Linen - one of the world's oldest fabrics is woven from the fibres of flax plant and is completely natural – perhaps the most ecologically and sound fabric of all. No wonder it’s been used for thousands of years from ancient civilisations like Greeks and Egyptians to current days! Due to fabrics durability and longevity of use linen has been used in all areas of life; as the protection for warrior armour or fine clothing for the richest people of the times!
Due to its one-time common use to make fine fabric, "linens" became the generic term for sheets and pillowcases, although these are now often made of cotton or synthetic fibres! Flax plant is fully used and 100% recyclable, so nothing is wasted - fabric is made from the finest flax plant parts, linseed oil from seeds, rest is used as a straw, insulation, cattle feed, fire bricks, paper and more.
Washing linen
Like with most natural fibres if linen fabric is not softened or treated it will slightly shrink by becoming more fluffy and soft. Some untreated fabrics might shrink by 15-20% - a big factor play here linen fabric quality and origin. Natural linen can be both machine and hand washed:
Linen Hand Wash:
- Please use lukewarm water and a minimum amount of mild detergent.
2. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
3. Gently swish the item around. Do not wring, twist or scrub as it can stretch the fabric.
4. Drain the soapy water and rinse repeatedly until the soapy residue is all gone. Hang to dry or flat dry.
Linen Machine Wash:
Before any wash please make sure all your linens are inside out and the machine is not overloaded!
- Please wash all colours separately. For best results, wash linen separately from other fabrics.
2. Use a gentle machine cycle at (<40°C/104°F) as high temperatures may cause shrinkage and weaken the linen fibre.
3. Please do not overload your washing machine as linen fabrics soak up twice the amount of water than other fabrics.
4. Use mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics. Don't bleach.
Linen Drying:
Drying linen fabrics are very simple as most of the methods work great. The most important is to note that linen is a natural fibre fabric and any excessive heat will weaken it, so while tumble drying please use it on low heat and remove items while they are still slightly damp. Flat dry or air drying is a great option to finish the process and have your linens fresh and natural.
Linen Ironing:
Natural fibres like linen tend to wrinkle and crease, although with available current technologies linen fabric can be made crease resistant and as fine as silk. Please use your press or iron on medium heat while the fabric is still damp or steam iron on medium heat for best results. Some specially softened, air blown linen like some towels or blankets are not recommended to iron as they will loose fluffiness and will expand. Always read care label attached.
Linen Storing:
Please make sure all your linen are clean and dry before storing to avoid any discolouration or mildew. Store in a dark, dry and well-ventilated area. For best results, linen items are best stored in natural fabric bags - avoid any synthetic packaging. As a cost-saving idea, old linen pillowcases can be used for storage bags or any other natural fabric (avoid coloured fabrics).
Check our blog page to find more information about natural linen or care advice!
