Linen has been around long before the advent of specialized cleaning agents or dry cleaning, making its care easier than most people think. Here are some basic guidelines on how to care for linen to extend its lifespan.

Washing: 

When washing linen, use a gentle detergent and either machine wash or hand wash it in cool or lukewarm water. In fact, hand washing with cold, soft water can extend the life of the fabric, especially for very delicate pieces. Otherwise, we recommend not overthinking it. Place it in a gentle cycle or spin until the soap dissolves and the fabric is clean. Avoid overloading the washing machine or washing heavy items with linen, as this can cause wrinkling or damage to the fabric. Stains are inevitable, but they don’t necessarily mean your fabric is ruined. If possible, place the stained area under cold water immediately to prevent the stain from soaking deeper into the fabric, and use a small amount of soap if needed. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the fabric to shrink or fibers to break. Additionally, try to avoid bleach—even for white fabrics—because this chemical can damage the fabric and alter its original color. Linen will become softer with each wash, so if your fabric feels stiff after the first cleaning, don’t be discouraged. Remember that new linen can lose dye during its first wash, so always separate white items from colored ones. Also, pay attention to heavily dyed linen, as it might fade faster, so make sure to care for it properly.

Drying

We recommend avoiding wringing out excess water after washing, as this can cause more wrinkles and an unkempt appearance. It’s best to lay the linen flat to let air do its magic. If you don't have the space, you can place the fabric between two towels and gently press to remove moisture. After this, hang it up to dry. Linen tends to dry quickly. Machine drying is acceptable, but remember to use a low heat setting (ideally below 50°C). Thicker linens may be more difficult to dry, so be patient with them. It is common for linen to become overly dry, so make sure to remove it from the dryer before it gets too dry; otherwise, it may become difficult to iron later. Ironing: When ironing linen, steam will be your best friend. Ensure that the fabric is still damp for easier ironing. If the fabric is delicate, you can place a cloth between the iron and the linen. For lighter colored fabrics, start by ironing the backside and gradually move to the front for maximum smoothness. For darker fabrics, it’s sufficient to iron only the back. Linen typically can withstand the highest heat settings on the iron, but testing on a corner first won’t hurt. Due to its dense structure, thicker linen requires more steam and more time to remove wrinkles. That said, remember that linen is prone to wrinkling. It’s nearly impossible to achieve a perfectly ironed look and maintain it while using the fabric afterward. Wrinkles will be a part of your linen, so it’s best to accept them. Moreover, we believe they add charm and uniqueness to the fabric!

Storage

Linen enjoys being in use just as much as we enjoy wearing it. Long-term folding can lead to deep creases and wrinkles that can be hard to smooth out. However, if you follow some basic tips, it’s relatively easy to store. First, ensure that the fabric is completely dry before placing it on a shelf. Unwelcome guests like mold love damp linen, so it’s best to avoid moisture at all costs. If mold does occur, be sure to wash the fabric carefully and hang it out in the sun when possible. When storing, choose a well-ventilated place that is cool and dry. If you decide to pack the items, use pure linen or cotton bags. Avoid plastic or cardboard boxes, as they can yellow the linen over time.

Finally, if you plan to store linens for a while, remember to fold and unfold them occasionally to avoid setting creases. By following these simple care tips, you can keep your linen looking fresh and beautiful for many enjoyable uses to come.