How to store bed linen in a closet: compact folding methods

Lifespan of bed linen

Sleeping sets are made from a variety of materials: polyester, lavsan, bamboo fiber, Tencel, viscose. The composition of the fabric determines the density of the structure and the performance qualities of the textile.

The service life of linen made from different fabrics is as follows:

The service life of loose flannel sets is 5 years;
calico bed linen lasts an average of 6–7 years;
sets made of fabric of sufficient density are used for 8–9 years (linen, cotton);
linen made of artificial silk and satin retains its original appearance for up to 10 years;
natural silk sheets - 10–15 years.

With proper care, textiles retain their neat appearance longer. Careful use ensures better hygienic properties and a long service life.

Helpful hints

Do I need to iron bed linen after washing? Our answer is - it is desirable. Firstly, this makes storage more compact, secondly, additional heat treatment of this category of things will never hurt, and thirdly, it’s simply more pleasing to the eye.
The most convenient principle for sorting and storing laundry is in sets.
It is better to store bedding inside out.
Do you want to save 20-30 minutes on ironing bed linen? Then do it right on the bed (although you will need an extension cord). To avoid damaging your mattress, make sure you have a mattress pad on it. And, of course, after washing, each item needs to be shaken thoroughly, straightened out and carefully hung on the dryer - this is already half the battle.
Do not store bedding in factory-made plastic wrappings or bags. In them, the laundry gradually becomes moldy.

Thus, you have become familiar with all the secrets of proper storage of bed linen. If you follow these simple tips, your products will last for quite a long time and will be in good condition.

Remember that the quality of your rest largely depends on the quality of your bedding.

How not to store bedding

You should not place the cabinet in places with high levels of humidity, for example, next to the bathroom, as this will cause things to suffocate. The best place for this is the bedroom. There are also other prohibitions:

Linen should not be stored dirty or damp.
High and low temperatures have a bad effect - places at the base of the cabinet (at least 20 cm from the floor), near balconies and windows, near heating appliances are contraindicated.
Storage in plastic bags and plastic boxes is contraindicated - this will lead to a musty smell. An exception is vacuum bags - the absence of oxygen will help maintain freshness for a long time.

Useful: the Japanese method of putting clothes in order using the KonMari method involves folding them in a rectangular or triangular shape. Textiles are laid in transverse and longitudinal rows for easy searching and removal from the shelf.

Methods for storing bedding

The method of storing textiles is of particular importance in the organization. After all, this will save space or provide convenient storage. The most popular methods:

Use plastic containers or plastic bags. The option is not the best, as an unpleasant aroma may appear.
Fabric covers with zippers. A convenient way to store bedding, as they breathe through such a cover and are ventilated. Therefore, there will be no foreign smell in the future.
Vacuum bags. Perfect for those who have little space, as pillows and blankets are reduced by as much as 70% in volume. This method can be used to set aside seasonal kits. And due to the lack of air, parasites or mold will not grow there.
Hard cases and organizers. Convenient containers for making the most of space and separating things. And if the trunks have transparent inserts, then choosing the right bed linen and towel becomes even more convenient.
Wooden open containers.
Even a tool box can be used as a container. You just have to choose the right shape.

Nice smell

If your closet smells bad, you will need to purchase special fragrances. This will help refresh things and get rid of the musty amber.

For such purposes, bags with aromatic herbs and essential oils are often used. There are also other ways to eliminate odors in your clothes closet.

Essential oils in bottles can be purchased at the pharmacy

Regular washing and ironing of textiles will prevent them from suffocating. With careful use, the linen will last for many years. It is not necessary to be limited to the methods described. There are other ideas for compact storage of things in the closet.

Set in pillowcase

If you fold a folded duvet cover and sheet into a pillowcase and tuck the ends of the pillowcase, you will get a neat envelope

A very convenient option is to store folded bed linen in a pillowcase. This method has virtually no drawbacks: different things don’t get confused, neat stacks take up little space, and it’s very easy to get the right set without touching others.

A convenient and practical way to keep the entire set in a pillowcase - it’s easy to get the whole set out of the closet without unnecessary movements

Let's take a step-by-step look at how to put a linen set in a pillowcase:

iron things (or carefully straighten and shake them off before drying);
carefully fold the duvet cover corner to corner (about ten folds) so that it easily fits into the pillowcase;
also carefully roll the sheets into an even rectangle;
roll up all the pillowcases (except for the one in which we will “pack” the set);
put all the items in the kit in one pile;
place the stack in the remaining pillowcase, straighten the edges and bend them so that the linen lies in a kind of bag.

Bedding set for a double bed fits perfectly in a pillowcase

We put the resulting packed stacks on a shelf in the closet - and you’re done!

Shelves in a wardrobe

If you can’t separate a hotel closet for bedding, you can place bedding in the wardrobe. Duvet covers, pillowcases and sheets are stacked and raised to the top shelves separately from underwear and clothing.

Due to dust particles and germs transferred from worn items, when stored together, laundry stays much less fresh. You can insulate pillowcases and duvet covers using slipcovers or cardboard boxes. Getting the required set is not as convenient as from a linen chest of drawers, but the issue of prolonging freshness will be resolved.

In the form of a roll

For vertical storage in deep drawers, deep shelves, etc., the roll storage method is used. This method is good because all sets become available for review, and when removing one of them, the storage structure is not disturbed.

The duvet cover is folded lengthwise to form a narrow strip.
Fold the sheet in the same way and place it on top of the duvet cover.
If desired, one or both pillowcases can be placed.
The set is rolled into a tight roll and folded into a loose pillowcase or beautifully tied with a ribbon.
Rolls are placed vertically in a box or stacked in a pyramid on a shelf. When one of the rolls of laundry is removed, the structure does not collapse, and new clean rolls are placed in the free space.

Linen closet or chest of drawers

The dream of any housewife is a separate closet or chest of drawers for pastel linen and other home textiles.
Things here can be sorted by season, frequency of use, color or material. Lack of contact with clothing will allow pillowcases and duvet covers to stay clean longer. Using natural fragrances for home textiles will add freshness.

The most commonly used bedding items are usually placed at eye height or, in the case of a chest of drawers, in the top drawers. It is better to put warm blankets and guest sets away. Open containers, dividers, and hanging structures will help organize the space inside the closet.

Preparing a blanket for storage

Cleaning a blanket

Before you store your blanket, make sure it is clean. Any food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage as they tend to attract insects, acting as a source of food for them. Also remove dirt, stains and any other source of stains. The safest method for cleaning a blanket is to use a vacuum cleaner, then air it out and then rinse it.
Vacuum the blanket. It is best to use a manual mini vacuum cleaner for these purposes. Alternatively, you can use the furniture attachments of a standard household vacuum cleaner, wrapped in calico, gauze or other similar lightweight fabric. Turn on the vacuum cleaner at its lowest power and vacuum it with repeated back-and-forth movements along the entire blanket to collect feathers, particles of debris and dirt that have come out of it. Make sure the blanket looks good before you take any other steps before storing it. If the blanket is an antique, use nylon or fiberglass as a screen; This will protect the fibers from deformation under high suction power.
Air the blanket. If you notice a problem with the blanket, such as a moldy or unpleasant odor, you need to ventilate it. To air the blanket, follow these recommendations:
Find a suitable place for ventilation somewhere in the shade. The area should be fairly clean, such as concrete, lawn, etc. Do not choose dusty places, as dust can penetrate into the blanket.
Lay a large piece of cotton cloth on the ground. It will separate the blanket from the surface, preventing the possibility of dirty spots.
Place the blanket on the mat, being careful not to curl at the edges.
Alternatively, if the blanket is in good and sturdy condition, you can hang it on a clothesline to dry. If so, throw the backing over several parallel ropes (similar to how you set a table), then lay the blanket across the backing. When weathering this way, you are likely to use all the ropes, so you don't want to do it on the day you plan to wash. Do not hang the blanket on a line as you would normally do when drying clothes, as this will stretch the seams and fibers of the filling.
Wash the blanket. Given that blankets are made from a variety of materials and it can sometimes be difficult to know which one is before you wash it, you need to fully understand what can happen to your blanket during the wash. Here's a list of things you should consider before you start washing: dye fastness, fabric shrinkage, seams and fibers stretching under gravity due to moisture absorption, and the possibility of damage from hitting the drum during washing. To find out if this blanket is washable, answer the following questions:
What condition is the blanket in? If it is already spreading, then washing is not the best option. However, before washing, if you're willing to put in the extra effort, you can hand hem the frayed edges with pieces of tulle, organza, or mesh.
Have you tested the dye fastness of the fabric in the quilt? This is easiest to do if you made the quilt yourself and you will likely have samples of the fabric you used in the form of scraps left over. If the blanket is a family heirloom and the person who made it is still alive, ask them how wash-resistant the dye used in the fabric is. If this is not possible, perform a test by wetting the fabric on the back side or somewhere insignificant and placing it against the white surface of the washing machine or other fabric. If the dye comes off and remains on the blotter, you will know exactly what will happen to the blanket during washing. But even if the fabric has not faded, try this test again, and this time, with a small amount of detergent; This way you can check the dye's resistance to detergent. If both tests are negative, you can wash this blanket with confidence.
Has this blanket been washed before? If yes, then you already know if something can happen to him.
Is the outer condition of the blanket durable or flimsy? Only durable blankets can be washed.
Wash the blanket in the bathroom. If you're happy with the answers to the questions above, consider hand washing your blanket. Machine wash is only suitable for very durable duvets (or duvets made in China if you don't intend to use them for an extended period of time). The tub is best for hand washing as it is quite large and has plenty of room to maneuver. It would be ideal if you have a helper to wash, twist and remove the wet blanket.
Lay down the backing first. With its help, you can then pull out the blanket.
Carefully place the blanket on top of the backing.
Gently press the blanket over its entire surface. Gently smooth the water around it, but not the blanket itself; it must remain motionless.
If you use a detergent, make sure it is suitable for your blanket. For a suitable detergent, you can consult your local blanket dealers or ordinary people. Usually there are no problems with wool blankets, and even if you do not find a special detergent, you can add a regular one after diluting it.
Drain the water, taking care to prevent the blanket from being sucked into the drain. Refill with warm water to rinse. Stir gently and drain again. Do this 4 to 6 times until you feel the blanket has stretched well and the detergent has completely rinsed off the blanket.
Drain the water one last time. Dry the blanket with large, clean towels. They will begin to absorb any remaining water from the blanket.
Pull the blanket out of the bathtub by grasping the corners of the blanket. Take it outside to dry (see instructions in the above section on ventilation, however, you can replace the thin sheet with a thicker blanket when using it as a bedding). To complete these steps you will really need the help of a second person as the wet blanket will be very heavy. When drying, it is very important to place the blanket face down to keep it as clean as possible.
Allow the blanket to dry completely. The blanket must be completely dry to prevent mold from developing during storage.
Machine washable. This type of washing is much more risky than hand washing, but it is suitable for washing modern, durable blankets. This is also quite a painful process because you can't just throw the blanket in the machine and walk away. Here is a list of what needs to be done:
Use only the delicate wash cycle. Use diluted regular detergent for wool blankets or a special detergent for blankets.
Monitor the washing process every 30 seconds.
Stop washing after 3 minutes.
Use a short rinse cycle. If you have a dry spin function, you can use it.
Remove the blanket from the machine and let it dry as described in the previous sections.
Be extremely careful when washing antique quilts. As a rule, they are not only old, but also thin, since they could have worn out well during their use. The fibers and colors of these blankets have likely been exposed to light, moisture and acids over time and may therefore have weakened.
Do not voluntarily dry clean an antique blanket until you are advised to do so by experts.

Preparing a blanket for storage

Determine the age of your blanket. Old blankets are less durable and resistant to external influences than blankets made from more modern materials. Thus, the age of the blanket plays an important role in the choice of storage method, requiring more care for older blankets. This care involves folding them and using non-acidic materials for storage.
Wash your hands. Oil from your hands may remain on the blanket while you prepare it for storage. You can wash your hands and dry them or wear cotton gloves.
Fold the blanket. This way it will be more convenient to place it in a special case or bag and put it for storage somewhere in a secluded place or on a shelf in the dressing room. In addition, it’s a good idea if, to protect the blanket from staining and wrinkles, you use acid-free paper between each layer, and fill the bends with crumpled paper so that the bends do not become permanent.
If the blanket is small and thin, wrap it in a tube; this way you can avoid wrinkles from bending.
Place the folded blanket in a protective cover or bag. This will protect it from insects, dust and other possible sources of damage. You can use a pillowcase or a cotton bag as a cover. As an improvisation, you can use a sheet or calico fabric.
Anything that can be used to store the blanket should not contain acidic substances.

Blanket storage

Always remember the factors to avoid when storing blankets. Below is a list:
Direct exposure to or close to a heat source (even incandescent lamps, if possible, replace them with fluorescent ones for such rooms)
High temperature and high humidity
Surfaces containing acidic substances (may contain some wood surfaces).
Place the blanket in a closet or other dark place. If blankets are stored in light or semi-dark areas, they may fade over time.
Blankets should be stored at a temperature of 15 - 20ºC, with a relative humidity of 50%.
To prevent insects from getting in, add a little repellent. Some herbs, such as juniper balls or blocks, are suitable for these purposes.
Periodically remove the blanket from its storage location. Don't even expect to store the blanket for several years and not look at it at all. The blanket needs to be ventilated and refolded occasionally to avoid the appearance of folds at kinks and accumulation of dust. Be prepared to take out the blanket every 6 months to air it out and leave it unfolded for a couple of days to smooth out wrinkles.

Lifehack for choosing PBC

Choose your bedding wisely. No need to buy cheap fabrics. After several washes they will lose color and beauty. Give preference to natural materials (cotton, linen, silk). Consider family members' preferences. For example, silk is a very slippery fabric. Linen can be uncomfortable to sleep on. Therefore, a universal option is cotton and its varieties.

It is not necessary to purchase a completely identical set. You can create it from different collections and create an individual set of underwear. But keep in mind that colored items may fade. Therefore, when washing, you need to look at the recommendations given by the manufacturer.

The trend in recent years is sheets with elastic bands. They are especially loved by owners of beds with orthopedic mattresses. The sheets completely hug the edges of the mattress and do not roll down during sleep. But such sheets need to be folded carefully, otherwise they will take up a lot of space. There are many videos online that show the entire process.

Regardless of which method is chosen for storing laundry, you must remember that the laundry must be completely dry. Whether to iron it or not is at the discretion of the owner. However, if ironing is not required, it is recommended to shake the sleeping items well to reduce their bulk. Next, we put things in piles and put them away in a closet or other system. Place lavender or any aromatic sachet on the shelves. It will give things a pleasant smell and help get rid of insects.

How to determine the required number of sets of linen

The minimum number of sets depends on the number of beds in the house. For each place you need to have two sets for permanent use and another one in case of guests. This will be quite enough.

The new bedding set should not be used until the previous one is worn out. This simple rule will help you avoid clutter on your closet shelves.

Wrong and right

Organize your closet: 5 clever ways to fold shirts, laundry and more

The weekend is the perfect time to do some household chores. We have already talked about several life hacks that will make cleaning easier, and now we suggest you take care of cabinets and shelves. We have collected several video instructions that will help you fold things more efficiently and save space.

How to organize things in a closet

Asos' universal guide: This explains how to fold jeans, sweaters, T-shirts and underwear, and the best way to store them (hint: everything you put in dresser drawers should be placed vertically). Bonus of the video - instructions on how to hang a pantsuit in a closet. Once you have mastered these methods, you can improve your skills—for example, study popular methods on the Internet for folding T-shirts and socks.

How to fit a mountain of underwear into a drawer

You've probably heard about Marie Kondo's cleaning method: she turned tidying up her house into her life's work and now teaches it to others. If you are not ready to apply all its principles, you can limit yourself to individual practical video tutorials - for example, on how to ergonomically fold underwear and socks in a small drawer.

How to fold a shirt

The easiest way to fold shirts is similar to how you fold sweaters and T-shirts, but there are some differences. First of all, buttons.

It is not necessary, as in this video, to button up the whole shirt - just button the first, last and one in the middle. Otherwise everything is pretty easy.

If you can’t fold your clothes evenly, you can use a folder or a special board.

How to fold bed linen

There is nothing difficult about folding bed linen: the only item that may be difficult is a sheet with an elastic band. A video from furniture and home decor brand West Elm explains how to deal with this.

At first it seems that everything is not easy, but after a little practice it will be easy for you. In order to save space and not frantically search for linen from one set, the sheet can be stored in one of the pillowcases.

How to put things in a suitcase

This Heathrow Airport video gives you some simple but effective tips on how to pack for your trip.

There are general recommendations (pick out the items you want to take with you, then feel free to set aside a third of them - you'll probably need a lot less clothes than you think) and small tricks (fold your socks in your boots - this will save some space ). The authors of the video say that they were guided by the life hacks of pilots and flight attendants - those who regularly pack their suitcases.

Cover: heinteh – stock.adobe.com

Chests

A chest in a bedroom interior always looks original and stylish. It is used as a bed, bench, coffee table, bedside table and, of course, storage space. In addition to pillowcases and sheets, large chests often leave room for blankets, guest sets of pillows and blankets.

To prevent sets of linen from mixing with each other, they are wrapped in a pillowcase, rolled into a tube or separated by plastic partitions.

Despite the fact that the outside of a chest often looks vintage, its internal organization can be made as comfortable and functional as modern storage systems.

There are many options for placing bedding. Some people prefer to store bedding in the bedroom, others - not far from the washing machine, and still others set aside a special space in the utility room. In any case, it is important to be guided by the principle of rationality - get rid of worn-out sets in time and avoid clutter. The order will remain longer, and the space freed up in the cabinets can be used for other needs.

Storing pillows and blankets

If these items are not intended to be used in the near future, care must be taken to store them properly. It is best to pack these items in vacuum bags. Why? Because this method provides reliable protection from dust, things packed in this way take up minimal space, and besides, moths will not get close to the blankets in such bags. It is also worth storing bedding if sets of thin fabrics are used in warm weather, and thicker fabrics in cold weather.

In the dressing room

Tip two: geometric shapes

The author has a unique diagram that explains how to fold things according to Marie Kondo’s method, that is, correctly.

Perhaps the housewife who encountered this method of storing clothes for the first time will think that it is too difficult. But a quad for any thing is actually a universal shape for a T-shirt or blouse, for shorts, T-shirts and even underwear.

If you don’t manage to fold it on the first try, don’t despair; the guide book describes in detail how to fold a T-shirt using Marie Kondo’s method; the book contains many pictures depicting the diagram. There is also a detailed and clear training video.