How to Wash Linen Like a Pro: Your Ultimate Guide to Linen Laundry

Linen is a natural material of plant origin, which is incredibly popular. Things made of linen have excellent thermoregulating properties and cool well in the summer heat.

So, you’ve got this fantastic linen piece that’s your go-to for feeling cool, comfy, and effortlessly stylish. But can linen be washed? Can you machine wash linen? These are the questions that might pop up in your head as you stand in front of your laundry pile, eyeing that beloved linen shirt or those chic linen pants. Well, guess what? Linen can absolutely be washed, and we’re here to spill the beans on how to do it right. Say goodbye to laundry anxiety and let’s dive into the world of linen laundering with style and practicality!

Stirochka.com.ua will tell you how to wash linen: can linen be washed, Linen Machine Wash and Hand Wash Linen.

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Can linen be washed?

Yes, it can! But, if you want to preserve the natural color of linen, then in no case do not use aggressive detergents and bleaches, especially chlorine.

Be sure to check the label (tag) on the clothes before washing. If the product is not 100% made of linen, the recommendations for its washing may differ significantly.

Can you machine wash linen? Absolutely! Linen machine wash is not off-limits. Just make sure you’re not tossing it in with your heavy-duty jeans and separate your linen clothes from the heavy hitters to avoid any accidental damage.

How to wash linen in a washing machine

The linen fabric is quite stiff and stiff at first, but after a few washing cycles, this stiffness will disappear.

Linen fabric perfectly tolerates washing in washing machines even at a water temperature of 60 degrees. But this applies only to white or natural color linen. Colored clothes made of this fabric can shed a lot, so the washing temperature should be set much lower, 30 degrees.

Another rule that should be observed is a relatively low number of revolutions. If you set the spin too intensively, the fabric may be deformed.

For washing, choose neutral detergents that do not contain chlorine and other bleaching components that can damage the fabric. If there is no special detergent for washing linen, use a powder for delicate items or a baby detergent.

Linen can absorb a lot of moisture, so do not completely load the drum. To wash and rinse such things well, it is enough to load the machine by half. It will not be superfluous to turn on additional rinsing. Detergent left after washing on the fibers will eventually damage and oxidize the fabric. Due to this, the service life of such clothes will be significantly reduced.

Linen Machine Wash: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, now that we’ve established that linen machine wash is a green light, let’s break down the process into easy steps:

Prep the Linen Garment: Check your pockets for any rogue items (a crumpled receipt, perhaps?) and button up the garment. This prevents buttons from snagging onto other fabrics.

Separate Colors: Just like you wouldn’t throw all your emotions into a single pot, separate your dark and light-colored linens.

Gentle Cycle: Select the gentle cycle on your washing machine. This is like giving your linen a soothing spa treatment rather than a rough roller coaster ride.

Mild Detergent: Opt for a mild, liquid detergent – harsh chemicals are a no-no. They can leave your linen feeling like it’s been through a sandstorm.

Cold Water: Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water might shrink your linen faster than a popsicle melts on a summer day.

Load with Care: Don’t stuff your washing machine. Linen likes its space, just like you appreciate elbow room in a crowded elevator.

Be Kind to Buttons: Those buttons are like delicate jewelry on your garment. Treat them well by either turning the garment inside out or using a mesh laundry bag.

Easy Does It: Once the washing is done, don’t rush to open the machine. Let the cycle finish and then take out your linen. Avoid wringing it out – that’s like giving your linen a dreaded handshake.

How to wash linen clothes by hand

Linen products that shed a lot, are decorated with embroidery, or do not fit in the drum of the washing machine should be hand washed.

You can use laundry soap for hand washing. It carefully cleans the fabric, softens it and is easily rinsed from the fibers.

If washing colored items that shed, wash one at a time and change the water after each wash. During the last rinse, add vinegar to the water at the rate of 1 tbsp. vinegar for one liter of water. This solution will help preserve the brightness of the color.
You need to rinse things made of linen in a large amount of water and several times. Incompletely rinsed detergent can leave white streaks on colored items.

It is not recommended to twist the linen so as not to damage the fabric fibers. You can carefully wring out the product, or hang it on a hanger and squeeze out excess water with your palms.

Hand Wash Linen: A Delicate Dance

If you’re feeling fancy or if your linen piece is a bit more delicate, consider hand washing. Here’s how to hand wash linen like a pro:

Fill the Sink: Fill your sink with lukewarm water. We’re going for the Goldilocks effect – not too hot, not too cold.

Add Detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent. Think of it as seasoning for your linen – just a pinch!

Swish, Don’t Rub: Gently swish your linen garment in the water. This isn’t a vigorous dance-off; it’s more like a gentle waltz.

Rinse and Pat: Rinse the garment thoroughly with cold water until the soap is gone. When it’s time to dry, gently pat it with a clean towel. No rough rubbing, please!

How to Wash Linen Duvet Cover, Linen Shirt, Clothes and Pants: Specifics Matter

Different linen items might have specific care needs. Let’s break it down:

• Linen Shirt or Clothes: Turn them inside out to protect the color. Use a mild detergent and wash in cold water to prevent any color fading.
• Linen Duvet Cover: Treat it like your favorite delicate sheet. Use a gentle cycle and don’t overload the machine. Trust us, your duvet cover will appreciate the space.
• Linen Pants: Turn them inside out too, and wash in cold water. Use the gentle cycle – linen pants are like the divas of your wardrobe; they deserve VIP treatment.

How to Tackle a Stain on Linen

Uh-oh, a stain on your precious linen! Here’s how to tackle it:

Act Fast: The faster you tackle the stain, the better your chances. Linen is forgiving, but it’s not a fan of stubborn marks.

Blot, Don’t Rub: Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth. Think of it as a pat on the back for your linen, not a boxing match.

Baking Soda Magic: Create a paste with baking soda and water, and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a bit, then rinse. Baking soda is like a superhero for stains.

If things made of bleached linen have turned gray, you can restore them to their original appearance using the following methods:

For one liter of water, take 3 tbsp. l. hydrogen peroxide Soak the thing in this solution for a day, then wash it;
If you need to whiten faster, dissolve 1 tbsp in 1 liter of water. spoon of ammonia, and soak the product for 3-4 hours.
If after washing it seems to you that the product has decreased in size, it is not scary. Under the action of water, linen can really sit down a little, but during ironing it will return to its original size.

But this rule does not apply to the first wash after purchase. Usually, after the first wash, linen products can shrink quite strongly – by 1-2 sizes. Consider this when buying linen clothes.

Since linen wrinkles a lot and it is very difficult to smooth out creases, it is worth reducing their formation to a minimum. To do this, do not wring out the washed product, but hang it to dry on a hanger. You can also dry it in a horizontal position, on a towel.

How to iron linen

Here’s how to iron your linen garments:

• Slightly Damp: Linen should be ironed while it is still damp, or moistened with a spray bottle. If the linen is dry, it will be practically impossible to iron it normally.
• Medium Heat: Use medium heat on your iron. Linen is cool, but it’s not a fan of extreme temperatures.
• Inside Out: Turn your garment inside out while ironing.

How to Dry Linen Sheets: Breezy Drying

Drying your linen sheets is a breeze – literally! Here’s what to do:

• Hang Outside: If the weather permits, hang your linen sheets outside. They love a bit of fresh air and sunshine.
• Indoor Drying: If you’re drying indoors, make sure there’s good ventilation. You don’t want your linen feeling like it’s stuck in a stuffy room.

Conclusion

And there you have it – your ultimate guide on how to wash linen like a pro! Whether you’re opting for a linen machine wash or a delicate hand wash, the key is to treat your linen with care. So go ahead, conquer that laundry pile, and enjoy your clean, fresh, and fabulous linen pieces. Laundry day just got a whole lot cooler!