How to wash my linen?

We all know Linen can last for years, perhaps decades, but only if it is maintained properly. One of the most crucial aspects of maintenance is washing it right.

But, the question is how to wash Linen?

Instead of experimenting with the washing procedure, stick to a set routine that doesn't damage the fabric and helps you get clean and crisp Linen sheets or garments every time. 

The guide below helps you achieve that exactly.

How to wash Linen?

We will share a step-by-step procedure instead of just sharing a generic guide with you.

Step 1: Check the labels

The procedure to wash most Linen garments or sheets is the same, but if you haven't bought Linen carefully, you might have bought a mix of Linen and some other fabric. In that case, the washing instructions might be different. That's why it's important to check the label for washing instructions.

If you don't want to worry about such exceptions, always buy pure, high-quality Linen from sites like ours and enjoy using it for years. Check out our Linen Bedding Collection.

Pro Tip:

In case the instructions on the label vary from the procedure highlighted below, prioritize the label instructions.

Step 2: Washing Prep

Before we get into the nitty gritty of washing, focus on the washing preparation.

But what does that involve?

Firstly, sort the load by color and fabric weight. The former is necessary so that color bleeding doesn't affect other Linen pieces. If you're just dealing with white Linen bedding, you need not worry about this.

The later sorting (by fabric weight) is necessary to avoid damage to delicate Linen pieces. For example, Linen curtains or towels shouldn't be washed with Linen shirts. Simply because curtains rubbing against shirts will generate a lot of friction which is likely to damage the shirts.

Besides, sorting the linen load will reduce wrinkling because of even spinning.

Step 3: Pre-treat Spots

You need to check the Linen pieces for stains. It's a good idea to pre-treat the stains to get crisp, clean Linen laundry after the wash. Pre-treating the spots eliminates the need for harsh chemical-based detergents.

There are essentially two ways to pre-treat the spots on Linen.

Method 1: Using Baking Soda

Soak the stained Linen piece in normal water for a few minutes. In the meantime, create a paste of water with baking soda in a 3:1 ratio. Once the piece is well soaked, use a toothbrush to scrub this paste onto the stain. Gently scrub until the stain fades, and wash it under tap water.

Method 2: Using White Vinegar

Another option to pre-treat the stains is to mix a tbsp of white vinegar and a cup of water. Soak only the stained part of the fabric in this solution for 20 to 30 minutes before washing it.

If you want to soak the entire piece in the solution because of multiple stains, keep the white vinegar and water proportion the same, but increase the quantity as needed.

Once soaked for 30 minutes, follow the next steps.

Step 4: Machine wash on a delicate/gentle cycle

Before you even put the Linen in the washing machine, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Above, we highlighted how to sort Linen by weight and color. Insert only one load in the machine in one cycle. When dealing with pre-treated Linen, wash it in isolation.

2. The machine shouldn't be more than half full in a single cycle. If that means splitting a single load into two, so be it. Remember, we don't need excessive friction or uneven spinning.

3. Use cold water and a gentle washing cycle. Don't even use the normal washing cycle.

4. Always use mild detergents to wash Linen. Prefer natural cleanser-based detergents.

After following these instructions, wash the Linen for only a single cycle.

Step 5: Air Dry Linen

Most consumers make the mistake of using the dryer on a gentle cycle. However, washing Linen in the long term, even on this cycle setting, will damage it. That's why air drying Linen is the best option.

However, there are a few caveats to this as well:

1. Avoid direct sunlight exposure. If you don't have such an area outdoors, hang lines in a room and open the windows for ventilation.

2. If you don't have the option to hang lines, spread it out on a flat surface with the fan on.

It's essential to avoid prolonged sun exposure as that will make the colors fade.

Pro tip:

If you're drying Linen on the line, remove the pieces when slightly damp. Ironing it when slightly damp will also help you avoid excessive wrinkles.

Alternative Method: Hand Wash Linen

Above, we mentioned washing Linen in the machine, but ideally, you should wash it by hand. Hand washing doesn't expose Linen to friction, which increases its life further.

The procedure to handwash it is relatively simple.

Step 1: Soak Linen in cool water for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Then add a mild detergent to the bucket and use a gentle back-and-forth motion to hand wash the Linen piece. Avoid scrubbing or twisting it.

Step 3: After hand washing it, drain the water that contains detergent and rinse it well.

A few things to keep in mind include:

1. Handwashing is suitable only when Linen pieces aren't soiled or heavily stained.
2. Handwashing is best only for suitable delicate and smaller Linen pieces.
3. As always, if the label instructions deviate from the above procedure, prioritize the label instructions.

Hand Washing vs Machine Washing Linen - Pros & Cons:

Above, we covered hand washing and machine washing, but both have their pros and cons, which we will highlight below.

Pros of Machine Washing Linen:

1. Machine Washing is convenient.
2. It is quicker.
3. It's the only feasible option for bulk Linen loads.

Cons of Machine Washing Linen:

1. It does cause some wear and tear.
2. Machine Washing allows you to use only the mildest detergents and the most gentle washing cycle.

Pros of Hand Washing Linen:

1. Handwashing provides better control while washing Linen.
2. It minimizes wear-tear and friction.
3. It is ideal for embellished Linen pieces.

Cons of Hand Washing Linen:

1. It is very time and effort consuming.
2. The process is not practical for larger loads.

As you can see, both washing methods have pros and cons; therefore, you need to choose one depending on your:

• Linen Load
• Time availability
• Effort availability

Storage Tips for Linen

Properly storing washed Linen is equally important; otherwise, you risk wasting your washing efforts.

1. Ensure the folds face you

While storing the Linen, fold them along the natural seams. That means there would be no additional creases on Linen.

Additionally, to reduce wrinkles, keep the folds outward, which makes handling easier and reduces the chances of further wrinkles.

Pro tip:

Store the heaviest Linen pieces at the bottom to avoid excessive pressure on the delicate ones.

2. Store them with Lavender Sachets

One of the most effective ways to maintain Linen is to wash them less frequently. One trick to keep them fresh in storage is to keep lavender sachets with them. That will deter pests as well.

3. Store in well-ventilated space

Another tip for storing Linen is to store it in a well-ventilated space. Linen is antibacterial and antimicrobial, but if the surrounding area is well-ventilated, it isn’t infested by mold. Numerous studies like this one, have concluded that ventilated areas reduce the risk of mold growth.

4. Air dry the sets in between

According to The Washington Post, air drying any fabric helps preserve its quality. Therefore, if you want to store Linen for more than 3 to 4 months, it's best to air dry it in between, not because of dampness but to retain its quality and freshness.

4 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Washing Linen

It's now time to understand which mistakes to avoid while washing Linen.

1. Don't put detergent directly on Linen

There are 3 reasons why you shouldn't put detergent directly on Linen:

• Concentrated detergent in greater quantities, even the milder ones, can leave marks on Linen.
• If you're using powder detergents, it might be difficult to remove the residue later.
• Putting the detergent in a couple of spots only can lead to uneven cleaning.

The solution is to either place detergent pods inside the machine, dilute the liquid with water before putting it in the machine, or use your machine's detergent drawer.

2. Don't use the normal washing cycle

Even a normal washing cycle can agitate the walls of Linen's flax fibers. This might not be noticeable in the first couple of washes, but in the long term, it does lead to problems like fraying, pilling, and so on. That's why you should always stick to the gentle washing cycle.

3. Don't use bleaching agents

According to a report by the International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, bleaching agents reduce the strength of Linen fibers. That's why you need to avoid using detergents containing bleaching agents or even standalone bleaching agents.

FAQs on Washing Linen

Can 100% Linen be washed?

Yes, you can wash 100% Linen. Hand washing is preferable, but if you don't have the time for that, you can machine wash it after taking a few precautions.

Can Linen be steamed?

Yes, you can steam Linen, but ensure that it's a bit moist when doing so. Once again steam it on the lowest setting. Steaming is certainly better than ironing Linen.

How do hotels keep sheets wrinkle-free?

Hotels employ specially made laundry equipment, including dryers designed specifically for Linen fabric. This means they can keep Linen sheets wrinkle-free even when washing and drying them in bulk. In addition, they use pressing techniques to get the smooth appearance they want.

Can I use Vanish on Linen?

Yes, you can use Vanish on Linen to keep it stain-free. However, you shouldn't do it consistently. Instead, use any of the above pre-treating methods we highlighted to treat the stains regularly.

Buy Premium Quality Linen

So, if you were wondering how to wash Linen? Just follow the guide above, and you shouldn't have a problem. The detailed procedure above will ensure you get clean and fresh sheets without worrying about damaging Linen.

Want to buy pure, high-quality Linen? Check out our Linen Bedding Collection to have them delivered to your doorstep.