Caring for your linen garments.

Linen is easy to care for and does not really need special treatment.  It is made from the fibres of the flax plant and has been cultivated and used as a textile for thousands of years, long before the existence of dry cleaners or fancy detergents. In fact, it is such a natural, simple fabric that caring for it is really simple.

Do I need to dry clean linen?

No, linen that has been correctly manufactured and treated can be machine or hand washed. It can even be tumble dried on low temperatures. The only garments that are better being dry cleaned are more structured, tailored items such as linen jackets or suits.  This is because they are lined and the lining fabrics cannot be washed at the same temperature. Always follow the care instructions on your item, and test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area before washing the whole thing.

Why choose linen over cotton?

Linen is just as easy to look after as cotton, but it is more durable and gets better with each wash, unlike cotton which can become threadbare as the fibres are weakened. Linen uses less resources in its production, so it is also a more eco-friendly, sustainable fabric.

How to wash linen?

Linen becomes softer and more absorbent after each wash, which is we love it so much. Wash linen on low temperatures in lukewarm or cold, and preferably soft, water. Use the gentle machine cycle and a mild detergent to protect the fibres. Again, read the individual manufacturer’s care instructions to be sure.

How do I dry linen?

Dry your linen flat (to avoid excessive creases and peg marks) and in the shade (to avoid fading).

Feel free to machine (tumble) dry your linen clothes, as long as you stick to low temperatures. Remove from the dryer when still slightly damp to avoid the linen becoming stiff, and hang or lie flat to finish off the drying process.

Do I need to iron linen?

No! Yay! There really is no need to iron linen garments, unless they have become really crushed. In fact, we love the inherent natural creases and crumples – they are what give linen its drapey, relaxed, soft feel. But if you love ironing, or have an item that really needs pressing, iron while the fabric is still damp. Use a medium-hot iron on the steam setting. White linen is better ironed on both sides, whilst dark linen should be pressed only on the reverse side.

How do I store my linens?

Store your linens in a cool, dry place; avoid plastic bags, cardboard boxes and cedar chests. Linen has inbuilt insect-repellant properties so you should have nothing to fear from moths or other nibbly creatures. When you take linen out of storage, give it a good airing and wash if it needs a bit of a refresh.

You can see why we love linen – not only does it look stunning, it’s also machine washable, tumble dryable and doesn’t require any ironing if hanged or laid flat when still damp. Easy!

Source: https://www.linenme.com/news/how-to-care-for-linen-fabric/