How to Care for Linen
A few honest habits go a long way. Here's what keeps it soft, and what to avoid
Washing
- Wash cold, or lukewarm at most — never above 40°C. Heat is what causes linen to shrink and lose strength.
- Use the gentle or delicate cycle, and a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Skip the bleach.
- Turn each piece inside out before washing, to protect the surface fibre.
- Wash linen on its own, or in a mesh laundry bag if mixing with other pieces. Avoid washing with denim, towels, or anything with zips and hooks.
- Give it room. Don't overload the machine — linen needs space to move through the water to come out even.
By hand: Soak for 10–15 minutes in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent. Move gently through the water, never wring or twist. Rinse until the water runs clear.
Drying
- Air dry only. Lay flat or hang, away from direct sunlight, which can weaken the fibres and fade colour over time.
- Shake the piece out before drying. It smooths the fibres and means less ironing later.
- If a dryer is unavoidable, use the lowest heat setting for a short cycle, and remove while still slightly damp.
Ironing
- Iron while the fabric is still a little damp, ideally with steam. This is the easiest way to smooth linen without effort.
- If it's already dry, mist lightly with water before ironing.
- Turn darker pieces inside out first, to avoid a shine from direct heat.
- Medium heat is enough. Linen doesn't need to be pressed hard to look considered.
Prefer the natural crease? Leave it. A relaxed finish is part of how linen wears.
Storing
- Store in a cool, dry space with room to breathe. A cotton garment bag works well, plastic does not: it traps moisture, and linen doesn't like that.
- Avoid packing pieces too tightly. Overcrowding sets creases that are harder to smooth out later.
- If storing for a longer stretch, fold rather than hang delicate pieces, to avoid stress on the seams.
Stains
- Treat spills as soon as you can. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to lift, especially on a fibre as absorbent as linen.
- Blot, don't rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the weave.
- A mix of baking soda and white vinegar works well on most everyday marks. Avoid bleach entirely — it weakens the fibre and can alter the colour.
A note on the first few washes
New linen can shrink slightly, and feel a little stiffer than expected. Both are normal, and both settle. Every wash after the first is where the softness begins to show.