Loving Your Linen Closet

Hi there.  Today's tips are ones that I found in a VERY helpful "How To" while casually flipping through a recent issue of Good Housekeeping.  Now, as I promised, here is all of the information for you to track down this article if you'd like to read more and for me to give credit where credit is due, seeing as how these tips are not my own but ones I found and wanted to share with you.  This is from Feb 2012's Good Housekeeping CMG08345 Vol 254 No.2

Now for the good stuff, a question that I'm often asked is "What do you recommend doing with my sheets when I'm not using them?" This article that I came across took that question and answers not only the sheet portion but also throws in tips for towels and a little organization as well.

"Start at the top. Put clean out-of-season covers out of sight on the top shelf. But don't stash them in their original plastic packaging-it prevents the fabric from "breathing" and can lead to mildew. Just fold, or cinch in a cotton or mesh drawstring laundry bag to keep them tidy without trapping moisture.

Straighten out the shelves.  Try clip-on shelf dividers to keep stacks from toppling; bins to hold overflow toiletries or toilet paper; and adhesive labels for shelf edges.  To make linen piles even less jumble-prone, here's how to fold:
          Towels GHRI's linen gurus fold theirs into thirds. Why? They fit better in the closet and look nicer when put out. Organize by set rather than by type, so they'll be grab-and-go. (Place washcloths flat on top or folded in a bin to the side so they won't get lost.)
          Sheets Place the flat and fitted ones, folded, inside the pillowcases to save space.  To keep sets' sizes straight, color-code the tags with a permanent marker dot and group accordingly as they come out of the wash.

What to purge when it comes to towels and sheets.  On laundry day, take a hard look at what's left in the linen closet (and may have been lingering for years).  Then repurpose it as rags or press cloths, stash in the car for padding cargo or cleaning spills, or donate to an animal shelter for use as pet bedding."

I really loved this little "How To" article because in addition to some great organizational tips, it also urges you to declutter while you're at it.  Also, without meaning to, they're stressing the importance of having more than one set of sheets per bed.  Only having and using one set of sheets will not only wear your sheets out much faster, but it can also leave you in a huge lurch when and if something happens to your top or bottom sheet.  What I usually recommend is having at least one extra set of sheets and alternate between them every time you wash your bedding.  This will allow at least a week or two of  "rest" for the fabric from wear and tear.  Some people change their entire bedding seasonally, which allows your linens even more "rest" between uses.

Thanks for reading, and remember to "comment" or email me any time with any questions you may have regarding your linens.