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What are the main fabric varieties?
- Egyptian Cotton: Probably the finest cotton in the world. Egyptian cotton naturally has extremely fine, extra long fibers.
- Pima Cotton: A very fine, long staple cotton originally grown by the Pima Indians in Arizona.
- Supima Cotton: A scientifically developed, extra strong staple cotton with fibers of a uniform length. Produced only by the Supima (Superior Pima) Association of America.
- American Cotton: The standard cotton fiber in the US, usually woven into combed cotton yarn.
- Linen: is made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is laborious to manufacture, but the fiber is very strong (It has a long staple fiber length relative to cotton and other fabrics), absorbent and dries more quickly than cotton. Bedding made of linen feature exceptional coolness and freshness in hot and humid weather. It’s strength also means it lasts a long time - how long? Ask Pharaoh Ramses II, he was found with his linen wrappings in a state of perfect preservation after more than 3000 years!
Sleeping in our linen is a different experience that sleeping in cotton - is isn’t as smooth or “soft” as our 300 or 600 thread count sateen or percale but it can be far more comfortable in warm, humid climates and during summer. The tendency to wrinkle is also considered part of linen's particular "charm", and our modern linens are designed to be air-dried without the necessity of ironing. - Parts excerpted from Wikipedia.
What is the difference between Sateen & Percale?
- Percale: A term used to describe the weave where each thread goes over or under the next resulting in a silky smooth, very strong, 100% cotton fabric with a matte finish. We have generally two Percales; a 300 thread count and a 600 thread count (most Percale is 180-200 thread count).
- Sateen: A weave where the warp thread goes over 4 weft threads, then under one, then over 4 again. This results in a very soft and smooth surface that scatters less light, giving it a greater sheen than Percale. Our printed sheets are usually 300 thread count and the embroideries are usually on 600 thread count. We also have sheets up to 1000 thread count.
Care & Washing Instructions
By choosing Schweitzer Linen you have invested in some of the finest linens from around the world. This offers you some tips and guidance for the proper care and maintenance of your linens and will help ensure their long lasting beauty, comfort and feel.
Washing: Jacquard or Damask items are best machine washed on Normal cycle. Embroidered or Lace items should be washed with the Gentle cycle.
Always use Cold or Warm water.
DO NOT use any type of bleach or bleaching agent as this can weaken and discolor the article.
Liquid detergents can cause discoloration if poured directly onto the fabric, so always allow your washing machine to fill and begin agitating before adding detergent (for European style front-loading automatics, run a pre-wash soak and rinse so the detergent is added at the start of the 2nd wash cycle.) Liquid detergents we can recommend include the Le Blanc range of fabric care products: Linen Wash; Down Wash; Silk & Lingerie Wash and Baby Wash, which are specially formulated for this purpose (each are available through our retail stores, catalog and website.)
Don't overload the machine, better to do two light loads than one packed, and never leave damp or wet articles in the machine, especially if you are washing embroideries for the first time!
Drying: Tumble dry on a medium heat and remove from dryer while still slightly damp to aid in ironing. Do not overdry the articles as this may damage the fabric, lace or embroidery and will reduce the life of your fine linen.
Ironing: Iron damp, never dry, use a spray bottle in needed. Always iron on the reverse side, usually with a “hot” or “Cotton” setting.
Storage: Store linens in a dry, well ventilated space. For long term storage, wrap your linens in cotton, muslin or acid-free tissue and place them in acid-free, archival boxes specially designed for the preservation of textiles (call for more information.) Throw some sachets of lavender in with them to keep them smelling fresh.
Towels: Please note that the use of Fabric Softeners reduce the absorbancy of towels, so it is best not to use them. Thread pulls can be clipped off safely without damaging towels.
NOTE: The use of certain skin and hair care products that contain oxydizing agents, may cause some discoloration of sheets, with Blue linens especially susceptible. Always use a white pillow case or towel for protection with your nighttime regimen.
Recommended reading: laundry:the home comforts book of caring for clothes & linens by Cheryl Mendelson
Disclaimer: Schweitzer Linen will not be held responsible for any items damaged by improper washing, drying or the use of any bleach or bleaching agents.
See also: What do those Laundry label symbols REALLY mean?
See also: What do those Laundry label symbols REALLY mean?
What is Thread Count and is it important?
A term used mostly in the USA to establish a quality of fabric, sometimes abbreviated to "tc".
A high thread count often means a softer "feel" and greater "pill"resistance.
The number of threads counted in one square inch of fabric determines the "thread count"
.
But, there are different ways of "counting" the threads.
While most cotton fabric is woven from a thread using a single cotton fiber, Schweitzer cotton sateen and damask are made from a pair of fibers twisted together.
This means that Schweitzer products often have TWICE the cotton fibers
- for the same thread count - than other competitors products.
Most Schweitzer products are over 300 thread count with some reaching an unbelievably soft 1000 thread count fabric - the finest available. After 45 years in the textile business, we have found that varying thread count does change the characteristics of fabric. But other factors that also change the characteristics of fabric are: yarn gage, length of fiber, hand (feel of fiber), weave configuration for balance, finishing, dyeing and printing and it’s the sum of the whole which really make the difference.
The superior 100% Egyptian cotton fabric that Schweitzer uses in its products has a smoother, softer feel, is a stronger fabric with a greater 'wearability' and enjoys a longer life.
What is your Returns Policy?
You may return or exchange merchandise, in original condition, within 30 days of receipt. Please enclose a copy of your receipt and return it to the address on the receipt. Note action you wish taken. Return it to us insured (sorry, we cannot be responsible for non-delivery of uninsured packages and return expenses). Delivery charges are non-refundable.
What do I do if I forgot my password?
If you have forgotten your password, click the Login Link on the home page (top left) and in the new window click the "Forgotten Your Password?" link. In the text field enter your email address and we will email your password, as long as that email address matches the email address associated with your account.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards. If an unfamiliar credit card is submitted then we will probably call you to verify.
We do not retain any credit card information on the website, in your account information or in any databases.
For other methods of payment or other questions about payments or charges etc., please call our customer service at: 718.805.2122
What do I do if there is a problem with my return?
Our Customer Care team are here to help with any problems... Please telephone them on 718.805.2122
Which shippers do you use for your deliveries?
Our shipper of choice is UPS and they handle all or domestic as well as International deliveries.
95% of all orders are shipped within 48 hours via ground service for delivery within 6 to 8 days (within the 48 contiguous States).
Custom and Monogrammed Linens will require more time.
Please Note: All shipping costs displayed in the shopping cart during checkout and in our price chart refer only to the 48 contiguous States. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico will entail additional costs that must be approved by the customer prior to shipping.
All orders over $300.00 must be shipped with "Signature Required". Schweitzer Linen cannot be held responsible for mislaid or stolen packages.
International Shipping: We will gladly ship to most foreign destinations, however the costs must be approved by the customer prior to shipping. Also, it must be noted that orders shipped to destinations outside the US may be subject to import taxes, duties and other fee’s that we have no control over. The recipient is the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the destination country and is solely responsible for all charges whatever they might be. Customs policies vary country-to-country and the recipient is strongly urged to contact their local customs office for more information. Customs clearance procedures, if not properly adhered to, may cause delays.
Special Deliveries: For urgent deliveries we offer next day, second day or third day air at an additional cost, providing all items are in stock. If that option (overnight) is selected then a Schweitzer representative will contact you directly to discuss costs and any special delivery instructions or please call our toll-free number (1.800.554.6367) and speak to customer service or email us using the "Feedback" tab on the top right of our website home page.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Please allow up to 10 working days to receive your order. If your delivery seems late please use the "Status Request" link at the foot of the home page and we will let you know the situation.
95% of all orders are shipped within 48 hours via ground service for delivery within 6 to 8 days (within the 48 contiguous States).
Custom and Monogrammed Linens will require more time.
Can I cancel my order?
Our Customer Care team will be able to check whether your order may be cancelled. Please telephone them on 718.805.2122
What do those Laundry Label Symbols REALLY mean?
Everyone has seen them, the little diagrams on linen and clothes labels that tell you how to care for the fabric. People look at them and promptly forget them because understanding what they mean is beyond most of us.
Here are a few tips to think about before tossing your beautiful Schweitzer linens in the wash with the great t-shirt you bought from that designer at the street fair - you know, the RED one!
The symbols are designed around five groups:
Notes on the Chart.
Dots indicate heat, the more dots the hotter.
Bars under the icon indicates gentle, the more bars, the more gentle treatment needed.
Group 1) Professional Cleaning: Sometimes just labeled “Dry Clean” but there is a whole set of icons for Professional WET washing, I’ve only included the main one here. There are a few other Dry Cleaning icons in addition, most specifying technical requirements of solvents and stress levels of textiles. Rule of thumb - if the label has a circle, take it to the professionals. Always make sure your professional checks the label when you hand over the cleaning!
Group 2) Washing: Symbols can contain various maximum temperatures indicated and they are always specified in Centigrade, so for the US take that into account and convert to Fahrenheit. Here is a list of the most commonly used indicators:
30˚C = 85˚ F - Cool;
40˚C = 105˚F - Warm;
50˚C = 120˚F - Hot;
60˚C = 140˚F - Hot;
70˚C = 160˚F - Hot;
95˚C = 200˚F - Boiling (almost);
It is assumed that most symbols are for Machine washing, so be sure to check the controls on your washing machine and familiarize yourself with the manual - it really does make a difference!
Group 3) Bleach: We do not advocate using bleach as it can weaken and discolor fabrics. If you must use bleach use a chlorine-free version.
Group 4) Drying: As in Washing, this mostly refers to Machine drying, but that can be too aggressive for some fabrics. Ideally remove linens from the dryer whilst still slightly damp.
Group 5) Ironing: Man-made articles should always be ironed with a cool setting. High quality cotton and linen, like Schweitzer’s, should be ironed damp, never dry, use a spray bottle if needed. Always iron on the reverse side, usually with a “hot” or “cotton” setting.
Print the full chart.
I hope you find this information useful and if you want to print a complete chart to pin up in your wash room click the thumbnail below to open or download the full Schweitzer Linen laundry Label Chart PDF,
It is formatted to fit on a standard 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper.
See also: Care & Washing Instructions
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laundry_symbol
http://www.ginetex.net/files/pdf/gin_pfle_bro_ch_gb_web_rz.pdf
http://www.textileaffairs.com/c-common.html
http://www.care-labelling.co.uk/whatsymbolsmean.html
http://www.care-labelling.co.uk/whatsymbolsmean.html
https://www.persil.co.uk/laundry-tips/wash-care-symbols
https://www.persil.co.uk/laundry-tips/wash-care-symbols/
https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/oca-bc.nsf/eng/ca02009.html
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