Essential Linen Care Guide: Tips for Longevity, Sustainability, and Reducing Environmental Impact

Caring for Your Linen Garments: A Simple Guide

Linen is a durable, breathable, and eco-friendly fabric, but it requires the right care to maintain its beauty and extend its lifespan. Follow these tips to keep your linen garments looking their best:

Washing Linen

• Ask yourself – does it really need washing? In the interest of minimising power and water usage, we recommend wearing your clothes a number of times before heading to the laundry. Not only will your clothes last longer, but the planet will thank you for reducing unnecessary washes.

• Machine wash: Most linen garments can be machine washed, but always check the care label first. Wash in cold or lukewarm water (max 30°C / 104°F) to prevent shrinking.

• Gentle cycle: Use the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to avoid excessive agitation, which can cause the fibres to break down over time.

• Mild detergent: Choose a mild, natural detergent to preserve the fibres and avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the fabric.

• Colour bleeding: It's normal for linen, especially darker-coloured items, to bleed during the first few washes. To prevent this, wash new coloured linen separately or with similar colours to avoid unwanted colour transfer. This will diminish after a few washes.

Hand washing

• For more delicate items, hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent. Gently agitate the fabric without wringing or twisting.

Drying Linen

• Air dry: The best way to dry linen is to hang it to dry on a clothesline or lay it flat on a clean surface. Avoid direct sunlight for long periods, as this can cause fading.

• Avoid tumble drying: If you choose to use a dryer, select the low heat setting. However, air drying is always the gentler option for preserving linen's texture and shape.

• Shake out wrinkles: After washing, gently shake your linen garment to remove wrinkles before drying.

Ironing Linen

• Linen naturally wrinkles, which is part of its charm. If you prefer a smoother look, iron your linen garments while they are still slightly damp.

• Use a medium to high heat setting on your iron and spray with water if necessary. Iron the fabric on the reverse side to avoid shiny marks.

• Alternatively, for a more relaxed look, embrace the natural wrinkles for a casual style.

Storage

• Store properly: When not in use, store your linen garments in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging them in a cramped space to prevent wrinkles.

• Avoid plastic: Use breathable garment bags or cotton bags to protect your linen pieces from dust and moisture.

Stain Removal

• Treat stains promptly by blotting (don’t rub) the area with cold water and a mild detergent. For tough stains, a gentle stain remover suitable for linen can be used. Always test on an inconspicuous area first.

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By following these care instructions, your linen garments will retain their natural beauty, softness, and durability for years to come. The slight color bleeding in new linen items is completely normal and will diminish after a few washes. Plus, taking the extra step of wearing clothes a few times before washing will not only prolong their lifespan but also help reduce your environmental impact.