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Wrap Up In The Perfect Towel
What to know before you buy that first towel
When shopping for towels, it's easy to get caught up in color selection. While finding the perfect color for your bathroom decor is important, there are other factors to consider. For instance, will the towels you choose retain their colors or quickly fade? Higher quality products are durable and retain their colorfastness, but that doesn't always mean spending too much money. Look for quality in brands you trust.
Size is another important consideration. Typically, buying an assortment of sizes within the same line is the best approach. Brands today offer a range of sizes to fit every consumer and every need. Also, towels can serve multiple purposes outside of the bathroom, including wash cloths as picnic napkins, guest towels as place mats, or a tub mat inside the door for wet dogs and small children.
The Drier, The Better
A towel's drying capacity is a function of the yarn absorbency and the density of the terry (number of loops per square inch). Cotton is the most absorbent fiber for towels. More loops of cotton per square inch mean a greater surface area to absorb moisture, making you feel drier. Longer loops also increase the surface area's density. Weight is misleading, as heavy towels are made with coarse yarns providing fewer loops and less absorbency. By using finer yarns, manufacturers can weave more loops. Towels by name brands use the finest 100% combed cotton, and in some cases, more than a million loops for the ultimate in drying.
How does it feel?
Towel softness is consistently listed as high priority among consumers. Softness is the result of the fineness of the yarns, combing and ring spinning, and the density or number of loops. In cheaper towels, fabric softeners are used to compensate for the lack of natural softness. These chemicals resist moisture, reducing the towel's ability to dry. Sheared towels are terry towels with the terry loops sheared off on one side. Since these "velour" type towels are less dense, they don't dry as well. Their velvet surfaces may be very soft, but absorbency is sacrificed. For softness and absorbency, look for the combed, ring-spun, 100% cotton loops in towels by famous name brands.
Keeping Your Towels Clean
Cotton or cotton blend towels: |
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These towels are machine washable. To keep your towels looking new for as long as possible, choose your laundry detergent carefully. Detergents without optical brighteners are best for keeping towels clean and clear. Optical brighteners dull fabric over time.
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White towels can be washed in hot water with detergent.
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Test colored towels for colorfastness, or follow care label.
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Wash similar shades together. Separate lights and darks to avoid color
migration.
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Wash towels separately to avoid lint migration to other fine fabrics.
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Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, or only use
sparingly as these chemicals reduce the absorbency of towels.
The Perfect Bath Rug's Out There - Here's
How To Find It.
What to know before selecting a bath rug
Before you purchase a bath rug, decide what factors are most important to
you. For instance, if your bathroom has tile or linoleum flooring, you'll
probably want a bath rug with non-skid backing. Also, would you be
willing to sacrifice softness for a perfect color match? Or, is size more
important than color and design? Absorbency and durability should also be
taken into consideration.
Your Rug's Construction And Features
The way a rug feels is determined by the number of woven rows or gauge (space
between the needles). A finer gauge uses more fiber woven more densely,
resulting in a softer finished product. Some manufacturers use lower
gauges with heavier, thicher yarns to make the rug appear more dense,
ultimately sacrificing softness and long wear.
Bath rugs are made of either cotton or synthetic fibers. Cotton is a long
lasting, naturally soft fiber that makes an excellent choice for bath
rugs. On the other hand, synthetic fibers combine very easy-care
properties with vibrant, lasting colors and absorbency. Today's advanced
fiber manufacturing technology produces a wide range of options from bright,
lustrous fibers to soft, luxurious fibers that look and feel like cotton.
How To Keep Your Bath Rug Clean
Always follow the care instructions on your bath rug. Non-skid backings
may be prone to cracking and peeling if washed and dried at high
temperatures. Bleaches or cleaners containing enzymes are not recommended
for use in cleaning bath rugs.
Shapes To Choose From:
You'll Rest Easy With The Right Comforter
Things to consider before choosing your comforter
Changing the look of your bed is the most inexpensive way to dramatically alter
the look of your bedroom, but there is much more to choosing comforters and
accessories than looks alone. As the name implies, comfort should be a
high priority in your decision. Some factors to consider are softness,
thickness and warmth. Your needs can change seasonally, so you may want
several options for your bedding throughout the year. Comforters are
generally available with two types of fill: down or synthetic. While it
is more expensive, down filling provides maximum warmth and lightweight
softness. Synthetics can also be very warm and comfortable and are much
easier to care for. You may also want to consider the purchase of a duvet
cover. This is an easily removable cover for your comforter that protects
your investment and allows you to change decorating schemes without replacing
your comforter.
The Difference Between Goose And Duck Down
Down comes from the under body of geese and ducks. Down from geese is
considered better quality because the clusters of down are larger and provide a
softer feel with greater insulation properties. Duck down also insulates well,
but is not quite as soft as goose down. Down can also be white or
gray. Most consumers prefer white, even through gray down can be of equal
quality.
Your Comforter's Shell
Most down comforter shells are made of 100% cotton, allowing down to
breathe. Some more expensive comforters blend cotton with silk or
rayon. The construction of the shell plays an important role in keeping
the down evenly distributed. Baffled wall construction helps keep the
down from moving inside the comforter. The baffles also allow the down to
maintain its loft inside the shell. This loft helps the down trap air
within the shell to keep the heat inside.
Thread Count
Thread count is also important to the quality of any comforter. The best
fabric construction for a comforter is a tightly woven, high thread count weave
in which the yarns are interlaced with one another to create a fine
cloth. It is important that the thread count be at least 230 to ensure
that small fibers or feathers do not escape.
Fill Weight
Down comforters come in a number of fill weights. In general, fill
weights for a twin/queen/king of 30/40/50 ounces are considered medium to
heavy. Lightweight comforters are often better for summer months.
Find The Perfect Fit For Your Bed
Many comforters do not fit some thicker mattresses. Over sized comforters
by famous name brands meet the needs of today's larger mattresses with an extra
four inches in width and six inches in length, plus ten ounces of fiberfill for
additional loftiness, comfort and warmth.
When shopping for a comforter, you'll find many options. You can choose
from bonded fiber fills, channels and quilt patterns. Also, reversible
comforters can add flexibility to your bedroom decor. A comforter cover
or duvet cover is not only decorative but also protects the comforters from
soil and wear. While shopping, be sure to inspect both the face and
backing fabrics to find the look and texture that's right for you. Some
comforters come with accessory options. In choosing a bed skirt, make
sure that corners are split to allow the fabric to flow easily around
bedposts. Check pillow shams for closings with a large overlap so plump
pillows won't show through gaps. You may also want to accessorize with
neck rolls and tailored pillows to complete the decor.
Keeping Your Comforter Clean
Most down comforters need to be dry cleaned for maximum life and
performance. Follow the care label instructions exactly for best
results. For synthetic comforters, laundering needs vary greatly,
depending upon surface fabric and fill materials. The bulk of comforters
especially when wet, can tax some machines. Be sure not to overload your
washer or dryer. If overloaded, the spin and dry cycles are less
efficient and results are less than satisfactory. You may need to use a
commercial washer with a larger capacity. Read your machine manuals for
specific instructions.
Storage
Store down comforters only after proper cleaning. Before folding for
storage, shake the comforter to fluff it. To retain maximum loft in your
comforter, fold it only as many times as is absolutely necessary for your
amount of storage space. For both down and synthetic comforters, loosely
wrap in plastic, forming a tight seal where the plastic meets. Store in a
cool, dry place away from direct light, and avoid stacking other items on top.
The Search For Softer Sheets
Before you make your bed
Sheets come in many colors and designs to complement your bedroom decor, but
there are several important factors to consider before purchasing your new
sheets. Take a moment to consider what feels best to you. Do you
seek softness or a crisper feel? Look for packaging that permits you to
feel the fabric before you make a purchase. Whether you choose the
highest thread count in 100% cotton, or a soft, practical blend, you're assured
of the highest quality when you choose any famous name brand.
When choosing fitted sheets, elastic that runs around the entire sheet (rather
than only at the corners) ensures a better fit and helps prevent corners from
"popping" off the mattress hem. Look for packaging that states the
maximum mattress height the sheet will fit. Flat sheets should have
either sewn or strong selvages on each side to prevent unraveling and to ensure
a longer lide and better wear. Also, look for a wide variety of colors
that allow you to change the look of your bed instantly.
What About Thread Count?
In general, the higher the thread count, the smoother and softer the surface of
the fabric. Although higher thread count sheets tend to be more
expensive, a higher thread count extends the life of the fabric, saving money
in the long run because your sheets will last longer. Compare prices
while you shop to find the highest thread count you can afford.
The Benefits Of Blended Fabrics
Although 100% cotton provides the softest finish, it also wrinkles more easily
and requires the most care. Blended fabrics of cotton and polyester have
the benefits of easier care and also tend to be slightly less expensive.
How To Keep Your New Sheets Clean
Laundering requirements will vary greatly depending upon the fabric and colors
you choose. Follow the care label instructions for the best
results. Remember to wash your sheets before using them the first time to
remove the finishes and odors sometimes associated with manufacturing.
Storing Your Sheets
Before storing your sheets, be sure that they are laundered and folded properly
so they will be ready for use when you need them. Higher quality sheets
are often sold in resealable packages for convenient storage. Always
store your sheets in a cool, dry place away from direct light sources.
Folding Your Fitted Sheets
To create a neat fold for storage, follow these simple steps:
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Holding your right hand behind the right pocket at the top of
the sheet, insert the left pocket inside with your left hand. Repeat this
procedure at the bottom of the sheet.
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Smooth the sheet, folding it lengthwise again.
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Fold the sheet up from the bottom several times to achieve a
bundle approximately 12" wide and 10" high.
When It Comes To Pillows, Everyone's
Different
Buying the best pillow for you
Although many people don't replace their pillows on a regular basis, a worn
pillow can lead to uncomfortable nights followed by neck or back pain.
The following section will help you determine when to replace your pillows and
what to look for in choosing new ones.
When a pillow becomes flat or loses its bounce
and resiliency, it's time to replace it. Pillows flatten when they lose
the ability to trap air. Resiliency in a pillow is the ability to recover
its size and shape. A simple test to see if you need a new pillow is to
fold your old one over. If it doesn't bounce back, it's time to buy a new
one. Higher quality pillows have more resilient fills. Density in a
pillow is the degree of softness or firmness, depending upon the type and
amount of fill. Down is softer and more luxurious than feathers.
Feathers make a firmer pillow. The density of a synthetic fiberfill
depends on the amount and type of fiberfill used in the pillow. If you
have an allergy problem, synthetic fiberfill or polyurethane foam is
hypoallergenic.
The Life Of Your Pillow
Natural feather and down pillows will last the longest, but polyurethane foam
also has a long life span. In synthetics, silicone treated polyester or
fiberfill pillows are more resilient, durable and machine washable than
non-treated polyester fibers. To help your pillow last as long as
possible, it should be fluffed each time the bed is made. For best
results, optimum comfort and hygiene, all pillows should be replaced
every two to three years.
Keeping Your Pillow Clean
Most natural filling pillows must be dry cleaned. To freshen your
pillow, leave it out on a dry day to air it out. For extended wear and to
protect against allergies, use a removable, washable pillow cover. Most
good quality synthetic-filled pillows are washable and dryable. In fact,
try fluffing up your pillows by tossing them in the dryer for twenty
minutes. This should reloft your pillow and freshen it up.
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