The Ultimate Linen Care Guide

What is linen?

Ah, linen: the fabulous fabric that deserves some serious pampering. Asking yourself “What is linen anyway, and how do I care for it?” Let us get you acquainted with this adored textile... Linen has been used for thousands of years and is known for its coolness. Perfect for hot summer days, linen's made from a natural material derived from the fibers of the flax plant. Picture a lightweight fabric that's long-lasting, breathable, and able to absorb moisture — basically nature’s gift to fashion fans like us.

What Are The Benefits of Linen Clothing?

Cue the confetti – there are various perks of rocking linen. Get ready to celebrate: linen clothing has some serious benefits 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:  Linen provides not only comfort but also effortless sophistication, which it's why it's a fashion and home decor go-to.

How Do I Wash Linen?

Before you plunge into a scrubbing mission you have consider a few things:

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

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

• Show stains who's boss: Before washing, tackle those stubborn stains like a pro. Pre-treat them with linen-friendly stain removers to send 'em 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: Does the care label say it's machine washable? Treat your linen with TLC: use 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 85°F/30°C is recommended, but always check the care labels.

• Mild detergent magic: Go for a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics or natural fibers, 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 Do I 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 bucket 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. Now your linen's ready for its bubble bath.

• Dive in: Gently place your linen piece 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 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, resisting 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 Do I Clean Stains from Linen Fabric?

Oh, those stubborn stains... Let's get rid of them.

• 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 rub 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: Stain being extra stubborn? Pre-treat it with a mix of mild detergent and water. Let it sit for a moment, then rinse it out.

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

How Do I Dry Linen Fabric?

It's time to embrace air drying with your linen.

• Hang it up: Hang your linen on a clothesline or drying rack, away from direct sunlight. Avoid using clothespins: they can leave marks or alter the shape of the piece. Let them enjoy the fresh breeze like they're on a tropical retreat.

• Flat-lay fabulousness: Prefer to flat lay? Place your linen flat on a clean, dry surface. It'll be ready to wear in no time.

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

How Do I Iron Linen Fabric?

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

While the steamer's a great tool for removing creases (and the safer option, too), steamers work differently on different materials. Steaming linens requires a lot more effort. So to remove stubborn wrinkles with ease, try using an iron with a 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: its softness and strength is refined by warmth.

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

• Damp and smooth: Linen slightly damp? It's the perfect time to iron. Smooth out the fabric, put down a thin protective layer and let the iron glide gently over it.

• Steam power: Use the steam setting on your iron to help release 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 up your freshly ironed linen pieces and admire their wrinkle-free beauty. Naturally, your linen will crinkle and crease with wear. But don't worry: it’ll grace you with a coveted lived-in look that oozes off-duty chic, so embrace it.

Handy hack: To keep your linen from wrinkling, it's best to use a garment bag, tissue paper or plastic bag to avoid friction when stacking linens on shelves or in drawers.

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