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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

  • Pre‑wash before first use to remove finishing residues and soften fibres

  • Use a gentle liquid detergent (no bleach)

  • Cold to warm wash (max 40°C) on a gentle cycle

  • Zip up quilt (duvet) covers and wash inside out

  • Line dry in shade where possible; tumble dry low if needed

  • No fabric softener on natural fibres - it coats yarns and can reduce breathability

  • Avoid overloading the machine so water can circulate and rinse properly

  • 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.

  • Cold to warm gentle wash (≤ 30–40°C)

  • Mild liquid detergent, no bleach/softeners

  • Wash in a delicates bag if your machine is rough

  • Line dry in shade; tumble low only — avoid high heat

  • 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

  • Zip up and turn inside out before washing

  • Cold–warm gentle cycle; mild detergent

  • Line dry in shade or tumble low; remove promptly

  • Avoid overloading — covers need room to move for proper rinsing

  • Warm iron if you love that crisp, hotel look

Pillowcases

  • Wash with your sheet set (same rules)

  • Rotate pillowcases frequently for skin/hair health

  • Use a mesh bag for embellished trims or ties

Duvet Inners (Quilts/Doonas)

Down/Feather

  • Frequency: Air and sun (indirect) regularly; wash sparingly (1–2× per year)

  • Wash: Large front‑loader, cold to warm, extra rinse; mild down‑safe detergent

  • Dry: Tumble dry low with clean dryer balls; keep drying until completely dry to prevent clumping

  • Fluff between cycles to redistribute fill

If your domestic dryer is small, professional laundering is recommended.

Microfibre / Synthetic

  • Cold–warm gentle cycle

  • Mild detergent; extra rinse

  • Tumble dry low with dryer balls; ensure fully dry before storing

Blankets & Throws

  • Cotton/Poly: Cold–warm gentle wash; tumble low or line dry

  • Wool/Alpaca: Hand wash cold or dry clean; never wring; dry flat in shade

  • Acrylic/Poly Knit: Cold gentle cycle; reshape and dry flat

Always check your specific care label, especially for wool blends and specialty weaves.

Valances

  • Cold–warm gentle wash

  • Remove promptly and line dry to minimise creases

  • Warm iron/steam on the reverse for a smooth drape

  • Avoid over‑drying to preserve elastic or structure

Kids’ Bedding

  • Choose colour‑safe, gentle detergents

  • Treat common spills promptly (see Stain Help below)

  • Avoid fabric softener if your child has sensitive skin

  • Ensure items are completely dry before storing

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

  • Wash similar colours together

  • Turn items inside out

  • Use colour‑safe oxygen‑based brighteners (if needed) rather than chlorine bleach

  • Avoid over‑drying — it makes creases set and dulls colour

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

  • Line dry in shade whenever possible — kinder to fabric and colour

  • Tumble low if you prefer; remove promptly to reduce wrinkles

  • A quick warm iron or steamer revives smoothness (especially sateen and valances)

  • Avoid high heat — it can cause shrinkage and break fibres over time

Storage

  • Store clean and completely dry

  • Use breathable cotton bags; avoid plastic for long‑term storage

  • Add natural repellents (e.g., cedar) for woollens

  • Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent fading

Care Symbols (What They Mean)

  • Machine wash cold/warm (40°C max): Standard gentle clean

  • Do not bleach: Use colour‑safe alternatives

  • Tumble dry low: Low heat only

  • Line dry / Dry flat: Prevents distortion, protects colour

  • Cool–warm iron: Avoid very high settings

  • Dry clean (P): Professional care recommended (mostly for wool blends)

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.

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