moon on a leash

TIPS & TRICKS FOR 
THE LINEN CLOSET

The internet is a magical place. Is there anything you can't learn how to do? I've come across a great deal of wonderful ideas on Pinterest and other sites recently, and I thought it only fair to share these tips and tricks with you. So I'm dedicating Wednesdays to KNOW HOWS! Because who couldn't use a great idea to get them through hump day...

First off this week, we're talking linen closets and all the organization and maintenance tips that come along with it. Let's take a note from HGTV, and learn the basics of a clean and well maintained linen closet. (I bet there are some things on here you didn't even know...)

1. STORE CLEAN AND DRY. This includes one time-used sheets, and tale cloths. Hidden stains will harden and discolor during storage and body odors can cause mildew to spread to all of your linens.

2. KEEP COOL, DARK, AND DRY. It's important to keep your linens dry. You don't mildew growing in your closet. If moisture is an issue in your home, add some packaged de-humidifying granules to help keep the moisture away.

3. TAKE TURNS. Rotate your linens. This will ensure that they are constantly kept clean.

4. REFOLD. If you have linens that aren't in active use, refold them once or twice a year to prevent permanent creases.

5. AVOID CARDBOARD. While cardboard boxes may seem like a great way to keep your linens organize, choose plastic containers instead. The acids in the cardboard easily transfer to the fabric, and causes yellowing and damage. The glue between the layers in the cardboard also attracts pests which after feeding on the glue, will then transfer and feed on your linens.

6. STORE SWEET AND FRESH. Tuck fabric softener sheets or sachet bags into your linen closet to keep you fabrics smelling fresh and clean.

7. MAKE BEDDING BUNDLES. An easy way to keep your sheets with their matching pillowcases (check out a how to guide below).

8. USE THE SHELF SYSTEM. Basically this means keep like things together. Sort by different shelves or label specific areas for different items. This will make it easy to locate what you need, and will avoid confusion and chaos later.

9. INTRODUCE A FAMILY COLOR STRATEGY. Design a color coding system for each person in your family (i.e. Solids for adults, patterned for kids, etc). This will make it easy to find what you are looking for at a glance.

10. MAKE BATH BUNDLES. To make it easy to replace full sets of bath towels, create pre-rolled bath bundles.  Place a folded hand towel and washcloth in the center of a folded bath towel and roll together.

LINENS

A great way to find your matching linens at a glance is to store them all together. Fold your fitted sheet, top sheet, and any additional pillow cases, and tuck them into a matching pillow case. 

And what's the best way to fold your sheets, you ask? Here's an easy, know how:

PILLOW CASES. These look prettiest when you avoid a crease down the middle. Grab the pillow cases by the top corner and shake it smooth. Fold in half lengthwise, then in half again. You'll have a long strip, which you can then gently fold in half, then in quarters to store.

FLAT SHEETS. Fold in half lengthwise, then quarter them, and then fold in half again. 

FITTED SHEETS. We all know fitted sheets are a pain to fold. Try following the diagram below for a simple solution to your fitted sheet nightmares!

TOWELS

Folding in quarters makes sense for small towels such as hand towels and washcloths. For larger towel, we recomend rolling them individually to keep them more easily accessible in the closet. Try out the bath bundle of washcloth, hand, and bath towel describes in step 9 above to keep your pairings together!

CLOSET DOOR STORAGE

When storage space is an issue, you have to take advantage of all the corners you can find. Try these great closet door solutions to make the most of your space!

Hang towel racks on the door for easy-reach towels.

Add a shoe organizer to store first aid kits, bath toys, extra soap, shampoo and other toiletries.

Add hooks to store bathrobes!

DRY & FRESH

A great way to keeping your linens dry and odor-less is by placing a box of baking soda and de-humidifying granules throughout your closet.

To keep your linens smelling fresh and sweet, try adding sachet bags or dryer sheets in between items!

Learn something new everyday :)