If only I had known this earlier! 8 tricks for storing and ironing bed linen and blankets

After the warm months arrive, the housewife has a lot to do: she needs to put winter clothes in the wardrobe for storage, pack and hide warm blankets. Bulk bedding takes up a lot of space; in addition, they unfold, move apart and do not maintain a compact shape. But what to do if there is absolutely no free space in the closet? There are several methods for folding a blanket compactly, turning it into a neat bundle that takes up minimal space on the mezzanine or in the chest of drawers.

With elastic band

Often the bedding set includes a sheet with an elastic band. Initially, such textiles were popular in the West, and our housewives adopted them relatively recently. It’s worth touching on the question of how to fold a large sheet with an elastic band:

  • lay out the sheet and stretch it along its entire length, straighten the corners;
  • connect the upper corner with the lower one located on the same side of the sheet;
  • the next corner needs to be placed under the two that you connected before;
  • the fourth corner needs to be tucked under all three corners, in a similar way you should get a rectangle;
  • a folded sheet can be rolled up and tied with ribbon or an elastic band.

How to easily tuck a blanket

If your duvet “monster” eats up a lot of time and effort when changing the duvet cover, then this life hack will make life much easier. But it is only suitable for underwear with a cutout on the smaller side.

Method to tuck a blanket faster:

  1. Place the duvet cover turned inside out on the bed with the neckline facing up.
  2. Lay the blanket flat on top of it and bend its bottom corners so that the bottom is angular.
  3. Fold the linen fabric on top as well.
  4. Start rolling the blanket from the bottom.
  5. Turn the finished “roll” through the cutout and straighten it.

The duvet is tucked into the duvet cover in less than two minutes.

How to compactly fold bedding in a closet

  • Each item in the closet should take up as little space as possible in the closet. To do this, you need to improve your folding skills.
  • When removing any item from the closet, the order inside should not be disturbed.
  • All things in the closet should be visible.

Procedure for the KonMari technique:

  1. The first step is to empty the closet shelves, while simultaneously getting rid of unnecessary things.
  2. Sort the remaining laundry into categories. Duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets are not recommended to be stored together.
  3. Place things carefully so that the piles of laundry do not touch each other, following the rules of the KonMari method.

How to fold a bedding set correctly

For efficient and compact folding, there is a method called "Pocket". How to put laundry in a pocket:

  1. Fold the duvet cover 4 times and smooth it out so that there are no creases or folds.
  2. A sheet folded 6 times and a pillowcase are placed on it and also smoothed out.
  3. Fold the resulting rectangle from the bottom side to half of it, and fold the top part on top of the bottom.
  4. Fold the set on one side. There should be a small pocket.
  5. Place the remaining side into this pocket.

Folding laundry with elastic

Today, bed linen with elastic is quite popular. This is due to its convenience and practicality. Folding algorithm:

  1. Straighten it with your hands so that there are no creases when folding.
  2. Insert one of the corners into the other. Place the third and fourth corners in the same way.
  3. The resulting rectangle needs to be smoothed out again.
  4. Collapse to catch a cold. The elastic band should be inside.
  5. Fold the sheet again. This square is ready to be moved to the closet.

We put the kits into rolls

In this form, the linen accessories take up very little space, look neat and are easy to remove. If you are not afraid of creases, then this option is for you:

  1. Fold a sheet or duvet cover into a middle rectangle.
  2. Do the same with the remaining components, reducing the size by two to three times.
  3. Place the smaller rectangle in the center of the larger one and roll everything into a “roll”.
  4. To prevent laundry from falling apart, fold the rolls seam side down.

Instead of a large rectangle, you can take a pillowcase as a base and put everything inside, and then roll it up.

Basic Rules

Storing bed linen in an apartment is regulated by some simple rules. Before the set is put away in the closet, it must be washed and completely dried to prevent mold from appearing. Washing should be done at a temperature of at least 60 degrees, ideally using a fabric softener.

It is correct to store it in a place protected from changes in temperature and humidity, that is, away from the bathroom and heating devices. Otherwise, it is likely that parasites will appear.

In addition, it is important that the fabric is not exposed to direct sunlight - they contribute to fading of the fabric and drying out of the fibers

In order for all the laundry to fit in one closet, it is wise to have a fixed number of sets, which will be enough to meet the needs of the family, and not allow them to “multiply” with spontaneous purchases or ill-considered gifts. It’s good if, lying on the shelves, it is turned inside out.

If in the room where the kits are stored, bugs with dust mites are noticed, or there is obvious dampness, then the fabric will have to be ironed regularly. A similar procedure is carried out so that there is no specific smell. To keep laundry fresh longer, it should not be placed in plastic bags. It is possible to add a pleasant aroma to the cabinet compartment by placing fragrances or sprigs of lavender inside.

The average shelf life of duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases is about 5 years, although the exact number of years depends on the type of fabric. For example, artificial silk and satin can be used for 10 years, and natural silk even longer - as much as 15. Sleeping sets should be changed in a timely manner, without waiting for them to be completely worn out or even destroyed.

Useful tips

To ensure that your bed linen lasts as long as possible, you should:

  • change kits at least once every 7 days;
  • wash items in accordance with all instructions on the manufacturer's label;
  • dry the products in the fresh air (at least in a ventilated area);
  • store laundry inside out;
  • Store pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets separately;
  • in cases where sets of linen are stored in one place, wrap the sheets and duvet covers with a pillowcase (the set of linen can also be tied with a ribbon or string for convenience);

  • divide sets of linen by season: separately - lighter and summer ones, separately - winter ones;
  • use specially designed fragrances, soaps or herbs to give your laundry a pleasant and fresh smell.

Thus, you have become familiar with all the secrets of proper storage of bed linen. If you follow these simple tips, your products will last for quite a long time and will be in good condition.

Remember that the quality of your rest largely depends on the quality of your bedding.

Instructions for folding bed linen are in the video below.

In your pocket

Convenient method of storing kits. Use step-by-step instructions in pictures:

  1. Spread the duvet cover, fold it 4 times, smooth out any unevenness or creases.
  2. Fold the sheet on top, folded 6-8 times, depending on the size.
  3. Next are the pillowcases. Smooth out with your hands.
  4. Fold the left edge to the center by a third of the width.
  5. Fold the right side over the left. You will get a long strip.
  6. Fold the left side of the fabric strip 2/5 towards the center. A piece equal to 1/5 of the entire length should be visible from underneath it.
  7. Spread the resulting pocket, insert the free edge of the right side.
  8. It should be a rectangle or square, depending on the size of the bed linen. Place the folded set on a shelf or in an organizer.

Folding bed linen using the “pocket” methodAdvantages:

  • An even, compact package that retains its shape.
  • The edges do not puff up, do not come out, and are easy to take out.

Minus:

Need training. Folding is difficult the first time, but once you master the technique, the process will not take much time.

Using any option for folding bed linen, you can forget about ironing. Careful smoothing with your hands replaces ironing.

Classic method


Linen in the closet in stacks using the classic method

The essence of this method is the traditional storage of linen sets in piles. In order to take up less space in the closet, an important step is preliminary ironing: this will allow you to fold things as compactly as possible.

After washing the clothes, it is very important to iron them - ironed clothes will take up less space in the closet

The ironing process can be replaced by thoroughly shaking items before drying. True, shaking a duvet cover or sheet so that they become more or less even is not so easy: you will need a certain force.

After ironing, sets of linen must be sorted into sets

The items of the set are neatly folded, corner to corner, into small rectangles (for example, double duvet covers or sheets are folded approximately ten times, pillowcases - four times) and placed on top of each other in piles. The stacks are then placed on a closet shelf or dresser drawer.


Option for storing bed linen in piles


A hanging fabric shelf has proven itself to be excellent for storing bed linen.

The disadvantages of the method are the difficulty in removing linen from the shelves: with a high degree of probability, when you try to get one set, you will touch or crush another.

With this storage option it is inconvenient to remove the set from the shelf

You can sort your laundry into sets and tie them with a beautiful ribbon

Storage rules

To do this, listen to a few tips:

  1. By placing the set in vacuum bags, you not only increase its service life, but also protect your bed from dust, parasites and insects.
  2. You can provide yourself with a place to store towels by hanging an additional shelf in the bathroom. But for this, a normal level of air ventilation must be provided in the bathroom.
  3. We do not recommend storing children's sets in the same closet as adults: they will get confused, and you will have to measure extra steps around the apartment. Modern children's beds are often equipped with a drawer for linen - use it for its intended purpose, and not for toys.
  4. If adult sets are changed twice a week and washed at 60-90° C, it is not necessary to iron them; it is enough to dry them flat in a well-ventilated area. In other cases, ironing is required.
  5. The ideal option is to iron your clothes before making your bed. During storage, “guests” could settle in it: microbes and micromites. Ironing will remove them.
  6. If you have beautiful silk linen, be sure to put anti-moth repellent on the dresser shelves and in the pillowcase with the set.
  7. We do not recommend storing bedding near heating devices: places with high temperatures breed parasites and microorganisms.
  8. Fabric fiber will become brittle and dry if it is constantly exposed to direct sunlight. The linen fades and loses its attractive appearance and color.
  9. When storing seasonal linen for long-term storage, be sure to periodically unroll the sheets and fold them again. Otherwise, all the bends will not straighten out after making the bed. In addition, it will protect against dampness, moths and other troubles.
  10. Before putting it in the chest of drawers, it is not enough to simply iron the wet laundry with a hot iron. It must be completely dried and only then ironed, otherwise the smell and mold will affect the set.
  11. Do not try to use the bed for as long as possible; sheets or pillowcases made of calico are guaranteed to last no more than 7 years, satin - up to 10 years, and natural silk does not lose its quality for 15 years.
  12. To prevent stains from appearing on linen, especially white ones, from nowhere, rinse the linen thoroughly when washing. Most often, yellowness is caused by conditioner that has not been washed out of the fibers.
  13. If your home is damp, open cabinets regularly for airing to prevent mold.

In conclusion, some tips on caring for the material. Linen is replaced as it gets dirty, but at least once every 7-10 days. When washing, set the maximum temperature allowed by the manufacturer. To add frosty freshness, you don’t always need to use a promotional product - just hang it out in the open air, and the freshness of your laundry will be ensured.

Try to combine changing your bed with washing. The longer the kit sits dirty, the more difficult it will be to clean, and an unpleasant odor will appear.

And one last thing. If you have 10 or more sets of linen in your closet for a family of 2 parents and 1 adult child, simply donate the excess to friends or people in need. The times when bedding cost exorbitant amounts of money and constituted a dowry for young girls are gone. A maximum of 5 sets are required for such a family, including one spare for guests.

We suggest you read: Small bed bugs

Remember - by correctly arranging bed linen in the closet and ensuring optimal storage conditions, you extend its service life and save money on the family budget.

How to fold a blanket into a pillow

There is another “tricky” way of compact folding - turning a blanket into a pillow. This way you can turn one sleeping accessory into another. This will not only free up space inside the furniture, but can also help you out in an unforeseen situation. What if a lot of guests arrive, but there aren’t enough pillows for everyone?

You can describe in detail, step by step in words, how to do this. But it’s better to see once than to read 100 times! So watch the video, practice, and you will succeed!

The method is not easy, but this is only at first glance. Once you practice a couple of times, even huge double blankets will succumb to you!

We have shared with you two life hacks on how to fold a blanket quickly, compactly and securely. With these simple secrets, you will save a lot of free space in closets, chests of drawers and on mezzanines. The vacuum bag will keep your bedding perfectly clean, and with the second method you will get an extra pillow.

We hope that you received valuable and necessary information. If you have your own secrets for folding things compactly, share them in the comments. We will be very grateful to you!

Bulky blankets and pillows cause a lot of trouble, especially if they are not used, but only get in the way and take up space in the closet. If throwing away or giving away is not an option, then just try to fold the blanket and pillows compactly. We reveal two simple ways to do this.

How to fold bedding using the KonMari method

First of all, you need to empty the closet by completely removing things. At the same time, sorting occurs into old, unnecessary and those that will be left behind.

Selected bedding sets are sorted into categories. This is the first storage option. With this method, KonMari recommends storing pillowcases, sheets, and duvet covers in separate piles. Place neatly folded bedding on a shelf with maximum visual accessibility.

In the photo below, the underwear is sorted into categories, placed like a book file cabinet, and every item is visible and easily accessible.

According to Marie Kondo's method

Japanese woman Marie Kondo has developed her own way of folding and storing laundry. Apartments in Japan, like furniture, do not have a lot of free space, which sets strict conditions for organizing the storage of linen.

Basic principles of the method:

  • minimal space for each item;
  • retrieving any item without disturbing order;
  • all items in the closet should be visible.

The author of the idea offers the following instructions for tidying up your closet:

  1. The shelves are emptied, and the laundry is sorted out for old and unnecessary items - things that will be thrown away.
  2. The sets are sorted by category: pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets are recommended to be stored in different piles.
  3. Things are stacked so that they are all accessible for viewing, and so that when removing one of them the order of the others is not disturbed: for this they are folded into a rectangle and stored in a vertical position.

Preparation

It is worth taking care of the condition of the duvet covers, pillowcases and sheets themselves. Ironed items are more convenient to fold, and they become much smaller in volume and can be placed more compactly. Therefore, one of the main points of cleaning the closet is ironing the bedding sets. Many housewives use the steam function when ironing clothes. This helps remove wrinkles better. And if you add 1-2 drops of aromatic oil to the water, the bedding will not only be smooth and neat, but will also literally begin to smell fragrant. To prevent wrinkles from appearing on clothes, before ironing they must be shaken and spread well on the surface of the ironing board.

Interesting: How to Store Onions at Home in an Apartment

To arrange the kits conveniently, it is advisable to sort them. Indeed, in the cold season and summer, most people use different bedding. If it's winter outside, you'll need sets made of thicker fabric. They should be placed closer, while light summer linen can be put away deep in the shelves. During the warm season, bedding is sorted in the opposite way, as lightweight and breathable pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets will be used.

Helpful storage tips

To ensure that your laundry lasts longer and is not damaged during storage, here are some care recommendations:

  1. If you have time, do not neglect ironing your bedding. This makes them easier to fold, and additional heat treatment never hurts.
  2. Have two similar or identical sets. If you need to change one pillowcase or just the sheet, the rest of the linen won't get mixed up.
  3. Buy or make your own fastenings for the sheet so that it does not slide off the mattress.

Bed linen with elastic

Scheme for folding laundry with an elastic band

Recently, sheets with elastic have become increasingly popular: they are easy to use, practical, and do not bunch up after sleep. However, it may be difficult to roll them neatly when storing them.

For sheets with elastic, there is an option not only for folding, but also for twisting

There is an easy way to compactly roll up fitted sheets. To do this, you need to straighten the sheet and place all its corners one by one. In the resulting rectangle, you need to straighten out all the folds, and then fold it in a way that is convenient (depending on the chosen storage method).

A simple method for small and large fitted sheets

The optimal number of sets of linen for one family


There are never too many bedding sets, every woman understands this. Previously, the entire range was limited only to white lingerie, but nowadays you can find sets of any color, quality and for any budget. I don’t want to limit myself with such a large choice. Still, let’s figure out what the optimal amount of bed linen is needed for one family.

Let’s say 3 people (mom, dad and child) permanently live in an apartment. Accordingly, their home has 2 sleeping places. For each of them you need 2 sets of bed linen (permanent and replacement). Another bedding set is needed in case guests spend the night. It turns out that the optimal amount of bedding for a family of three is 5 pieces.

So we looked at simple and practical ways to fold bed linen. They will help you not only bring order to your closet, but also prevent chaos. After some time, you will forget some of what you read in this article, but the skills you learn will remain forever.

You will also find this video about convenient storage of bed linen in a closet useful.

Bamboo bed linen, consider what kind of material it is

How to whiten bed linen at home

Rules for storing bed linen

It is not enough to put the bedding in the closet beautifully using ideas. Storing laundry involves a number of rules that significantly extend its service life.

We recommend reading: How to remove brilliant green from leatherette and other materials

How to fold bed linen in a closet

To economically distribute space on the shelves, you can fold bed linen in any convenient way. However, this is not enough

To prevent it from becoming damp and smelling bad, it is important to keep it completely dry. After ironing with steam, the set must cool down so that all moisture is removed from it.


All textiles in the closet are folded so that it is well ventilated

If things are stored on a shelf in a closet without packaging, then you need to protect them from moths and other insects. For this purpose, aromatic sachets, pieces of laundry soap with a pleasant smell, citrus peels and scented scarves are used. They are laid out between the linen, thereby giving it an aroma of freshness.

Particular attention should be paid to textiles made from natural silk. It is most often affected by moths, which is why the use of pest control products is an urgent need

Advice! It is best to store bedding on a shelf in drawers or boxes with holes for ventilation.

How to pack bed linen

Plastic bags for storing laundry are not suitable, even if this is the original packaging. The bedding quickly acquires an unpleasant musty smell. It is best to put kits that are intended for long-term storage in vacuum bags for things. They reliably protect against dust, moisture, pollution, and various insects. And most importantly, the laundry stays fresh.

Vacuum-packed laundry becomes several times smaller, which significantly saves space

How to fold bed linen in a chest of drawers

A separate chest of drawers for storing bed linen and towels is an excellent option. In deep drawers, textiles retain their qualities well. However, you need to choose a suitable place for the furniture. It should be in a dry room, because the temperature and humidity in the room should not change much. This causes textiles to deteriorate during storage. Mold spots and an unpleasant odor appear on it.

Before putting sets in dresser drawers, you need to make sure that they do not allow direct sunlight to pass through and that they close tightly. Otherwise, the laundry will dry out, become shabby and lose color. White may have yellow stains that cannot be washed. However, you need to ventilate the chest of drawers regularly so that the textiles do not acquire a musty smell and moths do not settle on them.

It is most convenient to fold textiles in a chest of drawers in a vertical way. The drawers are quite narrow and deep, all sets will be visible. And it’s very easy to get them out, without having to disturb the entire row. The order in such a chest of drawers will remain for a long time.

Many housewives prefer to fold textiles according to seasonality. Bedding that is not currently in use is sent to the lowest drawers. It is packaged according to all rules.


All textiles are sorted for convenience.

Comment! It is not the best option to put textiles for storage in bedside drawers or ottomans. There is too little space for normal organization.

How to fold bed linen in a suitcase

When planning a trip, you need to pack your suitcase compactly and don’t forget about your bed linen. So that it takes up less space and is easy to get, it is better not to stack it.


It’s more convenient to fold the kit and things into a roll, then even a small suitcase will fit everything you need

Experienced housewives advise putting bedding and other bulky items in vacuum bags that take up little space. They are very comfortable and you can put your used laundry in them on the way back.

And finally, about the service life of bed linen. Housewives don’t even think about this parameter. And in vain! Each fabric has its own wear resistance, which depends not only on quality, but also on storage conditions.

Bedding designed for winter is made from flannel fabrics, which, if properly used, will last on average about five years

Such kits are short-lived, so they need to be treated with extreme caution.

Calico of medium density will last a little longer. The kits will have to be replaced after 7-9 years.

Natural fabrics of the highest quality, such as cotton and linen, will last up to 10 years. Bedding made of artificial silk and satin - from 10 to 12 years. Underwear made from natural silk is rightfully considered the most durable. Its service life reaches 15 years.

Methods for storing underwear in the closet

Underwear can be stored both on a closet shelf and in a chest of drawers. In most cases, wardrobes are equipped with drawers for storing clothes and small accessories. You can organize the space in sections using organizers. Such devices are sold ready-made. You can also make them yourself.

If there are no drawers

If you don't have a box, you can use empty shoe boxes. They help you sort accessories by type. Lace fabrics, textured wallpaper, and other available materials are suitable for decorating the lid.

Boxes from other things are also suitable for storing laundry

Special organizers

Organizers are ready-made structures made of plastic, thick cardboard, covered with fabric. The number of storage compartments is one or many small compartments, depending on the purpose. Bras and panties are compactly placed in the cells.


Organizers for underwear

Cardboard packaging from underwear orders

High-quality underwear is always sold in tight boxes. After the next purchase of a new set of packaging, it is better not to throw it away. You can store tights, a belt and stocking holders, and boudoir accessories in them.

Plastic dividers

Separating structures come in a standard rectangular shape, honeycomb type. Used to organize the filling of boxes.

Honeycomb separators come in plastic and rag

Vertical organizers

The small closet uses vertical designs. The devices consist of a body with shelves made of dense materials. The second option is mobile cases with transparent pockets. Attached to the hanger rod and internal elements of the wardrobe.

Cases with transparent pockets - vertical storage method

Hangers

If you have enough space in the dressing room, you can organize the placement of linen on hangers. It's hard to imagine a better way to store bras. This will allow you to quickly find the right set and avoid deformation of the cups.

Storage on hangers takes up a lot of space

Organize your closet: 5 clever ways to fold shirts, laundry and more

The weekend is the perfect time to do some household chores. We have already talked about several life hacks that will make cleaning easier, and now we suggest you take care of cabinets and shelves. We have collected several video instructions that will help you fold things more efficiently and save space.

How to organize things in a closet

Asos' universal guide: This explains how to fold jeans, sweaters, T-shirts and underwear, and the best way to store them (hint: everything you put in dresser drawers should be placed vertically). Bonus of the video - instructions on how to hang a pantsuit in a closet. Once you have mastered these methods, you can improve your skills—for example, study popular methods on the Internet for folding T-shirts and socks.

How to fit a mountain of underwear into a drawer

You've probably heard about Marie Kondo's cleaning method: she turned tidying up her house into her life's work and now teaches it to others. If you are not ready to apply all its principles, you can limit yourself to individual practical video tutorials - for example, on how to ergonomically fold underwear and socks in a small drawer.

How to fold a shirt

The easiest way to fold shirts is similar to how you fold sweaters and T-shirts, but there are some differences. First of all, buttons.

It is not necessary, as in this video, to button up the whole shirt - just button the first, last and one in the middle. Otherwise everything is pretty easy.

If you can’t fold your clothes evenly, you can use a folder or a special board.

How to fold bed linen

There is nothing difficult about folding bed linen: the only item that may be difficult is a sheet with an elastic band. A video from furniture and home decor brand West Elm explains how to deal with this.

At first it seems that everything is not easy, but after a little practice it will be easy for you. In order to save space and not frantically search for linen from one set, the sheet can be stored in one of the pillowcases.

How to put things in a suitcase

This Heathrow Airport video gives you some simple but effective tips on how to pack for your trip.

There are general recommendations (pick out the items you want to take with you, then feel free to set aside a third of them - you'll probably need a lot less clothes than you think) and small tricks (fold your socks in your boots - this will save some space ). The authors of the video say that they were guided by the life hacks of pilots and flight attendants - those who regularly pack their suitcases.

Cover: heinteh – stock.adobe.com

Vertical method

Marie Kondo's method - vertical storage method

This method of folding bed linen came to us from Japan. Things are rolled up not into flat rectangles, but into thick rolls, and are not placed on top of each other, but placed in rows.

Vertical method of storing linen with storing bed linen in rolls

So, if a standard duvet cover folded in the classical way is folded three more times (of course, it all depends on the size), then the result will be a small rectangular package, and it must be stored by “placing” it on the narrow part. Sheets and pillowcases are “placed” side by side.


You can store packages in baskets or boxes if the shelves are inconvenient for vertical storage

This option for storing laundry is convenient because you can immediately find the desired accessories, and getting them out is quite easy.


Vertically folded bed linen in a dresser drawer - you can easily leave the necessary set without touching the rest

However, things folded in this way require either a special niche or high chest of drawers: keeping them on a standard shelf in a regular closet is inconvenient.


Convenient vertical storage in drawers

Folding clothes and shoes

Cleaning using the KonMari method must be carried out in several stages. They usually sort out one category of things at a time. The best place to start cleaning is by cleaning out your closet or closets. The Japanese woman claims that if you sort things out gradually, over time the desire for change will decline. Therefore, it is better to do everything in one fell swoop.

The first thing you need to do is get rid of all unnecessary things. The contents of the cabinets must be taken out and placed on the bed or sofa. This will allow you to immediately assess the amount of work ahead. Next, all things must be divided into two main categories: those that will be used in the future, and those that will have to be thrown away. Marie Kondo recommends not to stand on ceremony and throw away all clothes that look bad or do not bring any pleasure to their owner.

When sorting out their wardrobe, many simply transfer things to the category of home clothes. But the Japanese woman does not advise doing this. Firstly, home clothes should also be neat and attractive. Secondly, if a person does not like a thing, he is unlikely to experience pleasure wearing it at home. Having gotten rid of everything unnecessary, you need to figure out how to properly fold the remaining things.

Things on hangers must be arranged according to a certain principle. One side of the closet is reserved for heavier and longer outfits. There are also items made from darker fabrics. The second side of the closet is reserved for lighter and lighter fabrics.

Marie Kondo uses a special system to store things on shelves. She recommends placing them in boxes not in a horizontal position, but in a vertical position. Coping with the task is quite simple. Each item of clothing should be folded into a simple rectangle. After this, all things should be placed on edge, folded into a box. This way you can fold T-shirts, sweaters, jeans and regular pants.

Socks and tights should be rolled into neat cylinders and then placed upright in a drawer. You need to fold your underpants using the same principle. It is most convenient to store them in a drawer or transparent container. You can buy this in many stores. Since all these things are used on a daily basis, the containers should be placed on shelves located at eye level.

Vertical storage of things allows you to free up a large amount of free space in the closet. In addition, in her book, Marie Kondo writes that in this way a person demonstrates his gratitude to things. This allows him to make his life more harmonious.

Fold the blanket into an envelope

A small sequence of steps will turn a large blanket into a compact square in less than a minute.

So, how to fold a blanket correctly to avoid falling apart during storage:

  1. Lay the blanket evenly on the bed or floor, straightening all the corners.
  2. Fold the long edge closest to you under the main mass approximately to the elbow or more.
  3. Fold the left side together with the folded part towards the center of the blanket.
  4. Place the remaining side on top of the left. It should be a rectangle.
  5. Fold the rectangle in half, turn it over to the other side and, grabbing the newly made pocket, turn it out, securing the entire structure.

Ready. The huge bedspread turned from a “monster” into a small princess pillow.

How to beautifully place towels in a closet.

Home/Interior/

01 Sep 2022 No

Learn how to fold towels in several different ways, step by step, and how to store things in your closet so that everything fits without taking up too much space. Sometimes even the largest closets have too little space, and many girls will most likely agree with this. In fact, girls simply do not know how to fold things correctly so that they are compact and do not take up all the free space. There are several options for not only folding towels easily and simply, but also beautifully.

Before putting towels in the closet, you must first fold them carefully using several methods, you can choose the one that suits you. Not only does the appearance depend on this, but also how much space the towels will take up and whether it will be convenient to get them out.

1. The fastest option. The main feature of this method is that you do not lay the towels on the surface, but fold them with your hands. Of course, at first it will turn out badly, but each time you will learn to do better. You need to take a towel, fold it in half horizontally and straighten it. Mentally divide the fold line into 3 parts, attach one edge to the other so that the towel folds three times. Now we align the edges, and we get a rectangle that needs to be folded in half again. Next we press it to the knee and look for the middle. Fold it in half again and straighten it out. You don’t have to fold it in half a second time and roll it into a roll.

2. Standard. This is also a simple method, but the towel is folded neatly and you get a compact stack. You need to lay the towel on a flat surface and straighten out any wrinkles. Fold it three times and mentally find the middle. Then, one by one, apply to the middle of the edge. After this, fold the towel in half. This method is great for large blankets that immediately turn into miniature bundles.

3. The French method. Housewives love this method because the edges of the towel can be folded inward and will not be visible. Therefore, even old rolls of towels will look beautiful and neat. The towel is also laid out on the surface and smoothed out so that there are no wrinkles. Mentally you need to find the middle length and attach the edges of the towel to it, then straighten it. Now the middle line in width is outlined, and the edges are also applied and straightened. It turns out to be an envelope that needs to be folded in half. If you have a small towel, then you can stop there, but for large ones you will have to take another step. We fold the towel three times and now it can be stored both horizontally and vertically.

4. Like in spas. The fabric needs to be rolled into a roller and at first this method seems unusual, but in fact it is convenient. This way, the towel will not wrinkle and will look attractive. How to properly roll a towel. The textile product is laid out on a flat surface and carefully straightened. One corner needs to be drawn to the opposite side and straightened. Then the strip is folded in half. And from the very end, the towel is rolled into a roll and directed towards a sharp corner. It should be a tight roll so it doesn't fall apart. It is better to turn the edge inward so as not to lose its shape.

5. According to the Konmari method. The famous home organization specialist Konmari came up with his own method for storing towels vertically. To do this, it is better to purchase a basket. The method is convenient and saves space, so you can see all the laundry that is on the shelf, because the piles will not interfere or block. The first action is the same as always. When the towel is laid out, you need to fold it in half lengthwise, and you get a narrow strip. Fold in half only across and straighten. It turns out to be a rectangle, which should be folded again in thirds. And now the towels can be put in the drawer. The expert advises arranging towels by color to make the drawer look attractive.

Basic folding methods

Regardless of what sets are in the closet - children's, one-and-a-half-size or family, they include at least three items (duvet cover, pillowcase, sheet). If you put each of them separately, you get a lot of things that are not easy to sort through and quickly get what you need.

The most common ways to fold bed linen include:

  • classical;
  • storage in a pillowcase;
  • vertical.

Classical

This method is considered the most common. After washing and drying, the laundry is ironed. As a result, it not only acquires a more aesthetic appearance, but also takes up less space. Pillowcases are folded correctly (corner to corner) 3-4 times in half, sheets and duvet covers - up to 6 times. Sets are assembled from ironed items and placed in a neat stack in a closet.

Vertical

The method was borrowed from the Japanese. Bedding items are folded not into rectangles, but into voluminous rolls. By folding a duvet cover or sheet not 6 times, but several more, you get a bundle that is stored, placed on the narrow part, vertically. Finding and retrieving sets folded in this way is not difficult, but they require a special shelf or chest of drawers. This option for storing bed linen is not suitable for a standard closet.

Set in pillowcase

The pillowcase storage method is convenient to use. The items in the kits do not get confused, they are very compactly located on the shelf, and they are easy to get out. To put bed linen in a pillowcase, you need to:

  1. Iron it with an iron.
  2. Carefully fold the sheets and duvet covers to fit into the pillowcase.
  3. Place in one pile.
  4. Place the entire set in a pillowcase, fold the edges and place it on the shelf.

With elastic band

Recently, sheets with elastic have become widespread; they are convenient to use, but difficult to fold so that it looks neat. According to one of the methods, it is necessary:

  1. Take the sheet by the centers of the short side and shake it.
  2. Place it in the shape of a hammock on a flat surface.
  3. Fold the edges with the elastic into the middle.
  4. Fold towards the smooth side twice.
  5. Turn over and fold in half.
  6. Combine all corners (one to one).
  7. Align the edges and fold to the required size.

KonMari Method

The method was developed and bears the name of Marie Kondo, a resident of Japan. It provides for the rational distribution of space for linen in a modern apartment.

The remaining linen is sorted into three categories: sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers. They are stored in a closet in a vertical position, folded into separate piles that are accessible for viewing. The location allows you to take the necessary item without disturbing the general order.

Roll

This method is used to store sets of linen in deep drawers or shelves. The duvet cover is folded into a strip, and a sheet and pillowcase folded in the same way are placed on top. Everything is rolled up and placed in a second pillowcase. The vertical position allows you to remove rolls without destroying the structure, and place a new, clean set of linen in the free space.

Bookshelf

The method consists in placing bed linen on shelves not horizontally, but like books in a bookcase. Removing the required set is very convenient and does not affect the neighboring ones. The method is suitable for narrow cabinets with frequently spaced shelves.

Package

You can significantly save space in your closet using special vacuum bags. After the laundry has been washed, dried and turned inside out, it is carefully folded, placed in a bag and the air is pumped out of it. Ordinary plastic is not suitable for these purposes.

Dressing

A beautiful addition to folded laundry can be tying it with a ribbon, decorative rope, or ribbon. The assembled kit is easy to take out and pleasant to hold in your hands.

Baskets and containers

The inside of the closet looks very neat if each set of bed linen is folded compactly and placed in a separate box, basket or container. It’s convenient to take from the shelf; the order in the closet is not disturbed if you take out one of the boxes. This method is applicable when the size of the apartment and closet allows.

How to ensure proper care of the kits?

Rules of use:

  • You need to understand that heat treatment allows you to get rid of harmful microbes, but this is not beneficial for all materials;
  • The sets must be ironed before folding;
  • When washing, it is preferable to use rinse aids that ensure textile softness and prevent pilling from forming.

By folding laundry correctly and following the guidelines provided, your bedroom can be turned into a comfortable and cozy place.

We invite you to watch a video on how to fold bed linen into a pillowcase.

After reading the information presented in this article, no one will have any questions about how to compactly fold bed linen.

Fold laundry in an envelope

The beauty of these envelopes is that in tandem with the konmari method, the bedding sets will look as if they were folded along a ruler. How to properly fold bed linen into envelopes:

  1. First, fold the duvet cover lengthwise, then crosswise, and lengthwise again.
  2. Do the same procedure with the sheet, adding another circle of folds.
  3. Fold pillowcases into squares.
  4. Now place everything on top of the duvet cover in the center, starting from the largest.
  5. Bend the left goal of the structure to the middle, feel for a pocket inside it and place the second part there.

The neat and compact envelope is ready. You can combine such sets according to your categories (colors, sizes, etc.).

KonMari Philosophy

The main idea of ​​the KonMari system is that everything that surrounds us should carry a positive charge of energy. You only need to do a general cleaning once, throw away all unnecessary things and always keep your house tidy. As a result, a person will learn to throw trash out of his life too - he will find his place and stop wasting his resources on unnecessary things. Thus, cleaning according to Marie Kondo's method has a spiritual background.

  • All things around are of living nature. They feel how the owner treats them. If you fold them carefully, they become a source of positive energy and last longer.
  • While cleaning, you need to pick up an item and ask yourself: does it bring joy? It sounds naive, because what can ordinary socks please you with? But once you try it, you will understand how many accessories are truly beautiful and can make you happy. They should be left. If there is something that you don’t love and will never wear, feel free to throw it away.
  • An item that has served its purpose should be thanked before disposal, as if it were a good old friend.

The KonMari method is also thought out from a practical point of view:

  • It is necessary to get rid of what no one uses and find suitable ways to store everything you need.
  • Things should be useful right away. If she is nearby “just in case,” and the case has not occurred for a couple of years, then you need to get rid of her.
  • Throwing away as much as possible is not an end in itself. The main thing is to surround yourself with only the things you need, even if there are a lot of them.
  • You don't have to throw your clothes in the trash. You can clean it and give it to the poor. This will also bring a lot of positive emotions. It is prohibited to impose illiquid assets on loved ones. Otherwise, such things will continue to carry their energy of “uselessness,” and this is unacceptable.
  • Recommendations on how to fold clothes help save useful space in the house and teach discipline.

We suggest you read How to get rid of the smell of towels - kitchen or bath

Method 1: vacuum bags

An excellent device for storing various things is a vacuum bag. It is made of transparent material and equipped with a hole with a valve through which excess air is squeezed out. The valve is round, which means you can use the vacuum cleaner without an attachment.

You will be surprised how much smaller blankets and pillows become when placed in a vacuum bag. This is the best way to store bedding compactly. Place the vacuum bags in a stack in the closet, and if necessary, remove the item you need. The transparent bag will allow you to quickly find it.

Read also: What flowers grow in flower beds name

Storing blankets made from different materials

  • Wool blankets are stored in cotton bags or bags. The bags should contain medications (in tablets or tablets) designed to repel insects. Natural wool items are most often attacked by moths. Therefore, to prevent the blanket from being eaten, you need to take protective measures.
  • Bedding made of eucalyptus fibers (Tensel) is stored in cotton covers or bags. They should be ventilated frequently and not exposed to sunlight.
  • A blanket filled with down or feathers should not be kept in a vacuum. It will immediately form a dense lump, which will later be very difficult to make fluffy again. It would be better to wrap it in a cotton sheet. And in the summer, on a hot day, hang it outside several times so that sunlight falls directly on it. In this case, dust mites and mold fungus will die, and the smell of dampness will go away.

Advice!

To keep the color of your bedding the same, you can protect it from fading by throwing a sheet over it.

  • Storing bamboo blankets is not difficult - it is important to protect them from dust. And just before use they are simply whisked. This material does not absorb dampness and odors, and moths and mold do not grow in it.
  • Cotton blankets should be stored in a vacuum. They absorb moisture very well and it will be best to keep them in waterproof bags. Before use, they are removed and allowed to straighten on their own. It is advisable to do this outside, in dry weather.

Note! Even with proper care, a pillow can last no more than three years, and a blanket – five. After this period they are replaced with new ones.

Preparing a blanket for storage

Cleaning a blanket

  1. Before you store your blanket, make sure it is clean. Any food crumbs or stains should be removed before storage as they tend to attract insects, acting as a source of food for them. Also remove dirt, stains and any other source of stains. The safest method for cleaning a blanket is to use a vacuum cleaner, then air it out and then rinse it.
  2. Vacuum the blanket. It is best to use a manual mini vacuum cleaner for these purposes. Alternatively, you can use the furniture attachments of a standard household vacuum cleaner, wrapped in calico, gauze or other similar lightweight fabric. Turn on the vacuum cleaner at its lowest power and vacuum it with repeated back-and-forth movements along the entire blanket to collect feathers, particles of debris and dirt that have come out of it. Make sure the blanket looks good before you take any other steps before storing it. If the blanket is an antique, use nylon or fiberglass as a screen; This will protect the fibers from deformation under high suction power.
  3. Air the blanket. If you notice a problem with the blanket, such as a moldy or unpleasant odor, you need to ventilate it. To air the blanket, follow these recommendations:
      Wait until the street is dry and not too windy.
  4. Find a suitable place for ventilation somewhere in the shade. The area should be fairly clean, such as concrete, lawn, etc. Do not choose dusty places, as dust can penetrate into the blanket.
  5. Lay a large piece of cotton cloth on the ground. It will separate the blanket from the surface, preventing the possibility of dirty spots.
  6. Place the blanket on the mat, being careful not to curl at the edges.
  7. Alternatively, if the blanket is in good and sturdy condition, you can hang it on a clothesline to dry. If so, throw the backing over several parallel ropes (similar to how you set a table), then lay the blanket across the backing. When weathering this way, you are likely to use all the ropes, so you don't want to do it on the day you plan to wash. Do not hang the blanket on a line as you would normally do when drying clothes, as this will stretch the seams and fibers of the filling.
  8. Wash the blanket. Given that blankets are made from a variety of materials and it can sometimes be difficult to know which one is before you wash it, you need to fully understand what can happen to your blanket during the wash. Here's a list of things you should consider before you start washing: dye fastness, fabric shrinkage, seams and fibers stretching under gravity due to moisture absorption, and the possibility of damage from hitting the drum during washing. To find out if this blanket is washable, answer the following questions:
      Do you know the age of the blanket? Newer blankets are less susceptible to washing than older ones.
  9. What condition is the blanket in? If it is already spreading, then washing is not the best option. However, before washing, if you're willing to put in the extra effort, you can hand hem the frayed edges with pieces of tulle, organza, or mesh.
  10. Have you tested the dye fastness of the fabric in the quilt? This is easiest to do if you made the quilt yourself and you will likely have samples of the fabric you used in the form of scraps left over. If the blanket is a family heirloom and the person who made it is still alive, ask them how wash-resistant the dye used in the fabric is. If this is not possible, perform a test by wetting the fabric on the back side or somewhere insignificant and placing it against the white surface of the washing machine or other fabric. If the dye comes off and remains on the blotter, you will know exactly what will happen to the blanket during washing. But even if the fabric has not faded, try this test again, and this time, with a small amount of detergent; This way you can check the dye's resistance to detergent. If both tests are negative, you can wash this blanket with confidence.
  11. Has this blanket been washed before? If yes, then you already know if something can happen to him.
  12. Is the outer condition of the blanket durable or flimsy? Only durable blankets can be washed.
  13. Wash the blanket in the bathroom. If you're happy with the answers to the questions above, consider hand washing your blanket. Machine wash is only suitable for very durable duvets (or duvets made in China if you don't intend to use them for an extended period of time). The tub is best for hand washing as it is quite large and has plenty of room to maneuver. It would be ideal if you have a helper to wash, twist and remove the wet blanket.
      Fill the bathtub to 20cm with lukewarm water. (If the water in your area is too hard, consider using distilled water or rainwater heated in a kettle or saucepan).
  14. Lay down the backing first. With its help, you can then pull out the blanket.
  15. Carefully place the blanket on top of the backing.
  16. Gently press the blanket over its entire surface. Gently smooth the water around it, but not the blanket itself; it must remain motionless.
  17. If you use a detergent, make sure it is suitable for your blanket. For a suitable detergent, you can consult your local blanket dealers or ordinary people. Usually there are no problems with wool blankets, and even if you do not find a special detergent, you can add a regular one after diluting it.
  18. Drain the water, taking care to prevent the blanket from being sucked into the drain. Refill with warm water to rinse. Stir gently and drain again. Do this 4 to 6 times until you feel the blanket has stretched well and the detergent has completely rinsed off the blanket.
  19. Drain the water one last time. Dry the blanket with large, clean towels. They will begin to absorb any remaining water from the blanket.
  20. Pull the blanket out of the bathtub by grasping the corners of the blanket. Take it outside to dry (see instructions in the above section on ventilation, however, you can replace the thin sheet with a thicker blanket when using it as a bedding). To complete these steps you will really need the help of a second person as the wet blanket will be very heavy. When drying, it is very important to place the blanket face down to keep it as clean as possible.
  21. Allow the blanket to dry completely. The blanket must be completely dry to prevent mold from developing during storage.
  22. Machine washable. This type of washing is much more risky than hand washing, but it is suitable for washing modern, durable blankets. This is also quite a painful process because you can't just throw the blanket in the machine and walk away. Here is a list of what needs to be done:
      Check if the blanket will fit into the machine. In most cases, they do not fit in the machine, and if you try to tamp it down, it may damage the washing machine.
  23. Use only the delicate wash cycle. Use diluted regular detergent for wool blankets or a special detergent for blankets.
  24. Monitor the washing process every 30 seconds.
  25. Stop washing after 3 minutes.
  26. Use a short rinse cycle. If you have a dry spin function, you can use it.
  27. Remove the blanket from the machine and let it dry as described in the previous sections.
  28. Be extremely careful when washing antique quilts. As a rule, they are not only old, but also thin, since they could have worn out well during their use. The fibers and colors of these blankets have likely been exposed to light, moisture and acids over time and may therefore have weakened.
      If the blanket seems too fragile, call your local museum or cleaning company for advice on how to clean it. They may be able to give you advice on how best to clean it.
  29. Do not voluntarily dry clean an antique blanket until you are advised to do so by experts.

Preparing a blanket for storage

  1. Determine the age of your blanket. Old blankets are less durable and resistant to external influences than blankets made from more modern materials. Thus, the age of the blanket plays an important role in the choice of storage method, requiring more care for older blankets. This care involves folding them and using non-acidic materials for storage.
  2. Wash your hands. Oil from your hands may remain on the blanket while you prepare it for storage. You can wash your hands and dry them or wear cotton gloves.
  3. Fold the blanket. This way it will be more convenient to place it in a special case or bag and put it for storage somewhere in a secluded place or on a shelf in the dressing room. In addition, it’s a good idea if, to protect the blanket from staining and wrinkles, you use acid-free paper between each layer, and fill the bends with crumpled paper so that the bends do not become permanent.
      If possible, it is better to store the blanket in its normal state than folded; This is an ideal storage method, although not many people can afford it due to limited space.
  4. If the blanket is small and thin, wrap it in a tube; this way you can avoid wrinkles from bending.
  5. Place the folded blanket in a protective cover or bag. This will protect it from insects, dust and other possible sources of damage. You can use a pillowcase or a cotton bag as a cover. As an improvisation, you can use a sheet or calico fabric.
      Plastic bags are not the best option; it may fog up (creating moisture) and may even damage the blanket by leaching the color of the paint, especially during long-term storage.
  6. Anything that can be used to store the blanket should not contain acidic substances.

Blanket storage

  1. Always remember the factors to avoid when storing blankets. Below is a list:
      Direct sunlight
  2. Direct exposure to or close to a heat source (even incandescent lamps, if possible, replace them with fluorescent ones for such rooms)
  3. High temperature and high humidity
  4. Surfaces containing acidic substances (may contain some wood surfaces).
  5. Place the blanket in a closet or other dark place. If blankets are stored in light or semi-dark areas, they may fade over time.
      You don't want to store blankets in places that might be damp, such as the attic or basement. Dampness will promote the appearance of mold on the fabric. At high temperatures, the blanket will begin to come apart, and at low temperatures it will become brittle.
  6. Blankets should be stored at a temperature of 15 - 20ºC, with a relative humidity of 50%.
  7. To prevent insects from getting in, add a little repellent. Some herbs, such as juniper balls or blocks, are suitable for these purposes.
      Avoid direct contact of insect repellent with the blanket (or other items stored in the same area).
  8. Periodically remove the blanket from its storage location. Don't even expect to store the blanket for several years and not look at it at all. The blanket needs to be ventilated and refolded occasionally to avoid the appearance of folds at kinks and accumulation of dust. Be prepared to take out the blanket every 6 months to air it out and leave it unfolded for a couple of days to smooth out wrinkles.
      If you have a guest room, this would be a great place to lay out the blanket and leave it like that for a week before folding it back and storing it again.

Warnings

  • Do not store your blanket in direct sunlight. This will cause the color of the blanket to fade.
  • Use only sealed bags and storage containers to avoid pests such as mice and moths.

Whatever storage option you choose for your favorite blankets, remember that the space in rooms and closets can and should be used to the maximum. Proper organization of free space and used things always means order, neatness and a significant reduction in time spent searching for the necessary items.

And of course, there is no need to remind you that all things put away for storage must be clean and dried - this will prevent them from yellowing during storage, the occurrence of an unpleasant odor and will allow you to maintain their original attractive appearance. A neat little trick: to make your bed linens smell fresh, add lavender sachets to your drawer/trunk. The same result can be achieved using flavored vacuum bags.

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