful plain bedding set. It also has the advantage of respecting the skin and avoiding the accumulation of bacteria in the fabric, just like silk can do. Satin has the particularity of not absorbing liquids and caring for hair, which makes it a very good choice for a pillowcase.
Despite its higher than average price, the Cotton sateen remains an excellent investment due to its superior strength, due to a high thread density. It is also a textile capable of adapting to all seasons. In the same way as linen , it acts as insulation in winter and its breathable nature is very appreciated in summer. It allows good regulation of body temperature, which can be useful for people suffering from night sweating. For an eco-responsible approach, it is possible to opt for 100% organic cotton satin bed linen with GOTS certification.
Good reflexes for a first wash
Fragile materials such as satin or cotton percale require appropriate maintenance to guarantee a long lifespan. Before first use, washing is recommended for bedding set or satin sheets. Several steps must be followed to avoid damaging the fabric in the process.
You can start by soaking the items of your choice (bed linen or clothing) if they have colors. Colored sheets should be placed in cold water for 12 hours, possibly with a little white vinegar (or one or two spoons of baking soda) to enhance the longevity of the colors. Then, it is possible to turn the laundry inside out and carry out a gentle pre-wash. A program at 30°C maximum is recommended, with a small quantity of detergent. Pre-washing is an essential step to preserve colors and get rid of excess pigments and primers. It also helps to fix the colors in the future. This operation must be carried out in a machine empty of any other element.
Depending on the products, hand washing or dry cleaning may be more suitable. To avoid taking any risks, refer to the instructions on the care label. Manufacturers always provide precise instructions to avoid fiber degradation during washing. The most delicate items should be entrusted to a professional dry cleaner.
Care of cotton satin
Caring for your satin bed linen requires following a few simple rules. Washing should be done on a delicate program, never above 30 or 40°C, using a mild detergent, if possible a liquid detergent without brighteners in the case of colored sets. For your washing machine, a low spin speed is best, as is a cold water setting. For fragile clothing, place it in a net to avoid seeing it twist during washing. If you have stains on your items, you will need to pre-treat the affected area with an enzyme-based stain remover. The stain remover must act for at least 10 minutes on each stain before washing.
For better quality cleaning, there are several tips to know. It is advisable to avoid washing powder which can leave marks on the fabric, as can colored softeners. To avoid mechanical friction in the machine, washing in a full drum is recommended. The spin cycle should not be too fast, with a maximum of 900 rpm. At the end of washing, do not leave your satin laundry piled up in the machine for too long: it will be more difficult to remove wrinkles and color transfer may occur.
Drying and ironing cotton sateen laundry
To complete the care of your laundry, two essential tasks still need to be carried out: drying and washing. Air drying is strongly recommended for all satin items. For clothes, drying flat out of direct sunlight is the best option. If you choose to tumble dry, a moderate program is essential to avoid premature wear of the fabric. You can take out the laundry while it is still slightly damp and finish drying it inside out in the open air.
Iron your satin sets either at low temperature (110°C maximum) or with a hot iron (2 points, 150°C). The label will tell you what temperature to choose. An ironing net for sensitive fabric should be used. Good ironing is done on the reverse side of the fabric. Washed cotton sets do not need to be ironed, but can be steamed at low temperatures.
You will like also…
Sleeping without a pillow: good or bad for your health?
How to whiten yellowed pillowcases?