The Ultimate Linen Care Guide

What is linen?

Ah, linen, the fabulous fabric that deserves some serious pampering! If you’re asking yourself “What is linen anyway and how do I care for it?” allow us to get you acquainted with this adorned textile. Linen has been used for thousands of years and is known for its coolness. Ideal for those hot summer days, linen is made from a natural material derived from the fibres of the flax plant, picture a lightweight fabric that is long-lasting, breathable, and able to absorb moisture — basically nature’s gift to fashionistas like us!

What are the Benefits of Linen Clothing?

Cue the confetti – there are various perks of rocking linen! Get ready to celebrate because linen clothing has some serious benefits that you don't want to miss out on:

• Hello, breezy bliss: Linen is like a breath of fresh air on a scorching day, keeping you cool and collected.

• Moisture magnet: It's a pro at absorbing moisture, so you can strut your stuff without feeling like a damp mess.

• Timeless and versatile:  Linens not only aim to provide comfort, but they also offer a sense of effortless sophistication, making it a staple in fashion and home décor.

How to Wash Linen?

Before you plunge into a scrubbing mission, you must consider a few things prior to washing your linens:

• Check the care label: The care label spills the tea on how to treat your linen with the upmost care. While most pure linen items can be machine washed, it’s best to double check. So, give it a read and follow its instructions like it's your personal linen guru.

• Sort, sort, sort: Just like a true stylist putting together phenomenal looks, colour co-ordination is key! Sort your linen by colour, keeping lights and darks separate or they might start merging, leaving you with a fashion disaster.

• Show stains whose boss: Before washing, tackle those stubborn stains like a pro. Pre-treat them with linen-friendly stain removers to send them packing. Remember to keep bleach far, far away from your precious linen.

Now to the best part! Here are some golden rules to follow when machine washing your beloved linen pieces:

• Gentle cycle: If the care label says it can be machine-washed, treat your linen with tender love and care by using the gentle or delicate cycle. No rough handling here!

• Be kind with water: Linen prefers cool or lukewarm water. Hot water might make it shrink, and we don't want that! The maximum temperature of 30°C is recommended but be sure to always check the care labels.

• Mild detergent magic: Opt for a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics or natural fibres, and let the bubbles work their magic! Bleach can cause discoloration or damage so let your linen shine naturally, without the need for bleach intervention.

• No fabric softener, please: Skip the fabric softener this time. It can leave unwanted residue on your linen and reduce its absorbency. Let it be its naturally amazing self.

How to Hand-Wash Linen Fabrics?

For those who prefer a hands-on approach, here's how we recommend you hand-wash your linen:

• The sacred sink: Fill a sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water. It's like a mini spa retreat for your beloved linen.

• Fundamental froth: Add a touch of mild detergent and let it swirl and foam. Your linen is ready for its bubble bath!

• Dive in: Gently place your linen garment in the foaming oasis and give it a loving squeeze. Show it some hand-washing TLC.

• Soak and relax: Let your linen soak in the bubbles for a few minutes, enjoying its luxurious treatment.

• Rinse and repeat: Rinse your linen thoroughly with cool water, removing all traces of soap. Keep the rinsing rhythm going until your linen feels fresh and clean.

• Handle with care: Gently squeeze out excess water but resist the urge to wring or twist. Linen likes to be treated gently.

• Towel roll time: Lay your linen flat on a clean towel, roll it up like a burrito, and give it a gentle squeeze. This will remove any remaining moisture and make your linen feel fresh.

How to Clean Stains from Linen Fabric?

Oh, those stubborn stains! Let's get rid of them, shall we?

• Act fast: Don't let fresh stains hang around. Tackle them as soon as possible.

• Blot it out: Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Don't rub it in.

• Stain remover: Apply a small amount of linen-friendly stain remover to the affected area. Let it work its stain-fighting magic for a few minutes, then caress it gently.

• Rinse and repeat: Rinse the area thoroughly with cool water to remove any residue. Keep repeating the process until the stain gives in.

• Defensive detergent: If the stain is being particularly stubborn, pre-treat it with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Let it sit for a moment, then rinse it out.

• Fresh as a daisy: Once the stain has vanished, follow the steps above to machine or hand-wash your linen and admire its stain-free glory.

How to Dry Linen Fabric?

It's time for your linen to embrace an air-drying sensation:

• Hang with delight: Hang your linen on a clothesline or drying rack, away from direct sunlight and void using pegs as it can create marks or alter the original shape of your linen. Let them enjoy the fresh breeze like they're on a tropical retreat.

• Flat-lay fabulousness: If you prefer a flat-lay approach, lay your linen flat on a clean, dry surface. They'll be ready to wear in no time.

• Patience is virtue: Allow your linen to dry naturally and don't rush the process. Good things come to those who wait, and trust us, your linen will reward you for your patience.

How to Iron Linen Fabric?

Is it better to steam or iron linen? Let’s talk about it:

While the steamer is a great tool to remove creases (and the safer option too), steamers work differently on different materials. Steaming linens require a lot more effort, therefore, to remove stubborn wrinkles with ease, try using an iron with steaming function. Follow our five simple steps for wrinkle-free linens:

Like most natural fabrics, linen is prone to shrinkage when exposed to heat (or steam), but don’t let that stop you as its softness and strength is refined by warmth.

• Heat it up: Set your iron to a medium-high heat (or linen setting), let it warm up and get ready to work its magic.

• Damp and smooth: If your linen is slightly damp, it's the perfect time to iron. Smooth out the fabric, place a thin protective layer and let the iron glide gently over it.

• Steam power: Use the steam setting on your iron to help release those stubborn creases. Linen loves a good steamy session.

• Collar and cuffs: Pay special attention to collars and cuffs, giving them some extra ironing love to make them crisp and sharp.

• Hang it up: Hang your freshly ironed linen garments and admire their wrinkle-free beauty. Naturally, your linen pieces are bound crinkle and crease with wear. But not to fret, it’ll grace you with a coveted lived-in look that oozes off-duty chic, so why not embrace them?

Top tip: To keep your linen from wrinkling, its best to use a garment bag, tissue paper or a plastic bag to avoid friction when stacking your linens on shelves or drawers.

Now that you're armed with all the linen care wisdom, go forth and conquer the world with your wrinkle-free, fresh-smelling garments. Indulge in the breezy bliss and let your linen shine like the superstar it is!