An Introduction to Linen
For centuries, humankind has been weaving natural flax fibres into beautifully durable linens and successfully caring for them without the need for modern cleaning methods, washing machines or strong detergents.
Which means caring for linen is much simpler than you might think. It doesn’t need special treatment at home, and with a little of the right care, your linen can be kept and loved for years to come.
So, how do you care for natural linen, and what’s the best way to wash, dry and store your linen textiles?
Linen Fabric Washing Instructions
We’re often asked if linen can be machine washed, and the answer is: yes, absolutely.
Linen fabrics and textiles can be machine- or hand-washed very easily using the simple washing & drying process below.
And the best thing about washing linen? As a natural, plastic-free alternative to synthetic textiles, it has none of the plastic microfibres that so often find their way into our waters and ocean life.
Linen Washing Temperatures
(Not too hot, not too cold. Just right.)
Whether you’re hand- or machine-washing your linen items, we’d recommend using warm or lukewarm water. The washing temperature should be low enough to protect your linens from heat damage and shrinkage.
For the first wash, we’d recommend washing in lukewarm water or machine washing at a temperature below 40°C. After that, your linen fabrics and textiles can be washed at 40°C (or a planet-friendlier 30°C if only lightly soiled).
To Machine Wash Linen
You can machine wash linen fabric and textiles using a gentle cycle on a low to medium temperature.
We suggest washing together with similar colours and weights, and keeping the load light to allow the linens to move freely in plenty of water. This will help reduce friction and rubbing, plus they’ll come out less wrinkly. We also recommend using a lower-speed spin cycle for these purposes.
You may notice a little dust or a few loose fibres after washing. This is normal for this type of finish.
To Handwash Linen
If it’s especially delicate, has a looser weave, or you are at all unsure, washing your linen piece by hand is probably the best option. Swish it around in a bowl of mildly soapy water and gently press any areas that need extra stain removal. Resist the urge to rub, scrub or twist the fabric.
Rinse with clean, lukewarm water afterwards, until all the residue is gone, and dry your linen item following the tips below. Don’t be tempted to wring it out as this can stretch the fabric.
Which Detergent to Use for Washing Linen
Choose a mild soap or detergent for washing your linens to help protect the textile’s natural properties. A little of your usual machine- or handwashing detergent should be fine if it’s not too strong. If you’re at all unsure, a detergent labelled for use on delicate items is always a safe option.
Add the soap or detergent into the water first if handwashing, and never apply detergent directly to the linen. You can also add fabric softener if you wish, but bear in mind that this can reduce the textile’s absorbency and moisture-wicking qualities.
Don’t use bleach or bleach-based products (even on white linen) as these can weaken the natural linen fibres. And always do a hidden patch test to check for colour changes before using any stain removers, glycerin, or even bicarbonate of soda on more visible areas of your linen items.
For any new stains, we’d recommend soaking your linen item in cool or lukewarm water before washing, to help prevent them from setting fast into the fabric.
The Best Way to Dry Linen
Air drying your linens naturally is the kindest option for both the linen fibres and the planet. Our linen fabrics can also be tumble dried on a low heat.
Give your linen item a gentle shake to remove wrinkles and reshape it while still damp. Then simply air dry it either on the washing line or laid flat on a drying rack or towel.
Hanging natural and light-coloured linens outside is certainly one of the best ways to dry them, but we would recommend keeping darker linens away from direct sunlight while damp to prevent sun bleaching.
The Best Way to Iron Linen
If you wish to smooth out those characteristic creases, our softened linen shouldn’t be ironed with direct heat. To preserve its loft and texture, we recommend steaming instead, using a garment steamer or the steam function on your iron.
How to Prevent Your Linens From Shrinking
Our linen is washed and softened before it reaches you, so it’s ready to sew straight away. As with any natural fibre, a little movement on the first wash is possible, so for close-fitting garments, some makers like to wash their fabric before cutting. However, these pieces still deserve the same care shown by previous generations in order to protect their delicate fibres and natural properties from wear.
As a side note, you can expect vintage linen pieces to shrink a little on the first wash, no matter how delicately you launder them.
How Do You Soften Linen?
One of the innate characteristics of pure linen is that it naturally softens over time, with each wear and wash.
The extra special thing about our linens is that we intentionally soften them before they reach you, providing incredible comfort from the moment they become yours.
The Best Way to Store Your Linen Textiles
Make sure your linens are freshly laundered and completely dry before storing or putting away. Storing linen items in the airing cupboard can help finish the drying process to prevent mould or mildew from forming on the natural fibres.
If you are putting them away for a season or longer, store your linen items in a dry, well-ventilated place to help keep them clean and fresh. It’s best to leave them to breathe rather than packing them in boxes or wrapping them up in plastic.
How to Care for Linen: A Final Thought…
Our simple advice is to care for your linen textiles as you would your own skin.
Wash them using mild soap and lukewarm water, and gently swill rather than scrub. Rinse clean, dry naturally and store somewhere they can breathe.
The gentler you treat your linens, the longer they’ll remain looking young and beautiful.
