What is Fabric Content?

We offer a wide range of 100% cotton sheets. There are different grades of cotton, which is determined by the length of its staple or fiber. The longer the staple, the more luxurious and durable the grade of cotton.

There are two levels above the basic grade of cotton: EGYPTIAN cotton is the highest quality, providing the softest, most luxurious fabric and feel. SUPIMA is a long, consistent staple cotton produced in the U.S., which is very soft and durable.

100% cotton sheets will be the softest and most breathable, as they are an all natural fiber. The benefit of a cotton/polyester blend is that they will not wrinkle as much and are more moderately priced. However, polyester sheets will not breathe or absorb moisture as well as all cotton. 100% cotton will always be the most comfortable choice, and if you take them out of the dryer promptly and either fold them or put them on the bed, they will not be as wrinkled as you think.

Is the weave an important thing to look at?

Bed sheet quality depends on the intricacy of weaving, larger the number of threads per square inch more intricate the weave and better the feel. Thread count helps determine the quality of the sheet and simply put is the number of threads in one square inch of fabric. Quality sheeting begins at 180 threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the feel of the sheet and the more pill resistant it will be.

STANDARD: This weave is alternating one stitch over, one stitch under.

SATEEN: (Not to be confused with satin). This has a stitch of four over, one under, placing the most threads on the surface, making it extremely soft, though slightly less durable than other weaves.

PINPOINT: This is a stitch of two over and one under. This is more durable than a regular weave, but not as soft as sateen.

When selecting your sheets, consider buying at least one quality solid sheet set to coordinate with your print bedding and other accessories.

I keep seeing something called T-sheets?

These are soft cotton sheets with a Jersey knit weave, similar to a cotton T-shirt. They are knitted, heavier weight than regular cotton sheets and offer extra softness and great fit.

Which Size is for me?

SIZING: The measurements below are for fitted sheets and will help ensure a proper fit. Do not be concerned with the top or flat sheet dimension as it will be tucked under the mattress anyway and is not meant to be sized to the exact specifications of your mattress. Manufacturer's sizes may vary slightly, however these dimensions serve as a good representation of what should be expected for these items:

TWIN: 39 x 76 inches

TWIN X-LONG: 39 x 80 inches

FULL: 54 x 75 inches

QUEEN: 60 x 80 inches

KING: 78 x 80 inches

CAL-KING: 72 x 84 inches

You can use these dimensions as a guide for mattress pads as well. No need to look for Cal-King or Twin X-Long in the top sheet - it is not made? use the King and Twin sizes accordingly.

Before selecting your sheets, it is important to know how deep your mattress is, especially since Pillow Top and Extra Deep mattresses have become very common. Here are some dimensions to use as a guide:

STANDARD DEPTH: 7 to 9 inches

DEEP MATTRESS: 10 to 15 inches

EXTRA DEEP: 15 inches to as deep as 22 inches

What are twin XL sheets?

This is for a slightly longer twin bed, which is commonly found in dorm rooms, so every college freshman needs a set of these! Check the style sheet you are interested in for this specific size.

Are sheets designed to fit my mattress?

Most sheets today will fit a deeper mattress. Check the packaging which lists the depth of the side or states "guaranteed to fit."

How come all pillowcases say standard/queen or king?

The most common size pillow is standard. Have you ever noticed that your pillowcases are a little too long for your pillow? That's where Queen size pillows come in - they fill up your pillowcases to the end. A nice touch, especially for shams. King size pillows are longest and use King size cases. So what does all this mean? Use Standard/Queen pillowcases for your Standard and Queen pillows, and King for Kings.

What is combed cotton?

Combing is an extra step during the manufacturing process that reduces the amount of short, uneven fibers in the cotton, leaving the longer and stronger fibers for weaving.

What sheets will be less pilly?

The worst offender for getting pills (those little annoying balls of worn fabric), are the cotton/polyester blends with a low thread count. Conversely, 100% cotton sheets with a higher thread count will not be as likely to pill.

What is the difference between King and California King?

Predominantly found on the West Coast (hence the name, California King), a Cal-King mattress is narrower and longer than the regular (Eastern) King. This should only be of concern when buying your fitted sheets, as a King size flat sheet will always be the same size whether Eastern or Western orientation.

What special care should be taken of the sheets while washing them?

Our bed sheet sets are machine washable. If you purchase our 100% cotton bed sheets you may want to be more attentive to their drying cycle. Removing them immediately from the dryer will minimize the wrinkles.

Bed Sheet set Washing:
Wash in cool or lukewarm water that's less than 104 degrees F. Set wash cycle on "gentle". Use the extra rinse cycle if available. Use less detergent -- about half the recommended amount. Avoid using bleach as it breaks down fabric fibers

Drying your Bed Sheet:
Dry bed sheets in the dryer only until they're dry. Avoid over drying of bed sheets. Remove bed sheets from the dryer promptly and fold immediately. If sheets have cooled in the dryer and wrinkles have set, then tumble another 5-10 minutes with a washcloth that has been slightly dampened.

How do I protect my bed linen from wear and tear?

Have three sets of bed sheets per bed. Use one on the bed, one in storage, and one in the laundry. Rotate the bed sheet sets you use (vs. the sets you store) frequently so they wear evenly. Buy extra bottom sheets for any sheet patterns you particularly love, as these are the pieces that will wear out the fastest. Change bed sheets once a week in normal climates, more often in hot and humid regions.

What is a duvet cover?

Duvet is simply the French word for down, but it is commonly used to refer to a comforter. A duvet cover is a comforter cover that protects your comforter and can be removed for regular washing. A down comforter with a duvet cover can become your bedspread, blanket, and top sheet - all rolled into one. It's a fun, cozy way to sleep.

What bathroom basics should I buy?

As a general rule, you'll want to have extra towels on hand just as you would bed linens -- one set in the bathroom, one in the closet and one in the laundry. If you or family members use an extra bath towel every day, remember to double the number of bath towels to be sure you have enough on hand. And don't forget your guests -- always be prepared for at least two guests, more if you play host frequently or have a large family.

How do I care for my bath towels?

The best way to launder a towel is to machine wash it in warm water with a mild soap. Only use bleach on white towels. Tumble dry on cotton setting and fold promptly. If you air dry your towels, shake them before hanging, and then shake them again when they're dry to fluff up the terry loops.

When washing your towels, avoid fabric softeners since they contain silicones that coat the terry fibers, stiffen towels and make them practically water-repellent. Many towels will retain their soft texture for years without the use of fabric softener.

Be sure to wash brand new towels before use.

To freshen towels and keep them smelling sweet, add a half-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle.

Another nice way to freshen towels is to add a lavender rinse to the wash cycle. People have used lavender for centuries for cleaning purposes due to its fresh scent and antiseptic properties. (To make the rinse: Fill a small muslin sachet with lavender flowers. Bring 3 cups of water to boil in a saucepan. Add the sachet to the boiling water. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the resulting infusion to the rinse cycle of the wash.)

To fold a towel, lay it on a flat surface and smooth out wrinkles. Fold one-third of it over lengthwise, and then fold the other third over that. Now fold the towel in half by matching the ends to each other. Fold in half again. Or, you can roll the towel for a spa look; simply fold in half and roll.

What are Carded and Combed types of cotton used in Le Nile towels?

In the manufacturing process, the mills produce two general types of cotton: carded and combed.

Carded cotton is a high quality yarn used to make almost all institutional towels. The cotton is passed through processing machines, ?carders,? which remove impurities and short stubbles in the fibers. Many people think combed cotton is longer, softer fibers as compared to carded cotton. This is not exactly true, but it is close. Combed cotton is cotton that has been processed additionally to remove more of the short fibers, leaving more of the longer, softer fibers.

Towels made from combed cotton will feel softer, and usually have a tendency to pill less than carded cotton towels. Due to the extra manufacturing time, combed cotton towels are more expensive than carded.

Can I put Le Nile Candles directly on my fine furniture?

Yes. The wax leaves no residue on surfaces and stays cool even when the votive candle inside is burning.

Can I use a Le Nile Candle outside?

Yes. Our candles are absolutely brilliant on a deck, patio or porch in the evenings.

How can I make my candles last longer?

Do not leave candles in direct sunlight, in extreme heat or in extreme cold.

Keep burning candles out of drafts and away from ceiling fans. Drafts will make the candles burn unevenly, causing dripping and shorter burning times.

When burning multiple candles, place them at least 5 inches apart if possible. The heat from one candle will cause the other to burn too quickly and drip.

What are some creative uses for Le Nile Candles?

Candles make great stocking stuffers for friends and family!

Instead of sending flowers for a thank you gift, or a happy occasion, send candles. They last longer!

If you're making gift baskets, you can add a pair of candles and make it more personal!

Some of the Le Nile candles like Linnea and Cam fit perfectly in Cappucino or tea cups. Use them instead of plain candle holders.

Fill a lovely tea cup and saucer set with a sampling of tea or coffee, add a Le Nile Elysia to the assortment, wrap in tulle netting and tie with a bow for a quick and thoughtful gift.

Light Le Nile candles of The Linaeve Collection for a relaxing effect by your bathtub.

Place Le Nile candles like Kiefer in canning jars for a country look. Tie raffia or a raggy ribbon around the outside of the jar.

Pets can be a bit difficult to manage sometimes. Use a Le Nile Cyrene ensemble instead of a goldfish tank. And if you still want a fishtank that's easy to maintain, there's always Le Nile Kilenya.

Who would enjoy receiving Le Nile candles?

Teachers get tired of stereotypical themed gifts too. Give them something they will enjoy - candles!

If you are going to be attending parties this Holiday Season, give the host or hostess candles instead of the usual bottle of wine.

Don't know what to give your coworkers, boss, or secretary? Sure you do... Candles!!

Know a candle lover? Give them a basket full of candles in their favorite colors!

Put candles in every room of your own house - even bathrooms!

Take your new neighbors some homemade cookies, coffee, and candles!

What standard precautions should be taken while burning candles?

Never leave a burning candle unattended.

Keep lighted candles out of the reach of children.

Avoid burning candles near combustible materials.

Store candles in a cool, dark, dry place. They should be stored flat to prevent warping. Keep candles stored at room temperature.

Before a party, light and extinguish the candles. They'll light more quickly and easily later.

Don't put candles in drafts to prevent rapid and uneven burning and excessive dripping and smoking.

Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch. Long or crooked wicks cause uneven burning, smoking and dripping.

Clean soiled candles with a piece of nylon or use a touch of olive oil on a soft cloth.

When burning "pillar candles", the rule of thumb is 1 hour of burn time, for every inch in diameter. This is the "initial" burn time. With our candles, you can obtain more burn time, if you burn the candles in a draft-free area so that the flame is steady while the candle is burning. If the flame is moving side-to-side while burning, this will cause the candle to burn uneven and may cause dripping.

To remove wax from washable fabrics, scrape off excess wax and run boiling water through the material. Be Careful not to burn yourself!!!

Remove wax from holders by placing the holder in the freezer for about 3-5 minutes, then carefully pop the wax out.

Candles refrigerated before using will burn more slowly and evenly. Wrap in foil or plastic before refrigeration to prevent wicks from absorbing moisture.

Candles will fade if left in the light for an extended period of time. Never put candles in a window or directly exposed to bright outdoor light or indoor spotlights.

Candles should always be burned in an appropriate holder.

Extinguish candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders or decorations.

When blowing out a candle, hold your finger in front of the flame and blow at it. The air will flow around the finger and extinguish the candle from both sides. This will prevent hot wax from splattering. Or use a candle snuffer for best results.

Keep votive wicks centered and trimmed to 1/4" while burning to prevent breaking the glass.

What is the temperature of a candle flame?

The exact temperature of a candle flame depends on the material being consumed (burned). First, it is important to understand that a candle does NOT burn the wick (the string). It is the wax that acts as the fuel for the candle flame. The heat of the flame melts the wax, transforming the solid wax into a liquid, which then travels up the wick. (This process is known as capillary action.) Eventually the liquid wax is turned into a gas (like steam from a boiling kettle on the stove) and is consumed by the flame. Different waxes will have different flame temperatures. On average, the maximum flame temperature will be about 2550 deg F. (Remember that water boils at 212 deg F.)

Is there a certain length of time a candle should be burned?

Yes. The maximum burning time for a candle, at one setting, should be no more than one hour for each inch of its diameter, eg: a 4 inch wide jar candle should be burned for 4 hours at a time.