The Linen Doctor

Mattress Pads: A Smart Combination of Protection And Comfort

The Linen Doctor — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:00:33 +0000

Mattress pads are too often an afterthought when folks shop for a new mattress. I always tell people that they’re just as important as the mattress itself. Here’s why.

Benefits Of Mattress Pads

1. They provide you with an extra layer of soft comfort.
2. They protect your mattress and extend its life—ultimately saving you money.
3. They keep your mattress free from moisture, dust, dirt and unwelcome guests such as mites. So you wake up refreshed and eager for the day.

Features Of Mattress Pads

1. They’re often filled with synthetic fiber, which can be a great choice depending on your taste and budget.
2. They’re also available in wool and about 2 inches thick. Great for long-lasting wear.
3. For really luxurious feel and comfort, try a pad filled with down/feathers that’s about 4 inches thick.
4. Most mattress pads can be machine-washed and dried. Be sure to check your pad’s care instructions and follow them carefully.

The Royal Pedic beds at Scheuer Linens give you the option of an additional 3-inch, 4-inch or 5-inch pad that’s primarily filled with highly durable natural latex. (An awesome choice for shoppers looking for hypoallergenic selections.)

For a better night’s sleep and a longer lasting mattress, why not check out the mattress pads Scheuer Linens offers online and at our San Francisco store.

Mark Scheuer is the creative force behind The Linen Doctor, the blog at Scheuer Linens. He loves helping customers discover and enjoy the most wonderful bed, bath, and table linens in the world. Join the conversation with Scheuer Linens on Twitter and Facebook. Or contact Mark at mark@scheuerlinens.com.

How To Choose The Right Pillow For The Way You Sleep

The Linen Doctor — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:00:38 +0000

Depending on your preferred position for sleeping, there’s probably a particular pillow that can help ensure you get the peaceful, uninterrupted rest you need every night. So which pillow is right for the way you sleep?

A Pillow Type Should Match Your Sleeping Position

If you sleep on your stomach:
A soft pillow provides a sensible amount of cushioning between your head and your mattress. For the softest, take a look at the superb nature of down for fill and feel.

If you sleep on your back:
A medium to firm pillow is your best choice for a good night’s sleep.

If you sleep on your side:
You need the support of a firm or extra firm pillow.

And, regardless of the position you tend to prefer, you always want your neck and back to align to a straight line. This can keep neck and back pain at bay.

Pillow Size Is Also Important

Pillows come in standard, queen and king sizes. Your sleeping position plus how weight is distributed between your shoulders, head and neck will determine the amount of support that you’ll need. So check out each pillow size carefully to find the one that suits you best.

The Upside Of Down

Down is the soft, fluffy cluster of filaments that grows under the feathers of ducks, geese and other waterfowl. A single down cluster contains thousands of soft filaments that radiate out from a central point to form a spherical plume. Each ounce of down has about 2 million tiny filaments that interlock to form a layer of insulation. (Which is why down comforters are such a great choice for a covering that’s not necessarily heavy yet keeps you warm and cozy.)

TIP: Based on years of experience helping our customers select the best pillows for the way they sleep, we recommend that you not refill a down pillow that’s been used for 3 or more years. You’ll end up with a mix of fresh and unusable down and your pillow will break down again, very quickly. So always go with a new down pillow after several years of use.

Scheuer Linens offers a great choice of pillows, whether down or synthetic fill is your ideal. Stop by our store in San Francisco or the pillow section of our site to get yours today.

Is Now The Time To Replace Your Pillows?

The Linen Doctor — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:00:04 +0000

Pillows. They’re so important to a good night’s sleep. If you find that you’re frequently scrunching, plumping and shaping yours for just the right setup, then I have an announcement. It’s time to stop by Scheuer Linens for some fresh pillows.

Here’s A Simple Test For Pillow Worthiness

Over time, it’s easy to forget how a good quality pillow (like those at Scheuer Linens) should perform. So do this test. Fold over the pillows you sleep on now. If they 1) actually fold and 2) fail to bounce back, you need to add bed pillows to your shopping list.

Of course, you can go on using the same old ones. In fact, some people think they’ve gotten their pillows right where they want them when several mushed together seem to become the single pillow of their dreams.

But worn pillows flatten when they can no longer trap air and maintain their resiliency. That can lead to uncomfortable nights. And that can mean unpleasant days with neck or back pain. Who needs that!?

What To Look For In A New Pillow

For great slumber, you need a high quality pillow with resilient fill and good density. Fold them in the store. They should bounce back and recover their size and shape.

Fill is key. Down pillows have great quality, a lovely feel and a long life expectancy. With all those benefits, down is a smart purchase. (Be sure to include pillow protectors to help yours stay fresh and last longer.) Or, if you prefer a hypoallergenic choice, take a look at our MicroMax selection. MicroMax has a smoother fiber texture for great lofting and less clumping. Lastly, be sure to fluff your pillows every time the bed is made.

We’d love to show you what a great pillow looks and feels like. Stop by Scheuer Linens today!

Ahoy There! Scheuer Linens Sails Into Spring With Gorgeous Col Monte Sheets

The Linen Doctor — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:00:53 +0000

Spring is an exciting time in northern California. That’s because May 1, 2011 is Opening Day on the Bay! Whether you’re perched on top of Russian Hill or you wander down to Ghirardelli Square—or to any one of the great spots off the water’s edge (like Crissy Field)—you’ve got a marvelous sight in store.

You’ll see boats big and small—from tugs and cruisers to sailboats and tour boats—all brightly adorned and taking part in the festive parade that launches the new sailing season. It’s a joyous tradition that dates back to 1917.

Our Own Procession Of Beautiful Sights

Scheuer Linens has a terrific choice of luxury linens for every taste and mood. But in particular, I feel our Col Monte sheets capture perfectly that spirit of sailing, sun-dappled water and salty bay breezes. One of my favorite patterns, it brings to mind the crisp design of a gentleman’s shirt. And the sporting legacy of the America’s Cup. With a bright white background and nautical blue stripes, it’s versatile enough for year-round use. But I think you’ll especially love it during those spring and summer months when the sun and sea beckon.

Col Monte Sheets = Refreshing Elegance

Made to fine linen standards in France by Yves Delorme, Col Monte sheets, pillow cases and shams feature yarn-dyed luxury percale. The shams are beautifully finished with mother-of-pearl buttons.

Check them out in our Sutter Street store or online. And if you’re planning a visit, be sure to include Opening Day on San Francisco Bay (and Scheuer Linens) in your itinerary!

Beat Back Bed Bugs! An Update From Scheuer Linens

The Linen Doctor — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:00:14 +0000

You’ve seen the headlines. New York City’s infested. They’re coming this way! Actually, they’re already in California. Here’s a bit about bed bugs that you should know.

The Awful Truth (Where Bedding Is Concerned)

Ancient Romans may have thought bed bugs useful in treating snakebites and ear infections. But, thankfully, science has come a long way and we have other remedies we can turn to!

Ugh. Bed bugs are parasites that feed on human blood. When they set up house in your bed, they’ll tend to gather along seams and the edges of a mattress. You can also find them in the box spring, the bed frame, the headboard (as well as in sofas, chairs and carpeting).

You have to look hard to see them because they prefer the dark and they’re only about 4 – 5 mm long when fully grown.

They live in homes and hotels, including high cost, luxury accommodations. Their bites cause rashes and even allergic reactions in some. (The good news: they don’t carry disease.)

Bed Bugs Begone!

You can beat back a bed bug! If you have them, call the exterminator. And don’t kill that spider—it’s a natural predator. To protect your bed from these unwelcome guests, try one of our mattress protectors or covers. They’re made with ACb Pristine, the most comfortable avoidance fabric made.

If you really want anxiety-free nights of peaceful slumber on a new mattress that’s guaranteed pest-free at purchase, consider our Royal Pedic. It combines layers of pre-compressed, first-cut natural cotton padding with an exclusive Royal-Flex innerspring unit.

Before traveling or recommending a local hotel to guests, you can check for bed bugs here.

Now At Scheuer Linens: Fine Kitchen And Home Fragrances

The Linen Doctor — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:00:32 +0000

When you next stroll by Scheuer Linens and gaze through our open Dutch door, look for our colorful display of kitchen and home fragrances, candles and linens. You may catch a hint of heavenly scent before you even see the irresistible items offered!

La Cucina Home Care Choices And More

La Cucina products are known for enticing, delectable aromas of fresh cut herbs, fruits, woods, and spices. The Thymes home and body care specialties include scented soaps, lotions and home fragrances.

Our Paddy Wax soy candles make wonderful gifts, with their lovely fragrances and attractive boxes.

I think our Le Jacquard Français dish towels and tablecloths will also catch your eye. They’re bright, bold and simply one of the most outstanding lines of table linens you can buy.

It’s time to freshen up. And we’ve got the personal and home accessories you need at Scheuer Linens, in store and online.

How To Care For Your Harmony MicroCotton™ Towels

The Linen Doctor — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:00:07 +0000

As you probably know, Scheuer Linens is having a wonderful 20% Off Sale of Harmony MicroCotton terry towels right now (one week only). Since you may be stocking up on these fabulous buys, I’d like to share some tips for taking care of them.

Take Good Care Of Your Harmony MicroCotton Towels

1. Before using your Harmony towels, wash them first for the best look and feel. And always wash them in cold water.

2. Boost the absorbency of your Harmony MicroCotton towels by washing them now and then without detergent. This gives added lift to the naturally absorbent nap.

3. Wash your colored towels separately from white towels. Wash all your Harmony towels (in fact, all your fine linens) separately from items with zippers and other catches to prevent damage to the fabric.

4. Avoid bleach or products with bleaching agents like the plague! Not only can they break down the cotton fibers and affect the outstanding quality and lifespan of your Harmony towels. They can also cause yellowing.

5. Tumble dry on low heat and never use dryer sheets. They can coat your towels with chemicals that make them less absorbent.

6. For extra freshness or special scent, place a favorite sachet or two in your linen closet. You could even slip them between your folded towels!

If you haven’t stopped by Scheuer Linens for a complete set of Harmony MicroCotton towels, be sure you do before this 20% off sale ends. (If you find a higher price on our site, please don’t worry! We of course will honor this Harmony sale pricing.) Hope to see you soon.

Harmony MicroCotton™ Towels On Sale At 20% Off—One Week Only Starting Today!

The Linen Doctor — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:00:36 +0000

Sometimes thick, fluffy towels feel great in stores. But try them out at home and their absorbency can really disappoint. Well, not only did we personally test the Harmony MicroCotton terry towel and give it an A+ for quality, absorbency and silky softness. Real Simple magazine has crowned it Best Towel. See what else makes this a truly exciting purchase.

Harmony MicroCotton Terry Towels Are Exceptional

MicroCotton is a trademarked brand of cotton yarn that was developed in India. It’s made from very long staple Sea Island cotton. Which translates to the outstanding quality and durability of the Harmony towels hand-picked by Scheuer Linens.

That’s not all. These high performance towels are dyed with eco-friendly, azo-free reactive dyes. They’re bound on all 4 sides for added strength and longevity. And their fabulous feel makes them a joy to use.

Other Great Features Of A Harmony Towel

• It absorbs 250% faster than ordinary cotton towels.
• There are 120 fibers in every loop.
• It’s 133% thicker than a comparable cotton towel of the same weight.
• It doesn’t lint! That means it can last longer than other towels.
• No chemicals are used to artificially enhance absorbency, softness or other characteristics.

Prices Reduced One Week Only!

Bath towel 30×60      Was $55      Now $44
Hand towel 16×30      Was $28     Now $22
Wash cloth 13×13       Was $15     Now $12
Bath mat 20×34        Was $45     Now $25
Bath sheet 34×70       Was $67     Now $53

Remember, we test all our towels before buying them, no matter who the vendor. The Harmony MicroCottons are favorites in my home. I think you’ll love the way they look and feel, too. I hope you’ll stop by our San Francisco store or our site to purchase yours today at great savings.

The Tragic Circumstances In Japan

The Linen Doctor — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:00:55 +0000

The nightmare scenario unfolding for our friends in Japan is horrifying. It’s a “perfect storm” of large scale disasters. And it should alert all of us here to the kind of upheaval that’s possible.

The World Is With You, Japan

Every evening, when I watch the news from the comfort of my home, the horror of what the Japanese people are dealing with hits me. I’ve also seen hundreds of posts from people across the globe sending their prayers to those suffering from this catastrophe. It’s brought tears to my eyes.

Enduring Courage And Generosity Of Spirit

Even more astonishing, in the face of shocking personal hardship, is the relentless courage of the Japanese people. Despair is the reality. Yet, they’re not recoiling in fear or behaving out of control. Instead, they’re shoveling out the mud, cleaning up the broken glass and pulling together what little they can find of their personal things. Some are trying to help others locate their missing loved ones, even when they themselves have lost their own family members. (Photo by Kyoto News/Associated Press.)

I don’t know about you but I see a lesson here and it’s not just about being prepared for the worst.

If you wish to help the international aid effort with a contribution, we suggest The Red Cross.

Scheuer Linens Friday Linen Lore: Soft Pillows In Foreign Cultures

The Linen Doctor — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:00:02 +0000

Ouch! Makes you appreciate even more the soft, luxurious comfort of high quality down in your fine bedding.

The Comforts Of Scheuer Linens

Stuffed pillows—now taken for granted in the West—are still a strange idea for many cultures. Tropical cultures often opt for traditional headrests crafted from rigid wood and even stone. That’s because their high humidity quickly damages stuffed pillows. So a solid, non-fabric headrest is their pillow of choice.