Care Guides
Make your bedding feel snuggly from first sleep and keep it looking beautiful for years. This easy guide covers how to wash, dry and care for all Feather & Fibre bedding.
Quick Start: The Golden Rules
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Pre‑wash before first use to remove finishing residues and soften fibres
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Use a gentle liquid detergent (no bleach)
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Cold to warm wash (max 40°C) on a gentle cycle
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Zip up quilt (duvet) covers and wash inside out
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Line dry in shade where possible; tumble dry low if needed
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No fabric softener on natural fibres - it coats yarns and can reduce breathability
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Avoid overloading the machine so water can circulate and rinse properly
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Separate by colour (darks/lights) and by lint type (avoid washing flannelette with smooth weaves)
Cotton Sheet Sets (Percale & Sateen)
Best for: Everyday comfort, breathability, and easy care.
Step
What to do Why it matters
Pre‑wash
Cold–warm gentle washSoftens hand-feel and removes mill residues
DetergentMild liquid, no bleach/optical brightenersHelps colourfastness and fibre longevity
Cycle
Gentle/normal, low-medium spinReduces creasing and friction
DryingLine dry in shade; tumble low, remove promptlyMinimises wrinkling and shrinkage
IroningWarm iron if desired (sateen loves a smooth press)Restores finish
StorageCool, dry cupboard; avoid plastic long‑termPrevents musty odours and yellowing
Pilling? Rare on woven cotton. If it happens, it’s usually from friction with rough surfaces (e.g., dry heels). A gentle fabric comb can lift minor pills.
Flannelette Sheet Sets (Brushed Cotton)
Best for: Extra snuggly warmth and softness.
StepWhat to doWhy it matters
First 2–3 washesWash separately; expect light lintBrushed fibres shed a little initially
Water tempCold to warm (≤ 40°C)Protects the brushed nap
DetergentMild liquid; no softenerSoftener can flatten the nap
CycleGentle; avoid heavy/long cyclesReduces linting and wear
DryingLine dry in shade; tumble low onlyHigh heat increases linting/shrinkage
Fabric careWash inside outPreserves softness
Tip: Clean the dryer lint filter halfway through the cycle on the first few dries.
Bamboo / Bamboo‑Blend Sheets (coming soon)
Best for: Smooth, drapey feel and temperature comfort.
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Cold to warm gentle wash (≤ 30–40°C)
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Mild liquid detergent, no bleach/softeners
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Wash in a delicates bag if your machine is rough
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Line dry in shade; tumble low only — avoid high heat
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Remove promptly to minimise creasing; a warm iron/steam refreshes the sheen
Bamboo fibres can be more delicate — treat like your favourite silk‑ish tee.
Duvet (Quilt/Doona) Cover Sets
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Zip up and turn inside out before washing
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Cold–warm gentle cycle; mild detergent
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Line dry in shade or tumble low; remove promptly
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Avoid overloading — covers need room to move for proper rinsing
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Warm iron if you love that crisp, hotel look
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Pillowcases
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Wash with your sheet set (same rules)
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Rotate pillowcases frequently for skin/hair health
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Use a mesh bag for embellished trims or ties
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Duvet Inners (Quilts/Doonas)
Down/Feather
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Frequency: Air and sun (indirect) regularly; wash sparingly (1–2× per year)
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Wash: Large front‑loader, cold to warm, extra rinse; mild down‑safe detergent
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Dry: Tumble dry low with clean dryer balls; keep drying until completely dry to prevent clumping
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Fluff between cycles to redistribute fill
If your domestic dryer is small, professional laundering is recommended.
Microfibre / Synthetic
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Cold–warm gentle cycle
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Mild detergent; extra rinse
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Tumble dry low with dryer balls; ensure fully dry before storing
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Blankets & Throws
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Cotton/Poly: Cold–warm gentle wash; tumble low or line dry
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Wool/Alpaca: Hand wash cold or dry clean; never wring; dry flat in shade
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Acrylic/Poly Knit: Cold gentle cycle; reshape and dry flat
Always check your specific care label, especially for wool blends and specialty weaves.
Valances
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Cold–warm gentle wash
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Remove promptly and line dry to minimise creases
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Warm iron/steam on the reverse for a smooth drape
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Avoid over‑drying to preserve elastic or structure
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Kids’ Bedding
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Choose colour‑safe, gentle detergents
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Treat common spills promptly (see Stain Help below)
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Avoid fabric softener if your child has sensitive skin
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Ensure items are completely dry before storing
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Stain Help (Fast, Simple, Effective)
StainFirst AidWash
Body oils/makeupPre‑treat with a small amount of liquid detergent; gently work inWarm wash (≤ 40°C); repeat if needed
BloodRinse cold ASAP; dab, don’t rubCold wash with enzyme detergent
Tannin (tea/coffee)Flush with cold water; dab with mild detergentWarm wash; avoid bar soaps that can set tannins
Pen/inkDab isopropyl alcohol on the spot (test first), blot with paper towelCold wash; repeat if needed
Fake tanPre‑treat with enzyme detergent; soak 30–60 min (colour‑safe)Warm wash; line dry in sun (indirect)
Food (oily)Cornstarch or bicarb to draw oil for 15–30 min, brush offWarm wash with a little detergent booster
Always test pre‑treatments on an inconspicuous area. Avoid chlorine bleach — it weakens fibres and can cause yellowing.
Colour & Brightness Care
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Wash similar colours together
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Turn items inside out
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Use colour‑safe oxygen‑based brighteners (if needed) rather than chlorine bleach
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Avoid over‑drying — it makes creases set and dulls colour
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Machine Settings (At a Glance)
FabricWaterCycleSpinDry
Cotton percale/sateenCold–warm ≤ 40°CGentle/normalLow–medLine shade / Tumble low
FlanneletteCold–warm ≤ 40°CGentleLowLine shade / Tumble low (clean lint filter)
Bamboo / bamboo‑blendCold–warm ≤ 30–40°CDelicateLowLine shade / Tumble low
Duvet coversCold–warm ≤ 40°CGentleLow–medLine shade / Tumble low
Down/feather innersCold–warmGentle, extra rinseN/ATumble low until fully dry, use dryer balls
Microfibre innersCold–warmGentle, extra rinseLowTumble low until fully dry
Wool throwsCold (hand wash)Hand/delicatePress water outDry flat, shade
Drying & Ironing
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Line dry in shade whenever possible — kinder to fabric and colour
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Tumble low if you prefer; remove promptly to reduce wrinkles
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A quick warm iron or steamer revives smoothness (especially sateen and valances)
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Avoid high heat — it can cause shrinkage and break fibres over time
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Storage
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Store clean and completely dry
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Use breathable cotton bags; avoid plastic for long‑term storage
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Add natural repellents (e.g., cedar) for woollens
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Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading
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Care Symbols (What They Mean)
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Machine wash cold/warm (40°C max): Standard gentle clean
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Do not bleach: Use colour‑safe alternatives
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Tumble dry low: Low heat only
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Line dry / Dry flat: Prevents distortion, protects colour
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Cool–warm iron: Avoid very high settings
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Dry clean (P): Professional care recommended (mostly for wool blends)
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FAQs
Will my sheets shrink?
Natural fibres can tighten slightly on first wash/dry. Follow temp and low‑heat drying to keep sizing true.
Why avoid fabric softener?
It coats fibres, reducing breathability and absorbency — especially noticeable on cotton and bamboo.
How often should I wash?
Pillowcases: every 1–2 uses. Sheets: weekly in warm weather (or bi‑weekly). Duvet covers: every 2–4 weeks. Duvet inners: refresh in the sun often, wash sparingly.
Need a Hand?
Not sure which setting to use on your machine, or got a tricky stain? We’re happy to help — message us and we’ll walk you through it step‑by‑step.