Cosy Bedding

THE intensity of the heat of the sun at this period of the year makes people feel hot and perspire during the day while engaged in daily activities. At night, the body needs restful sleep to be able to carry on in the morning. That seems like good enough reason to change to new bedding that will make sleep come easy.

Go for quality bedding that will be enjoyed. Pay attention to three things — the material, whether it breathes and is durable, the softness and the style. Cotton and linen offer these qualities. Both are absorbent, durable, and become softer with use. They absorb moisture very well and there is no fabric that matches the way they feel on the body.

Cotton, however, feels more substantial and is better for reproducing printed designs. It is by far the most popular choice for bedding, so it is more widely available and generally more affordable.

Cotton fabrics require few simple care tips to keep looking newer, longer. Follow instructions as provided on the care label for washing but normal water temperature will do, and then dry.

Iron using the cotton setting on a warm pressing iron while the garment is still damp.

For storage, note that cotton is sensitive to mildew and acid. Dry garment thoroughly before storing. Store in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight.
Linen

With a minimum amount of proper care, the natural beauty of linen is easily maintained. The more linen is washed the softer and more luminous it becomes. Provided a few simple rules are followed, linen will remain in pristine condition for years, through normal household use.

Soap powders and liquid detergents can be safely used but as with all other textiles, always test for fastness of the colour. Linen is naturally mothproof safely stored under normal conditions. Slatted shelves will allow air to circulate around it.