Linens

The tradition of calling household fabric goods "linens" dates from this period,[1]: 76  but meant clothing as much as large sheets.

According to medieval tradition, which survived up until the modern era, a bride would often be given a gift of linens made by the women in her family as a wedding present, to help her set up her new married home.

The rise of European colonialism at the same time helped support the rapid growth of cloth production by creating many cheap sources of raw materials.

The yarn would be imported into England, where mechanized factories employed thousands of workers, who would weave cloth on industrial looms.

Today, the term "linen" is still used for bedsheets, tablecloths and similar household textiles, even though most are made of cotton, synthetic fabrics, or blends.

Seasonal storage of linens led to the development of natural pest control methods in Europe to prevent moth larvae and other insects or rodents from eating the cloth.

Sachets made of dried Margosa (neem), cloves, lavender, and other herbs are traditional, as are cedar wood chips.

They are laundered as appropriate, usually at high temperatures, to ensure that viruses, bacteria, and soil are cleaned and that the linens are hygienic before being returned to the hospital.

Laundry is washed in large tubs, rinsed, cleaned by beating on a stone made for the purpose, and then the linens are hung on lines to dry.

Many old household linens were stored filled with starch, which damages the cloth over time since it hardens and causes wearing and tears in the fabric where it is folded and creased.

The type of embellishment on the linens may make them collectable, especially embroidery, including Victorian-era redwork and bluework, which use only red or blue thread.

White sales are held by department stores to sell household linens, bedding and towels, at a price discount.