Linen boasts several qualities that make it a favored sustainable fabric. It is durable and effectively wicks moisture away from your skin, providing a cool and airy sensation. Moreover, with each wash, linen becomes softer and more absorbent. For those who prioritize sustainable fashion choices, natural textiles like linen are an excellent option.

Despite its many advantages, some individuals shy away from linen due to the belief that it requires high maintenance. In reality, linen care and maintenance are quite straightforward once you understand the practices to keep it looking its best. Below, we'll take a closer look at how to care for linen clothing, offering practical tips on washing, drying, and ironing, along with detailed linen care instructions for specific garments.

What is Linen

Linen is crafted from fibers extracted from the stems of flax plants. These fibers are incredibly strong, often exceeding cotton's strength by up to three times when properly maintained. Because linen is highly breathable, it is a fantastic choice throughout the year. In the summer, this lightweight fabric helps keep you cool, while in the colder months, it's perfect for layering due to its soft, comfortable feel. 

How to Wash Linen Clothes

While linen fabrics may seem delicate and a bit tricky to care for, it's actually not as complicated as it appears at first glance. It's always a good idea to follow the instructions on the label on how to wash linen clothes, but having some general tips can make the process easier. Let's look closer at linen washing instructions, find out what temperature to wash linen, and define the best way to wash linen in the washing machine, by hand, and through dry cleaning.

Machine Washing

1. Machine wash linen separately from other fabrics. Keep light and dark linen apart to avoid color bleeding. It's also a good idea to wash items with zippers or embellishments separately to prevent snags or tears. Additionally, don't mix delicate linen pieces with heavier items like bedding.
2. Flip your garments inside out. Fasten all the buttons and close up the zippers.
3. Put the items into mesh laundry bags and place them in the washing machine. Make sure not to crowd the machine so everything gets rinsed properly.
4. Opt for cool temperatures and lukewarm water—below 40°C/104°F.
5. Choose the delicate machine cycle.
6. Select a gentle detergent explicitly designed for delicate fabrics.
7. Avoid using bleach. Bleach and strong detergents containing optical brighteners can weaken the fibers and may lead to discoloration.
8. There's no need to use fabric softener, as linen naturally becomes softer with each wash. Stonewashed linen is already at its peak softness; using a softener would only weaken the fibers, diminishing their ability to absorb moisture and wick away sweat.

Handwashing

Hand-washing linen offers several advantages over machine washing. You have better control over the temperature and can handle the linen more gently than a machine would, which helps minimize the risk of shrinkage, pulls, and other types of damage to your garments. However, one of the main challenges with handwashing is the rinsing process. If you don't rinse linen properly, it can easily become stretched and lose its original shape.

1. Hand wash one linen piece at a time.
2. Fill a washbasin or sink with enough cool water to completely submerge the linen garment.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of mild detergent to the basin. You'll be surprised at how far a small amount goes, especially when washing a few items.
4. Immerse the linen garment in the water and allow it to soak for approximately 10 minutes.
5. Once you've soaked the item, gently stir it in the water. This helps to wash out some of the detergent. Be careful not to wring or twist the fabric, as this can harm the fibers.
6. Keep going for a few minutes until the linen stops producing suds.
7. Lay a towel flat on a surface and place the washed garment on top. Starting from the bottom, carefully roll them up together. Press the towel down to squeeze out any excess moisture from the linen.
8. Allow the item to air dry, or if you prefer using a dryer, set it to a low temperature. If you choose the dryer, take the garment out after no more than five minutes and let it finish drying in the air.

Dry Cleaning

Always check the care label on your clothing to understand how to wash it properly. While it's uncommon to find linen items tagged as "dry clean only," it can happen. However, if "dry clean only" isn't mentioned, you're still free to choose dry cleaning as an option. The benefit of dry linen cleaning is that your garment won't be subjected to agitation or hot water, ensuring that your apparel returns fresh, crisp, and completely wrinkle-free.

That said, even items labeled for dry cleaning can be safely hand-washed or machine-washed on a gentle cycle without significant issues. If you have the budget and are short on time, opting for dry cleaning can be a great choice. It saves you the hassle and stress of trying to hang dry your clothes and makes the whole process much easier.

How to Dry Linen Clothes

You have a few good options for how to dry linen clothes: you can air-dry them outside, hang them on a padded hanger, or use the tumble dryer for a short time.

If you choose the dryer, it's best to run it on the lowest heat setting for no more than 5 minutes. Does linen shrink in the dryer? Yes, if the temperature is high and the drying time is too long.

Also, you can roll your linen clothes in a towel to gently squeeze out excess moisture before laying them flat on a drying rack or hanging them up. However, air-drying linen items outside is often the most effective choice if you have access to a clothesline.

How to Iron Linen

Can you iron linen? If your linen garment still has wrinkles after washing, you can iron or steam it. Lay the fabric flat on an ironing board while it is still slightly damp. Set your iron to steam mode and adjust it to a low heat setting. Since the steam option doesn't use direct heat, it won't damage the material, allowing the wrinkles to ease out gently.

If your garment is completely dry and wrinkled, give it a light spritz of water before using the iron.

You can also freshen up clean but worn clothing with your iron. Simply mist the fabric with a bit of water or a resin-based sizing, then iron it. Sizing, a great alternative to laundry starch, helps linen maintain its shape and reduce wrinkling.

How to Wash Specific Linen Products

Certain linen products, like the pieces from 120% Lino, need special care, so let's examine some popular items and discover how to clean linen dresses, shirts, and pants.

Dresses

Before washing, always take a moment to check the label for the manufacturer's care instructions. 

Many linen dresses are mixed with other fabrics that may need special care. Wash dark- or bright-colored linen dresses in cold water to avoid discoloration or fading. Whether you choose to handwash or use a machine, be sure to turn your linen dresses inside out and remember to button all buttons and zip up the zippers.

Make sure there's enough space in the washing machine's drum for your clothes to be rinsed thoroughly, and fill the water level to the maximum. This allows your linen dresses to move freely, reducing the risk of being twisted or misshapen. It's best to wash them with lightweight clothing, like cotton. Once the wash is done, hang the dress on a padded hanger to air dry. If you're short on time, use the dryer, but leave the dress a little damp so it can air dry afterward.

Shirts

Button all the buttons and turn your shirt inside out before washing. It's best to launder your linen clothes together, avoiding any mix with heavier fabrics like jeans and wool.

Steer clear of fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue on your linen shirt. And absolutely avoid bleach—regardless of whether it's a white linen shirt. Bleach is a linen's worst enemy and can cause your garments to rip or wear out much faster. Once you've washed it, hang the shirt on a padded hanger to let it dry smoothly. Always use padded hangers, as hard-textured ones can damage the fabric or snag delicate trim on collared linen shirts.

Pants

When washing linen pants, the care guidelines are similar to those for dresses and shirts. For the best results, hang your linen pants by the sides as they dry to prevent prominent crease wrinkles that can occur if you hang them by the middle.

Always wash dark linen pants alongside other dark items, while lighter-colored pants should be cleaned with similarly colored clothing. Avoid washing your cherished white linen pants with any bright colors—unless you want to turn them pastel-colored.

FAQ

Does Linen Stretch?

Linen is a durable and natural fabric. While 100% linen boasts a sturdy quality, it has limited elasticity and does not stretch.

Could You Wash Linen in Hot Water?

It's best to avoid washing linens in hot water, as this can lead to color fading and shrinkage. You can choose to wash linens either by hand or in a washing machine, but keep in mind that the optimal temperature for washing is between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius (85 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit).

How to Store Linen Clothes After Washing Them?

To keep your linens in great condition, store them in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight. Since linen is a natural fiber, it needs proper air circulation to maintain its freshness and beauty. Before putting your linens away, ensure they are completely dry to avoid any risk of mold and mildew.

How to Remove Stains on Linen Clothes?

To remove stains from linen garments, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing, as this may cause the stain to spread further. Next, soak the linens in warm water with a mild soap for up to 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly. If the stain persists, apply a specialized stain remover designed for linens before laundering the item as usual.

Is Linen Better Than Cotton?

No fabric is inherently superior to another; each has its strengths. Regarding breathability, lightness, and moisture absorption, linen really outshines cotton.

Is It Better to Steam or Iron Linen?

If you're set on reducing the wrinkles in your linens, it's best to give them a gentle steam. This approach is much kinder to the fabric.

Should You Treat Linen Blends the Same as 100% Linen?

Linen is frequently mixed with other fabrics like cotton or polyester to improve wrinkle resistance and add a bit of weight. Since different fabric combinations come with varying washing temperature requirements, pay attention to the care label. While linen blends are usually easy to maintain, it's always wise to err on the side of caution.

How to Soften Linen?

• Wash your linen: Linen is known for improving in quality with age. With regular washing and wearing, it becomes softer to the touch. There's no need for any special care; just enjoy it as it is.
• Iron your linens: Chances are, you'll end up ironing your linen items regardless. Not only does this give them a smoother appearance, but it also helps to relax the flax fibers in the fabric, making it feel softer to the touch.
• Use white vinegar: After washing, this is the gentlest method. Simply add ½ cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle of your washing machine. You can use your usual washing machine powder as needed.
• Use baking soda: Add ½ cup of baking soda to your washing machine—avoid using laundry detergent. Then, wash your linens as you normally would. Repeat this process a few more times until you achieve the level of softness you desire.