Will Linen Shrink in Dryer?
Let's accept it, we all like the crisp texture of Linen bed sheets. Pure high-quality Linen sheets help you sleep better as well.
However, when you buy Linen sheets to sleep comfortably on, you need to figure out how to take care of them.
If you're thinking, I will simply put in the washer and dryer and pause for a bit with that thought. Because you need to know how to do it right.
Before we delve into that it's time to find out, Will Linen shrink in dryer?. Today's post will answer that question for you.
Will Linen shrink in dryer?
Yes, Linen does shrink in the dryer, but it only shrinks by 4% at max. The good news is that you can avoid that much shrinkage, especially if you buy pre-washed Linen from us or follow the guide below. Check our Pre-washed Linen bedding collection.
Before we highlight how to mitigate the shrinkage, it's time to understand why it shrinks.
Why does Linen shrink in dryer?
There are a handful of reasons why Linen can shrink up to 4% in the dryer.
1. Fiber characteristics
According to this research report, Flax Fibers absorb a lot of water during the washing cycle and then shrink more during the drying cycle as the fibers lose water. That's the primary reason Linen can experience up to 4% shrinkage.
2. Exposure to heat
If you aren't careful when putting the Linen in the dryer, the excessive heat will tighten the fibers, which in turn can cause shrinkage.
3. Release of tension in fabric
Unless you're buying pre-washed Linen, most manufacturers stretch the fibers during manufacturing. In such a case, the heat in the dryer relaxes these fibers. Once the fibers relax, they revert to their natural state, which means they contract. Since each fiber in the garment retracts, the fabric will also shrink.
However, if you're buying pure high-quality Linen, you won't have to worry about this.
4. Cumulative effect of drying
Each washing and drying cycle exposes Linen to heat and mechanical agitation. Due to this heat exposure, Fibers can shrink over time as well. That's why the less you wash it, the less shrinkage.
All these reasons combined cause Linen to shrink.
How to minimize Linen shrinkage in the dryer?
So, now it's time to understand how to minimize this shrinkage.
1. Choose the dryer setting carefully
Heat is one of the primary causes of Linen shrinkage. Therefore, if you can minimize exposing Linen to heat, you can reduce or avoid shrinkage.
The simplest way is to choose the delicate or low-heat setting. Some dryers even have tumble dry settings that use the least heat. Stick to such cycles to minimize the heat and shrinkage.
2. Remove Linen when damp
Linen is quick to dry. When it loses moisture, the flax fibers inside the fabric contract even with respect to their earlier position. To avoid such shrinkage, you need to remove it when it is slightly damp.
That way, the fibers won't be subjected to extreme heat.
The question which then arises is, how to dry Linen completely?
The answer is to air dry the Linen fabric to remove the remaining moisture. You can also air dry it within a room to ensure it is not subjected to UV light. When you choose a dryer cycle, run it for 10-15 minutes and remove the Linen in damp condition.
3. Use dryer balls
You need to focus on the time and intensity of heat applied to Linen. This is where dryer balls come into the picture. Dryer balls can be wool balls; if you don't have those, you can also use tennis balls. Simply put them into the dryer along with the Linen.
But what do they do?
The answer is that they do not allow the Linen pieces to turn into one single lump. This improves air circulation between the Linen pieces, making the drying process quicker and allowing you to remove the Linen from the dryer more quickly.
4. Load dryer sparingly
If any part of Linen is subjected to more heat than the rest, it will experience more shrinkage. That can, in turn, make the entire piece of Linen uneven because of modified dimensions. To avoid this, it's best to dry Linen evenly.
One of the best ways to do so is to load the dryer only up to 50% of its total capacity. That will ensure that Linen experiences the same heat from all sides. Additionally, this reduces friction and shrinkage (more on that below).
5. Pre-wash Linen with cold water
By now, you would know that flax fibers shrink mainly when subjected to heat. A solution to this problem is to reduce the impact of such heat on the fibers.
But how to do so?
Simply pre-wash the Linen pieces with cold water. You can use cold water while hand-washing the Linen fabric or even when using the gentle cycle of the machine. After that, follow a couple of steps.
Step 1: Choose the most delicate or gentle cycle for drying.
Step 2: Never let the dryer cycle run completely. Always extract Linen pieces when damp (as highlighted above).
In such a case, since the Linen piece won't lose all water until the end. Consequently, it will remain comparatively cooler despite the heat in the dryer.
6. Prefer air drying
Another solution is to eliminate the dryer altogether. After washing the Linen piece, simply air dry it. Instead of hanging the line outside your home, it's better to hang it inside your home in a well-ventilated area. That will help you avoid the sun. For quicker drying, you can simply open the windows for ventilation. If you can't hang the lines, you can simply spread the Linen on a flat surface in any room and turn the fan on.
Once the dryer is eliminated and natural air is used to dry the fabric, you won't have to worry about shrinkage.
7. Skip ironing whenever possible
Let's say you follow all these tips and avoid the shrinkage of Linen.
After it is dry, most consumers are likely to iron it.
What does the process of ironing involve?
Once again, exposing it to heat removes the wrinkles.
So, as far as possible, avoid ironing the Linen piece once it is dry. You can simply fold it along the existing crease and store it in a cool, dry place.
Pro tip:
If ironing is inevitable, then start ironing it when it is slightly damp so that the effect of heat can be reduced.
8. Buy pre-shrunk Linen
Don't want to manage so many different things?
Just buy pre-washed (pre-shrunk) Linen. The advantage of such Linen is that it won't shrink much. That's why the measurements of such Linen pieces won't change hereafter. That way, if you are buying something like bedding, you don't have to worry about the size changing.
We sell pre-washed Linen bedding sets to help you procure the finest Linen and one that won't shrink much. Check out our Pre-washed Linen Collection.
FAQs on Linen Shrinkage in Dryer
Can 100% Linen go in the dryer?
Yes, you can put 100% Linen in the dryer, but choose the gentle cycle and remove it when slightly damp. Additionally, if you are using pre-washed Linen, you need not worry about significant shrinkage.
Does the dryer soften Linen?
Yes, Linen softens with every washing and drying cycle. That's because each cycle breaks the outer surface walls of the flax fibers, making it softer. However, if you aren't careful, more washing and drying cycles can also reduce the lifespan of Linen pieces.
How do you dry Linen clothes without shrinking them?
The best way to dry Linen without the risk of shrinking is to air dry it. Hang the line indoors and open the windows to dry Linen using proper airflow. Another option is to spread Linen on any flat surface indoors with fans on and the windows open for ventilation. That way, you reduce the exposure of Linen to heat, which means shrinkage won't be a problem.
Does 50 percent Linen shrink?
Yes, Linen can shrink. Pure Linen can shrink by only 4% on average, but when dealing with 50% Linen, the shrinkage can be more because the other fabric mixed with it might shrink more. That's why such fabric can shrink anywhere between 4% and 10%.
Should I buy one size bigger in Linen?
When buying garments, it's best to buy one which is slightly bigger than your body measurements. However, when buying Linen bedding, instead of buying a bigger variant simply buy pre-washed Linen so that shrinkage is minimized. Check our Pre-washed Linen Collection.
Will steaming shrink Linen?
Steaming Linen doesn't shrink as long as it's not exposed to severe heat without steam. It's best to choose a steamer which is designed for delicate fabrics.
Buy Premium Quality Linen Today
So, if you are wondering will Linen shrink in dryer, the answer is yes. However, the maximum shrinkage of pure Linen is only 4%. That too can be minimized if you follow our guide above.
Don't want to worry about shrinkage? Buy our Pre-washed Pure Linen Bedding Collection to avoid significant shrinkage.
