Linen is a natural fabric that is durable, low maintenance, and resistant to bacteria, moths, and perspiration. Here are some tips on how to wash and take care of your linen:
Washing Linen
- Separate white, dark, and colored linens. For best results, turn linens inside out and wash them separately from other fabrics. Avoid mixing heavy items like jeans, hoodies, or towels in a load with linen textiles.
- Wash in lukewarm water (<40°C/104°F) with a mild detergent. Avoid detergents that contain substances like Sodium Borate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cellulase, Protease, and Amylase. Don't bleach.
- Use the gentle machine cycle and don’t overload your washing machine. For heavily embroidered or vintage linens, hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent suitable for delicate items.
- Avoid over-washing your linen items. Spot treat stains rather than washing the whole article. The wonderful thing about linen is that stains lift easily from the fabric, making the stain removal process less stressful than most other fabrics. Always treat a stain before washing and hang dry to make sure the stain has cleared.
Drying Linen
- Line drying is the best way to dry any linen, whether towels, sheets, or clothing. After washing, take them outside to dry in the breeze. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause fading.
- If you must use a dryer, use a low heat/delicate setting assuming their shape is simple. Avoid over-drying as it can cause wrinkles and shrinkage.
- Linen is naturally prone to wrinkles, but ironing can help smooth out the fabric. Iron while the fabric is still damp or use a steam iron. Use a low to medium heat setting and iron on the reverse side of the fabric to avoid shine marks.
