LINEN CARE
How to properly wash and care for natural linen products?
High quality linen products are durable and long lasting. Linen care is simple, however, there are few basic rules to ensure that your linen products remain soft, beautiful and long lasting.
The unique properties of linen fabric
Linen is valued for its natural, thermoregulatory properties and timeless elegance. For centuries it has been used to make clothing, bedding and home textiles.
Home textiles made from natural linen are valued by people who love unique, natural products and understand the exceptional properties of linen, such as excellent air permeability, very good moisture absorption and durability. Linen products are perfect for both modern and classic interiors. Linen is used to make various types of curtains, bedroom and bathroom textiles, also products for the dining room and kitchen.
However, unlike synthetic fabrics, linen requires gentler care to preserve the natural texture, strength, and durability of the fabric. Properly cared for linen products will last longer and retain their unique properties.
Preparing linen before washing
Below are basic steps to be done before washing natural linen:
1. Read the care label or sticker on the product
Always read the care label or sticker on the product first. They indicate the washing method, appropriate temperature, also washing and drying modes.
All linen products we sell are softened, making them more durable, retaining their shape and size and machine washable.
Untreated linen products may require gentler handling and may shrink, lose their shape or color if washed incorrectly.
2. Separate colored and white linens
Before washing linen products, sort them by color. Separate colored and white items, and wash them separately. This will prevent unwanted color changes of your linen products.
3. Treat stains before washing
Linen products absorb liquids very quickly, so stains should be treated immediately:
- Wipe with a clean cloth without rubbing to remove excess liquid.
- Apply a mild stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the stain.
Leave for 10-15 minutes and then wash. If the stains are difficult to remove, soak in lukewarm water for an additional 30 minutes.
How to wash natural linen products?
Natural linen products can be washed in various ways: by hands, in a washing machine or cleaned by specialized companies.
All our products are made of softened linen, so they can be washed in a washing machine.
Washing linen in the washing machine:
- Select a gentle cycle with lukewarm water up to 40 C /104 F.
- Use a mild detergent without aggressive chemicals (we recommend avoiding various bleaches or their components).
- Separate colored and white items before washing.
- Try not to overload the washing machine.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for small and delicate items.
- Remove washed linen items immediately and shake them a little before drying.
Cleaning linen items at specialized companies:
- Find a professional company that has experience working with linen items.
- Listen to their advice and consultations on linen care.
How to wash various linen products?
Bedroom textiles: bedspreads, linen bedding sets, pillowcases
- Please wash bedroom textiles in a water up to 40 C /104 F using mild detergents.
- Do not overload the washing machine, natural linen products must have enough space to move in the drum.
- If you want to dry linen products naturally, we recommend to do that outdoors or in a room where air can circulate freely. After removing the products from the washing machine, smooth out any creases and unevenness before drying.
- If you decide to use a tumble dryer, select a low temperature program and remove the items while they are still slightly damp and hang them outside or in a room for final drying.
- If you like to iron linen items, try to do so while the fabric is still slightly damp, as this will make the ironing process much easier and faster.
Kitchen and dining textiles: linen tablecloths, table runners and napkins
- Before washing, please check whether the linen garments are heavily soiled or stained. It is especially important for kitchen and dining textiles.
- If the linen items are heavily soiled and the stains are difficult to be removed, soak them in warm water with a mild detergent before washing.
- Wash on a gentle cycle, in a water up to 40 C /104 F with similar colors.
- Tumble dry in a dryer, in the open air or in a well-ventilated room. If you plan to dry in a dryer, choose low temperature settings.
Living room and bedroom textiles: curtains, large sofa and bed covers
- If you plan to wash curtains or sofa covers, make sure they will fit in your washing machine. In order for these items to be washed properly and thoroughly, they must have enough space in the washing machine drum.
- Wash on a gentle cycle, in a water up to 40 C /104 F with similar colors using mild detergents.
- If you have any doubts about whether you will be able to wash and dry large linen items yourself, it is best to contact professional companies that specialize in such work.
How to dry linen products properly?
If properly dried, linen products remain soft, do not shrink and retain the unique properties of this fabric.
Drying outdoors
- Avoid drying linen products or leaving them in a direct sunlight for long periods of time. Direct sunlight can fade colors or even weaken the fabric itself, which can reduce its durability and shorten the life of the product.
- Turn larger linen items, such as bedding or bedspreads, over while drying so that they dry evenly.
Drying in a dryer
- Dry linen items on the lowest temperature or using the gentle setting.
- Try not to overload the dryer; leave plenty of space, especially when drying large items.
- Remove items from the dryer while they are still slightly damp.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using strong detergents or bleach. They weaken and fade the linen fabric, causing to lose its unique properties.
- Washing or drying at high temperatures. Natural linen products will shrink or the fabric itself may be damaged, resulting in a shorter service life.
- Overloading the washing machine or dryer. It will result in an inadequate washing process and poor results. Linen products will become wrinkled and lose their appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bleach linen products?
No. Bleach weakens the fibers of linen fabric and can cause color fading.
Please use an oxygen-based, non-aggressive bleach for bleaching.
Does linen shrink when washed?
Depending on how it has been processed, linen may shrink, especially when washed at high temperatures. Wash on a gentle cycle, in a water up to 40 C /104 F with similar colors using mild detergents.
Can I use fabric softener?
We do not recommend it. Fabric softeners coat the fibers and reduce absorbency. You may use dryer balls to keep fabrics naturally soft.
Is it normal that rustic linen has knots?
Yes. It is completely normal that rustic linen fabrics have knots, sometimes called slubs.
They usually are formed in the process of spinning and weaving, caused by extra fibers. Also, they are considered as a natural characteristic of rustic linen fabric, giving a unique handmade and vintage look.
Is it normal for there to be an unusually large amount of lint in the filter after drying?
Yes. It is completely normal that linen will shed at the beginning of its lifecycle, this is part of the natural softening process of the linen. Linen is a natural fiber that becomes softer with each wash. Shedding of excess fibers is how this softness is achieved.
Shedding will naturally decrease over time as the fabric softens and the loose fibers are removed.