Are you a linen lover like us? Nothing beats the feeling of slipping into crisp, cool bed sheets or wrapping yourself in a soft, fluffy towel. From washing to storing, we'll share tips and tricks for keeping your linens looking and feeling their best. So let's dive in and make your linen investment last a lifetime.
WASHING
Linen is easy to wash by machine. A cool wash with 30 or 40 degrees is usually enough to clean up most light stains. White and natural linens can handle being washed at 60 degrees but doing so every week for a long time could weaken the fibres and isn't very eco-friendly.
A helpful hint: If you have waffle weave towels or blankets, it's best to wash them separately as they tend to leave behind lint that can cling onto other things. Don't worry though! This shedding is perfectly normal and will usually stop after a few times through the washing machine.
When doing laundry, it's important to use just the right amount of detergent as too much can lead to a build-up of product. It's also best to choose a gentle detergent and avoid ones with optical brightening agents or chlorine.
And here's a tip: Lastly, make sure not to overload your washing machine - small loads work best for ensuring each piece gets cleaned evenly. Linen requires a good amount of water to rinse away any soap, detergent or dirt that may have accumulated on it. So always make sure there is enough space in the washer for proper cleaning.
DRYING
Linen is super speedy when it comes to drying, so don't bother using the dryer. Instead, let it air dry outside in the warm sunshine or inside on a clothes rack for a delightful combo of crispy and comfy. Avoiding direct sunlight and high heat is crucial when drying your linen, as excessive exposure can lead to discolouration and wrinkles.
However, if you need to use a tumble dryer, make sure it's on low heat with natural dryer balls. This will help soften your linen and cut down on drying time. But be careful not to over-dry! When linen is bone dry, it becomes stiff and inflexible.
IRONING
For the best results, it's important to iron your linen when it's still a bit damp starting on the wrong side of the fabric. Set your iron to medium-high heat and use steam.
If you prefer a more relaxed look, don't stress too much about ironing your linen perfectly as slightly wrinkled linen actually adds to its charm.
STORING
And finally, store your clean linens in a cool, dry place to prevent mildew growth. If you're able to, try rolling your linens instead of folding them when it's time to put them away. This will stop any pesky creases from forming when it's time to tuck them away. Keep in mind that linen is a fantastic material meant to be enjoyed, so go ahead and use those napkins and tablecloths whenever the occasion arises!
