You should wash new linen bedding before use, then weekly for linens that are receiving daily use.
In general, linen can safely be machine-washed on the permanent press cycle.
A shorter cycle is better, so it lessens the wrinkles that your linens might pick up.
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Use cold or warm water since hot water may cause the fabric to shrink.
Harsh bleaching agents weaken the fibers and may cause them to turn yellow.
It is best to wash linen bedding with othernatural fibers like bambooand cotton.
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Never wash darker colors with white or very pale linen.
Load the Washer Correctly
Load the bedding into the washerin loose folds.
Do not overcrowd the washer, or the linen will have excessive wrinkles.
These precautions will prevent snags and possible tears on the fabric.
Wash the linen bedding inwarm or cold waterusing thepermanent press cycle.
Long washing cycles with high-speed spins cause more wrinkles, and excessively high water temperatures can cause shrinkage.
Smooth the hems and edges as you hang the linen to reduce wrinkles and help it hold its shape.
Choose a timed dry cycle with a medium heat setting if drying in an automatic dryer.
Add wool dryer balls to help speed drying and soften the fabric.
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Remove the linen while it is still slightly damp to reduce wrinkling.
A combination of 10 minutes in the dryer and air-drying to finish leaves sheets soft and with fewer wrinkles.
What Is Linen?
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Linen is made from a natural fiber manufactured from the stem of the flax plant.
The threads are woven into linen fabric, which is sturdy and durable.
It’s hypoallergenic, breathable, moisture-wicking, and moth- and bacteria-resistant.
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Linen gets softer and stronger with use.
However, it’s prone to wrinkling easily.
Work in the liquid detergent with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush.
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Allow the detergent to work for at least 15 minutes before washing the linen bedding.
Always test a stain removal product on an inside seam or hem before treating the stain.
Spread a dab of the stain remover on the seam and then rub it with a cotton swab.
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If color transfers to the swab, don’t use the product.
Test and use another product instead.
Linen thread is available to match most bedding colors.
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If your dry cleaner mends clothes, they might also repair sheets.
Some embrace the natural, rumpled look and never iron it.
Others like a neater look and iron their bedding after each washing.
If youdecide to iron, always iron linen while it is slightly damp.
Do not let the iron linger on the fabric; high heat can damage the fibers.
Allow the freshly pressed linen to dry completely before using it to prevent excessive wrinkling.
Never store linen bedding in plastic bags, which can encourage dampness.
Use cold or warm water, the permanent press setting, and no bleach or fabric softener.
Either hang dry or lay flat to dry to relax the wrinkles.
Ifusing an iron, use high heat while the item is still slightly damp.
Use cool or warm water only.
