Bedding care: what you need to know about quality natural fabrics

Natural bedding requires the right kind of care to serve you as long as possible. Not complicated care — but attentive care.

Here are the things worth understanding and keeping in mind:

First — shrinkage in natural fabrics.

All natural bedding shrinks slightly — and this is completely normal. It is a natural response of the fiber to water and temperature. Acceptable shrinkage levels are accounted for during the manufacturing process — typically around 1–2 cm after the first wash.

This natural shrinkage is actually a sign that you are dealing with a genuinely natural fabric — not a material with synthetic additives.

Second — it's best to wash bedding before use.

Even a brand-new set has traveled a long road: manufacturing, stitching, packaging, transportation, storage. A gentle wash before first use is therefore not just a matter of hygiene — it's a way of "opening up" the fabric.

A new set should always be rinsed in cool water (approximately 20°C). This is not only a hygienic step — it softens the fabric and helps it come into its own.

Third — inspect before washing.

Of course, bedding goes through careful inspection at every stage of production. But life is life: something unexpected can happen during transit, fabric can fade under strong direct sunlight, or simply human error — something slipping past unnoticed.

If the bedding hasn't been washed yet, you can always exchange or return it if something isn't right. Once it's been washed, that's no longer possible. That's why it's worth examining the set carefully before first use.

Fourth — dry cleaning.

Bedding can, and from time to time ideally should, be taken to a dry cleaner. But here it's important to be confident in the quality of the service.

We have seen more than a few cases where aggressive cleaning agents damaged the fabric, and the blame was then placed on the "quality of the bedding." In reality, cleaning products vary enormously, and the outcome depends directly on them.

For our part, we recommend our partner — the Mink dry cleaning service.

Fifth — washing temperature.

There is no need to subject your bedding to high temperatures.

There is a misconception that has lingered from older generations — that bedding should be washed at 60–90°C. In the vast majority of cases, there is absolutely no need for this. 30–40°C is more than sufficient.

High temperatures break down fibers, affect color, and shorten the lifespan of the fabric.

The exception is when a doctor specifically advises otherwise — for example, in cases of allergies or heightened sensitivity.

How to care for natural bedding

To keep your bedding beautiful, pleasurable, and cozy for years to come, a few simple rules are all you need.

Don't overload the washing machine. The ideal fill is around 50% of the drum. Only then does the fabric actually get clean, rather than simply being shuffled around.

How often you wash depends on the season and your personal preference. The general recommendation is every 7–10 days in summer, and every 10–14 days in winter.

Always wash on a delicate cycle at 30–40°C. Use gentle laundry detergents. And always read the care label — every fabric has its own requirements.

Wash light, colored, and dark fabrics separately. This helps preserve both color and fiber structure. Before loading the machine, make sure that any other items washed alongside your bedding are colorfast. No fabric quality can protect against color damage caused by careless combinations in the wash.

During washing, small particles may sometimes be released from between the fibers and settle on the machine door. This is an entirely natural process with some natural fabrics — nothing to be concerned about.

Avoid fabric softeners — they can damage the fabric structure and cause yellowing. The same applies to bleach and aggressive cleaning agents.

Dry your bedding immediately after washing. If using a tumble dryer, select the delicate setting. Important: machine drying is strictly prohibited for silk, and not recommended for bamboo.

Ironing: sets made from stonewashed cotton and soft French linen don't necessarily need ironing — their natural texture already creates a sense of warmth and ease. However, for a neater appearance and a more pleasant feel against the skin, ironing is still advisable. If you do iron, do so immediately after drying, at the temperature indicated on the care label. Note: bamboo must not be ironed at temperatures above 110°C, and steam or water spray should not be used on it.

Pay attention to products applied to your skin before bed. Oils, acids, and cosmetics can be highly aggressive and may affect the fabric, altering its color. Silk is especially sensitive in this regard — even creams that haven't fully absorbed can leave marks.

For storage, fabric bags and natural aromatic sachets work best. They help the bedding retain its freshness, scent, and color for longer. Textile sprays can be used for an added effect. It's also advisable to keep bedding away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light, as these can cause uneven fading wherever the fabric comes into contact with the source.

A few times a year, it's worth having the items you sleep with — pillows, duvets, mattress toppers, and bedding — professionally cleaned (exceptions: bamboo, silk, and linen). Over time, dust particles, micro-elements, and other matter accumulate inside them and can affect your health.

Special care for silk

Silk requires particularly delicate handling.

It should only be washed by hand at a temperature no higher than 30°C. Turn the item inside out before washing.

Wash with great care and always separately from other items, as silk can lose color during washing and bleed onto other fabrics.

Avoid wringing forcefully.

Machine drying and spin cycles are strictly prohibited.

Use detergents specifically formulated for silk — ordinary washing powder can damage both the fiber and the color.

• Do not use fabric softeners.
• Bleaching is not permitted.
• Dry cleaning is allowed.

It is also important to keep silk away from deodorants, alcohol-based cosmetics, perfumes, and hair dye. Direct sunlight and heavy perspiration can also alter its color and break down the fiber.

You are always welcome to reach out to us for advice on care, product recommendations, or trusted services.

Go to sleep and wake up with a sense of love — for yourself and for the world.

Home me — bedding made with care for you and your sleep.

About Home me

At the Home me online bedding store, you can browse and purchase natural fabric bedding designed with care for longevity and ease of maintenance. We work with cotton, bamboo, linen, and silk, selecting materials that are not only beautiful but retain their qualities with proper use.

With us, you can purchase a premium bedding set, find the perfect pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers, and complete your bedroom with throws, pillows, and sleep accessories. All our pieces are designed to work together, so you can create different moods in your space without any complicated decisions.

Ordering bedding online is straightforward — browse, choose what you need, place your order in just a few minutes, and receive it by whichever delivery method suits you best.

Proper care preserves the quality of the things we love. And the right textile creates the feeling of a home you never want to leave.

Our partner: MINK

MINK is a service that takes professional care of your favorite things, freeing you up to spend time on what matters most to you.

Getting started is simple: in Kyiv, a courier collects and returns your items directly from your door, and from anywhere else in Ukraine, orders can be sent via Nova Poshta.

The MINK team handles all the routine and complex care — from cleaning everyday clothing and footwear to washing bulky duvets and pillows, and even mattress cleaning at home — so that your home always stays clean, safe, and cozy.

Exclusively for Home me customers:

•  -20% on dry cleaning of home items (duvets, throws, bedspreads, curtains, etc.)
•  "2+1: the third pillow cleaned as a gift"

Website: https://mink.ua