Can You Bleach Linen?

Linen is an elegant fabric well known for its long lifespan. However, during such long usage, it is very likely to experience stains. In such a case, consumers usually think about bleaching the fabric.

But can you bleach Linen?

That is what we will answer in today's post. 

Can You Bleach Linen?

Yes, it is possible to bleach Linen. However, it is important to do it right to maintain the fabric's longevity and Flax fiber strength. According to this research report, the strength of Flax fibers is between 1500 and 1800 Mpa, which is the reason for Linen fabric's long lifespan. While bleaching Linen has its benefits (covered below), choosing the right bleaching agent is important.

Benefits of Bleaching Linen

Before we cover the suitable bleaching agents, it’s time to understand the benefits of bleaching:

• Linen sheets often experience food stains, body oil stains, and so on. Bleaching such sheets helps remove these stains at a molecular level, which can help you restore the original elegant look of the fabric. It will also prevent discoloration or yellowing of the fabric.

• One of the reasons consumers prefer to bleach fabrics is to whiten them. The same is true for Linen.

• According to this research report, Flax fibers exhibit antimicrobial and antibacterial activity. However, you can't rule out the presence of some pathogens on the surface. Bleaching helps kill most of those pathogens.

• Since bleaching deep cleans any fabric, it also removes any leftover residue, helping maintain hygienic conditions.

How to Bleach Linen?

It's now time to understand the proper procedure to bleach Linen.

Step 1: Check the label before following the procedure below. In case the label clearly says "Do Not Bleach" avoid bleaching altogether.

Step 2: Before bleaching, submerge Linen bedding completely in cold water.

Step 3: Then add the bleaching agent to it. We will cover multiple bleaching agents that you can use below.

Step 4: Immediately after adding the bleaching agent, agitate water by swirling it a bit to ensure every part of the fabric is exposed to the bleaching agent.

Step 5: Monitor the fabric every 5 to 10 minutes to check if the desired level of whiteness is attained. If it isn't, check again after 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 6: Once the desired level of whiteness is attained, remove Linen bedding from the bucket and rinse it. You can do it in another bucket or a sink. It's best to rinse it in cool water.

Step 7: Once you have rinsed it well enough to remove the bleaching agent, you can follow the normal washing procedure. For the exact procedure, check our post on how to wash Linen.

9 Linen Bleaching Ideas

It's time to understand which bleaching agents you can use to bleach Linen.

1. Vinegar

White vinegar works great for bleaching Linen as it is less harsh compared to chemical bleaches. Additionally, it breaks down residue, which ensures that even if detergents or body fluids have left any residue in Linen, white vinegar can easily eliminate it.

Moreover, white vinegar doesn't make Linen rough, which means using it to bleach Linen has no disadvantage.

According to this report, the bleaching properties of white vinegar are so effective that even tooth blocks that were exposed to white vinegar experienced bleaching effects.

2. Baking Soda

Adding as little as a cup of baking soda to 4 liters of water can help you bleach Linen. Soak Linen sheets in it for a few hours. Thereafter, wash it with delicate detergent, and the bleaching effect of baking soda will be evident.

3. Oxygen Bleach

Oxygen bleach is chlorine-free, making it perfect for bleaching Linen. Similar to regular bleach, it can eliminate bacteria and whiten the fabric. Add just 2 tablespoons of Oxygen Bleach to cold water to soak the sheets.

4. Sunlight

When Linen is exposed to natural sunlight in limited amounts, it can help break down stains and lighten fabric. It also triggers natural oxidation, which removes discoloration and brightens the fabric.

Note:

Achieving the right exposure is extremely difficult which is why it’s best to avoid this option.

5. Lemon Juice

The natural acidic properties present in lemon juice can help it act as a mild bleaching agent. It can remove yellowing, stains, and mild discoloration. Easy availability and application make it a good choice for whitening Linen.

6. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide doesn't contain a chlorine based bleaching agent. When it breaks down, it releases oxygen, which can whiten Linen without damaging the Flax fibers. Since it is gentler, it doesn’t cause any damage.

7. Ammonia and Water

Ammonia is different from most bleaching agents highlighted above. Instead of breaking down the color molecules, it works as a stain remover and fabric brightener. In most cases, the end result is very similar to using a bleaching agent. However, it is extremely important to dilute it in water to reduce its harshness, and to ensure it doesn't weaken the Flax fibers.

8. Aspirin

Anyone looking to mildly whiten Linen can also use aspirin. Dissolve only 5-6 uncoated Aspirin tablets in 2 gallons of water and soak Linen in it. Rinse it before washing.

Aspirin's mild acidity eliminates body oils, sweat stains, and residue buildup, making it suitable for whitening Linen.

9. Potassium Permanganate

Potassium Permanganate acts as a strong oxidizing agent that reacts with oils and organic stains on Linen to break them down. However, it must be used in conjunction with white vinegar.

Add 0.5g of Potassium Permanganate to 1 liter of water and soak Linen for a few minutes. 

Thereafter, rinse Linen with white vinegar and water before washing it. This will help you whiten Linen.

Tips to Bleach Linen the Right Way

Use the tips below to bleach Linen more effectively.

1. Use Diluted Bleaching Agents

Irrespective of the bleaching agent you use, it's good to dilute every bleaching agent to prevent the weakening of fibers. Sure enough, it might reduce the bleaching effect to a certain extent, but you shouldn't risk weakening Flax fibers.

2. Avoid Bleaching Colored or Patterned Linen

Most bleaching agents are acidic, or at least they react on coming in contact with stains and residue. Such acidic bleaching agents can discolor colored Linen fabric. Similarly, for patterned Linen, the reaction can distort the pattern and weaken the bonds between the fabrics. That's why it's best to avoid bleaching such Linen pieces.

3. Avoid the Use of Hot Water

Hot water, coupled with acidic bleaching agents, can damage the cellulose structure of Flax fibers. According to this report, the cellulose percentage in Flax fibers varies between 64% to 76%, meaning cellulose distortion can impact the entire fabric. To avoid this, always use cold water while bleaching Linen.

4. Bleach Linen Occasionally

Even if you use the above bleaching agents, you should bleach Linen occasionally. Bleaching more often can weaken fibers to a certain extent. Even with the mild bleaching agents covered above, it's best to bleach Linen only once every 3 to 6 months.

5. Read the Labels Before Bleaching

Some Linen pieces specifically prohibit the use of bleaching agents. That is why it's best to first read the labels. If the label asks to avoid bleaching strictly, then it's best to avoid bleaching that piece even with the bleaching agents above.

Aftercare & Maintenance of Bleached Linen

Bleached Linen pieces require good after-care as well. Follow the tips below to maintain them right.

1. Rinse Thoroughly

Any bleaching agent left in the fabric can make the fibers brittle and thin. This is especially true for acidic bleaching agents, which can also cause skin irritation. The best way to avoid all these problems is to rinse the Linen piece thoroughly after using the bleaching agent.

2. Dry Properly

Flax fibers are more delicate when wet, and they are most likely to experience damage when damp. That's why it's important to dry the fabric properly after bleaching and washing the Linen pieces. The best way to dry such Linen pieces is to spread them on a flat surface indoors in a well-ventilated room.

Secondly, preventing over-drying of Linen pieces is equally important. Instead of waiting till the piece becomes completely dry, it's a good idea to start rolling it up when it is slightly moist. That will prevent the stiffening of fabric and help preserve the softness of Linen fabric.

FAQs on Bleaching Linen

Can You Bleach Linen Sheets to Make Them Whiter?

Yes, you can bleach Linen sheets. However, it's best to use the bleaching agents covered above rather than the harsh chemical-based bleaching agents.

Will Bleaching Damage Linen Fabric Over Time?

Bleaching Linen fabric once every 3 to 6 months with mild bleaching agents won't damage it much. However, bleaching it more frequently or using harsher bleaching agents will certainly damage it over time. Additionally, if you're dealing with patterned or printed Linen pieces, avoid bleaching them.

What is the Safest Way to Whiten Linen Sheets Without Bleach?

Baking soda or white vinegar is the safest way to whiten Linen sheets. These aren't very harsh on the Linen fabric and can remove most of the residue and stains, which is why they are such a good choice.

Does Bleach Make Linen Sheets Softer or Rougher?

Chemical-based bleach, especially the ones containing chlorine can make sheets rougher. However, if you use mild and diluted bleaching agents, you can prevent the sheets from becoming rougher.

Buy High Quality Pure Linen

So, yes, you can bleach Linen, but you need to follow a proper process to do so successfully. It's best to follow the guide above and choose the bleaching agent and method accordingly. Doing so will help you get those gleaming white sheets without damaging them.

Searching for pure Linen Bedding? Check our Pure Linen Bedding Collection to buy the best Linen.