How do you properly care for your cotton percale bed linen to preserve its softness?

Nothing beats the feeling of cotton percale sheets! They are soft and feel cool against the skin. This exceptional fabric owes its reputation to its resistance and delicate feel. However, it requires special attention to preserve its comfort throughout the night. With proper care, you can prolong their softness and durability, wash after wash. Have you just invested in new sheets? Are you looking to extend the life of your current bed linen? Then adopting the right practices is essential.
To avoid any mistakes, find out in this article how to effectively care for your cotton percale sheets to preserve their softness and shine.

How do you properly wash your percale sheets to keep them incredibly soft?

Washing your cotton percale sheets before using them for the first time will set the fibres and greatly improve their absorbency. Not sure how to do it? It's not complicated! Run a cycle at 40°C with a liquid detergent specifically for delicate laundry, without fabric softener. This will preserve the texture of the fabric.
Over the course of several washes, a 60°C cycle will effectively eliminate bacteria and dust mites while respecting the quality of the fibres. To prevent discolouration, avoid bleach-based detergents at all costs, especially if you have coloured sheets!
Don't overload your machine! You need to leave enough space in the drum for your sheets to unfold freely. This precaution will ensure that they are washed evenly and will also limit creasing.

For optimal drying, adopt the right techniques to preserve the softness of your laundry!

Good drying is not just about getting rid of the moisture! This tedious stage, neglected by many, is nevertheless essential to keep your cotton percale sheets soft and silky. One wrong move and the fibres become dull and stiff, gradually losing that pleasant feel that you love so much. To pamper your laundry while it is drying, fresh air will be your best ally! If the weather permits, give your sheets a natural breathing space by drying them in the open air. Spread them out flat or on a line, in the shade. This precaution will prevent the sun's rays from altering their colour and drying out the fibres, making them rough to the touch. Drying outside will also give them a natural freshness that is difficult to reproduce otherwise.
If you have no alternative but to use the tumble dryer, be sure to select the delicate or low temperature programme. Although robust, percale cotton is particularly sensitive to excessive heat, which can break its fibres and reduce its longevity. A little tip: add a few wool dryer balls to your bed linen. This will save you precious time while keeping your sheets soft and fluffy.

For a perfect finish, don't neglect the ironing!

Shunned by many households, ironing will nevertheless help to revive the silky texture of your percale sheets. Take the time to smooth them out while they are still slightly damp, using an iron set to medium temperature. This technique will relax the fibres more easily, while avoiding burning them. 
For a flawless touch, fold your sheets immediately after ironing. They will be ready to wrap you in softness at night, without creases or stiffness.

Optimal storage: THE secret to keeping your percale soft!

Our grandmothers' tips are often the best. Proper storage will extend the life of your bed linen. Store your neatly folded sheets in a dry, cool place away from light. This will prevent them from turning yellow. Also avoid plastic bags, which can retain moisture. Opt for cotton covers, which allow air to circulate better.
Want to keep them fresh? Why not add a sachet of lavender or natural cedar to your cupboards? These natural solutions also repel moths.
In the event of stains, don't wait, act quickly. Use a mild stain remover and avoid hot water. This can actually set the stain. Prefer a pre-wash in lukewarm water with Marseille soap, followed by a machine wash according to the usual instructions.
Looking after your cotton percale bed linen requires a few precautions, but these simple steps will preserve the beauty and comfort of your sheets. If you haven't yet fallen for cotton nightwear, take a few minutes to discover what King of Cotton has to offer. Chances are you'll be seduced!