CARE GUIDE
Washing
When it’s time to clean your linen, either toss it in the machine or hand wash it with a mild detergent. Stick to cool or lukewarm water. Hand washing in cold, soft water can actually help your delicate items last longer. But don’t stress too much – a gentle cycle in the machine works just fine. Just avoid overcrowding the washer or mixing linen with heavy items, as it can cause wrinkles or damage the fabric.
If you get a stain, no worries! Rinse it under water right away to prevent it from setting in deeper. Use a bit of soap if needed, but avoid hot water to prevent shrinkage or fiber damage. Bleach is also a no-go, even for white items, as it can harm the fabric and alter its color.
Linen gets softer with each wash, so don’t be put off if it feels a bit stiff after the first clean. New linen might bleed color the first time you wash it, so keep whites and colors separate. Heavy dyed linen might fade faster, so take good care of it.
Drying
Skip wringing out your linen after washing – it’ll just add more wrinkles. Lay your garments flat to dry naturally, or if you’re short on space, gently press them between two towels to remove excess water before hanging them up.
Linen dries pretty quickly. If you use a dryer, keep the setting low (below 50°C is ideal). Heavy linen can be stubborn in the dryer, so be patient. Don’t let it over-dry, as it makes ironing a real chore.
Ironing
Steam is the secret to ironing linen. Keep the fabric damp for best results. For delicate pieces, you can place a cloth between the iron and the garment. Start with the inside of light-colored items, then move to the outside for a smooth finish. For dark-colored linen, ironing the inside should do the trick. While linen can usually handle high heat, testing a small corner first is a good idea. Heavy linen needs extra steam and time to smooth out those wrinkles.
Remember, linen is naturally wrinkled. Don’t stress about getting it perfectly smooth – embrace the wrinkles as part of its charm and uniqueness!
Storing
Linen loves to be worn, and keeping it folded for too long can cause deep creases. Storing it properly is easy with these tips.
First, ensure the fabric is completely dry before putting it away, as dampness can lead to mildew. If it does get damp, wash it thoroughly and let it dry in the sun if possible.
Store your linen in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Use pure linen or cotton bags if you’re packing it away, and avoid plastic or cardboard boxes to prevent yellowing. If stored for a long time, refold the item occasionally to avoid permanent creases.