How to wash linen bedding?
A lot of you ask us for tips on how to wash linen sheets and other bedding items. The same rules apply with a couple more important things to note. First, prep the laundry by turning them inside out and buttoning up all the buttons, zipping up zippers, tying up ties, etc. Then, make sure your laundry has enough space so it could rinse properly. You can wash linen bedding with other delicates, but do not mix it with heavy items like towels, denim.
Removing stains from linen
The main rule of getting stains out of linen is doing it as soon as they develop. If you let dirt, oil, grease, and other stains sit, they will absorb deep into the fiber making removal a difficult and annoying task.
If you have a minor spot, try soaking it in a water-detergent solution or washing it with club soda. If that doesn’t help, you can put some dish soap and gently massage it until the dirt comes out, then wash it as you usually would. Some stains are trickier and might come off by sprinkling baking soda and a few drops of vinegar on the fabric, then blotting it with a paper towel to soak up the moisture.
Drying linen
Drying your linens is a method of your own choice, but let us run through the basics. Pre-washed linen items can be easily machine (tumble) dried on low heat.
Remove from the dryer when they’re still slightly damp and hang or lie flat to finish the process. Air drying is another great option that saves on electricity and adds softness to the linen items. Line-dry your items or dry them flat on a white towel (Avoid direct sunlight).
Bleaching linen
Not the best idea. Bleach and detergents with optical brighteners tend to weaken the fibers and may cause discoloration. If you’re dealing with a stain, please refer to the steps mentioned above.
Softening linen
Linen naturally gets softer with every wash, and stone washed linen should already be at its maximum softness. Fabric softeners (liquid or dryer sheets) weaken the fibers and coat them reducing their absorbency and moisture-wicking properties.
Ironing linen
Natural fibers like linen will wrinkle, crumple and crease, you just have to accept it. However, if you really want an item pressed, use a medium-hot iron on the fabric while it’s still damp or overlay it with a damp towel.
Storing linen
Make sure your linens are completely dry to avoid mildew. Natural fibers like linen need to breathe, so it’s best to store them in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas and away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing linen is plastic bags — choose linen bags or reuse old pillowcases for that. When it comes to bed linens, we recommend using three sets in rotation: one on the bed, one in the closet, and one in the wash. This will allow each set to rest from wash to wash and prolong the lifespan of your linens.
