TOPIC: HOUSEHOLD LINEN

SUB-TOPIC: HOUSHOLD LINEN

MEANING OF HOUSEHOLD LINEN
Household line is a term used collectively to include a variety of textiles articles
used in the home. It includes bed sheets, pillow cases, blankets, curtains, table
cloths, kitchen linen and bathroom linen.

TYPES OF HOUSEHOLD LINEN

1. Curtain and draperies: these are fabrics or materials used for decorating
our doors and windows.
Uses of curtains and draperies:
a. They shade the room by removing excessive light and wind.
b. They beautify the room by adding colour to it.
c. They provide privacy for families.
d. They establish the character and mood of a room.
e. They can be used to cover special areas or items such as books stored in
an open book rack or shoes in a shoe rack.

Curtains

2. Bed linen: Bed linen includes all the different types of fabric materials used
to make the bed. They include:
a. Mattress covers: used for covering the mattress in order to protect it from
dust and dirt.
b. Bed sheets; used for making the bed.
c. Pillow cases; used for covering the pillows.
 d. Bed spreads: used as spread over a made bed and as a covering for the
person lying on the bed.
e. Blankets; used as a covering for warmth in cold nights.

Bed linen
3. Table linen: Table linen refers to all clothes, and mats used on the table.
This include:
a. Table cloth: used for covering the table.
b. Place mats; used on the table for setting a cover. The cover refers to the
place set for one person on the dining table.
c. Table napkins; used during meals for protecting your dress and for
wiping the mouth and hands.
d. Tray/trolley: clothes for laying on the tray/trolley before placing the
dishes.
e. Tea clothes: used for wiping or cleaning the table.
4. Bath linen: this is made up of,
i. Bath-towels- they are of various types, they are used for wiping the body
dry after bath.
ii. Face-towels- these are smaller than bath-towels. They are for cleaning
the face.
iii. Hand towels- They are used for drying the hands
iv. Wash cloths-They are used in cleaning face or body.
v. Bathrobes-These are loose fitting garments with belts that worn before or
after taking a bath.
vi. Bath rugs/mats- These are used to avoid slipping when one steps out of
bath.
vii. Shower curtains- They are used in the bathtubs with showers to provide
privacy.
 Bath linen

5. Kitchen linen: Kitchen linen is made up of the different cloths used in the
kitchen for various purposes. They include:
a. Hand towels: These are used for wiping and drying hands.
b. Dish cloth: These are lint-less or non-fluffy clothes used for:
(i) Wiping off spills on kitchen surfaces.
(ii) Wiping washed surfaces or equipment such as sinks, tables and
work areas.
c. Oven gloves or cloths: These are often padded and used for taking out
hot pans and dishes from the oven or top of the cooker.
d. Glass cloth: This is also lint-less and is used for wiping washed glass-
wares, e.g. tumblers and dishes.
e. Tea towels: Used for:
i. Blotting off water or moisture from vegetables and fruits.
ii. Wiping glass-wares, crockery and cutlery.
f. Muslin: This is a light loosely woven fabric used for:
i. Straining during food preparation, e.g. in the preparation of starch
or coconut milk or soya bean milk.
ii. Covering food.
FACTORS THAT ENHANCE THE SELECTION OF
HOUSEHOLD LINEN
Factors that enhance the selection of household linen include:

1. The type of the fabric: The fabric should suit the purpose ofthe linen, for
instance, wool blends for blankets and cotton fabric for bed sheets.
1. The use to be made of the linen such as pillow cases, bed sheets, curtains,
etc.
2. Towels should be soft and absorbent.
3. Household linen should be colour-fast.
4. The needs of the family.
5. The size of the family.
6. Money available to the family.
7. Durability of the fabric: They should be of good and durable quality.
8. Size of the bed and pillows should be considered when choosing bed
sheets, bed spread, etc.
9. They should be made of fabric that can release stains easily.

Reference book - Home Economics for junior sec. 2010 Edition, page 185 by
Elizabeth U. Anyakoha.