February 16, 2023

How To Wash Linen Clothes

Linen clothes are completely versatile, stylish, and always fashionable. From your favourite linen shirt and trousers, looking after and knowing how to wash linen clothes is an invaluable lesson to learn.

Most linens can be machine washed unless stated otherwise on the care label. When washing your linen in the machine, it is recommended to put it on a gentle cycle and at a temperature of 40 degrees or lower to minimise any possible damage to the fibres. Linen is known to shrink if the proper care isn’t used so always read the care label.

Linen items can be both hand-washed and machine-washed.

HOW TO MACHINE WASH LINEN CLOTHES:

STEP 1:

When machine washing linens, it’s best to wash them at a half load as the fabric absorbs a lot of water – meaning they need space in the drum to move around. Separate and sort your white, dark, and coloured linens from each other. For best results, wash separately from other fabrics. Do not wash your delicate fabrics with heavy items like towels or denim to avoid any cross-fabric damage.

TIP:

Delicate linens are better hand washed.

STEP 2:

Turn your linen items inside out, zip up all zippers and button up all buttons to avoid damaging the clothing in the wash. Use a gentle delicates detergent formulated for delicate fabrics like linen and add a required amount of detergent to the washing machine drawer.

STEP 3:

Read the garment care label and set the washing machine to a gentle cycle and a low temperature (<40°C/104°F).

STEP 4:

When the cycle is finished, remove the items from the machine immediately to avoid any extra creasing from resting in a damp drum.

STEP 5:

To dry your linen items, lay them flat on a surface to air dry or use a padded hanger to avoid wrinkles and even ironing! Be aware that clothes pegs may leave marks on the fabric and cause them to lose their original shape.

TIP:

To help release any moderate creases from your linen clothes, spray your linen clothing with a crease release spray. This will help any wrinkles naturally drop out without causing any heat damage to the delicate linen fibres.

HOW TO HAND WASH LINEN:

While linen fabrics may appear fragile and hard to maintain, taking care of linen clothes is simpler than you may realise. We always recommend checking the care label on your garment first to understanding care techniques specific to that item. However, you can supplement this care information with basic knowledge of the fabric's care needs.

STEP 1:

Separate and sort your linen items from each other. For best results, wash separately from other fabrics.

STEP 2:

Fill a sink or basin with cool water. Linen is prone to shrinking so it's best to wash it in cold or lukewarm water. Add 1-2 capfuls (10-20ml) of delicates detergent to the water and mix.

STEP 3:

Turn your linen items inside out and add your linen clothing to the soapy water, leaving enough space to rinse it properly later on. Work the detergent for linen clothing gently into the fabric with your hands, paying special attention to any close contact areas with bacteria and grime build up.

STEP 4:

Once washed, rinse your items with clean water until it runs clear of soap. Gently roll each item in a towel to remove moisture.

TIP:

Don’t wring or scrub your linen items as this can stretch the fabric and cause your items to lose shape.

STEP 5:

ADDITIONAL STEP:

To release any moderate creases from your linen clothes, spray your linen clothing with a crease release spray. This will help any wrinkles naturally drop out without causing any heat damage to the delicate linen fibres.

LINEN CARE GUIDE PRO TIP:

Before washing your linen clothes, pre-treat any visible stains on your garment with a stain remover spray. Spray the affected area and gently dab the solution into the stain before putting the garment through the washing process.