“Linen grows more refined with time, like a life that ages, rich and prime.”
To Wash
Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine and wash with similar lightweight fabrics. Of course, washing by hand in a large sink or bathtub is an option as well.
Wash in lukewarm or cold water with mild detergent. Hot water can cause linen to shrink.
Please separate light colors from dark colors to keep them looking sharp.
Avoid fabric softener. Linen will soften on its own over time.
Do not use bleach or detergent with a whitening agent. Even on white linen, the bleach will blotch the fabric and damage the fibers.
To Dry
Tumble dry on low. High heat will cause the fibers to break down faster and possibly shrink.
If the care instructions require air drying, lay flat over a drying rack. Avoid using clothespins, as they can cause stretch marks and deform the garment.
To Iron
Press on medium heat, preferably when the fabric is still a little damp out of the dryer.
Although I do not mind a little wrinkle in my clothing, I always press the pockets of linen pants and dresses to prevent any bulk around my hips.
For dark colors, press on the wrong side of the fabric.
Use the steam setting on your iron, especially if the material is dry.
Steamers work well for garments that are hard to iron
To Wash
Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine and wash with similar lightweight fabrics. Of course, washing by hand in a large sink or bathtub is an option as well.
Wash in lukewarm or cold water with mild detergent. Hot water can cause linen to shrink.
Please separate light colors from dark colors to keep them looking sharp.
Avoid fabric softener. Linen will soften on its own over time.
Do not use bleach or detergent with a whitening agent. Even on white linen, the bleach will blotch the fabric and damage the fibers.
To Dry
Tumble dry on low. High heat will cause the fibers to break down faster and possibly shrink.
If the care instructions require air drying, lay flat over a drying rack. Avoid using clothespins, as they can cause stretch marks and deform the garment.
To Iron
Press on medium heat, preferably when the fabric is still a little damp out of the dryer.
Although I do not mind a little wrinkle in my clothing, I always press the pockets of linen pants and dresses to prevent any bulk around my hips.
For dark colors, press on the wrong side of the fabric.
Use the steam setting on your iron, especially if the material is dry.
Steamers work well for garments that are hard to iron
Wrinkle-Free Without Ironing
1. Try using a starch spray solution, or wrinkle-release spray, on your already wrinkled linen garment.
2. When the linen item is damp, lightly spray the wrinkled or creased sections with your starch solution.Then lay the item flat, smoothing with your hands as you go down the garment. Air dry to finish.
3. The easiest way to keep your linen garment wrinkle-free is to use a garment steamer on a damp garment. Or, you can also hang the damp garment in a steamy bathroom.
How To Remove Stains
Spot clean whenever possible. Get more life out of your textiles by not overwashing.
You can simply use a dab of Dawn dish soap and cool water to wash out stains.
Baking soda and a few drops of vinegar are a good combination for stubborn stains.
Again, no bleach. Some people recommend an oxygenated bleach like OxiClean. However, we continue to have good luck with the dish soap technique and recommend starting there.
A lot of stains like blood, jam, pasta sauce, etc will usually wash out on a very cold wash setting.
Blog Posts
Not All Linen Are Equal
Ultimate Guide to Linen Fabric Care: Tips to Prevent and Remedy Shrinkage
