Linen is a material with many advantages. Breathable, gentle on the skin, and fully biodegradable, it's especially great for hot summer days, although it can also be worn successfully in winter. Does linen shrink in the wash? How should you wash linen clothes to ensure they retain their original appearance for a long time? You'll find the answers to these questions below!
Where does flax come from?
Linen is a fabric made from the plant of the same name. It is also where flax seeds come from, which possess numerous health benefits. Linen itself also has many advantages, from breathability and anti-allergic properties to high moisture absorption.
In summer, linen will keep you cool and sweat-free, while in winter it will protect you from the cold. Especially important these days, it's fully biodegradable, meaning it decomposes naturally. Linen is also soft and durable – clothes made from it are highly resistant to abrasion and stretching. Of course, this doesn't mean you don't need to take proper care of it – with proper care, linen clothing will retain its luster for a long time!
How to wash linen?
Wondering if linen shrinks in the wash? Indeed, linen clothes can shrink slightly, but this shouldn't exceed 10%. To ensure no shrinkage, it's best to hand wash them, but it's not necessary.
You can also safely wash linen clothes in the washing machine , but it is worth following a few rules – then you will minimize the risk of shrinkage of your favorite shirt or dress.
Let's start with the temperature. Linen is typically washed at 30-40 degrees Celsius. If it's not heavily stained, a lower temperature will be sufficient; modern detergents remove stains from as little as 20 degrees Celsius. To be sure, check the care label before throwing the item in the washing machine. Remember not to use bleach when washing linen! Also, try to use mild detergents, such as those designed for children's clothing.
How to wash linen in the washing machine?
When washing linen, try not to overload the drum – the more crowded it is, the more your linen garment will wrinkle. Also, don't overdo the spin cycle – next to tumble drying, this is the most damaging process for linen clothes.
A strong spin cycle can not only shrink the linen but also cause localized thinning of the fibers . Very high spin speeds can even break the fibers, resulting in permanent creases. We don't want that! For linen, it's best to set the spin speed to a maximum of 400 rpm . It's also a good idea to lightly squeeze the water out of the garment by hand.
Drying linen clothes
After washing, it's time to dry. We strongly advise against tumble drying linen – it's much better to use a standard standing dryer , or, in the case of shirts, hangers .
Immediately after removing clothes from the washing machine, shake them lightly to help the fibers straighten. To prevent discoloration, avoid placing the dryer in direct sunlight. Avoid direct heat sources – it's best to let the clothes air dry naturally. With linen, this won't take long!
How to iron linen clothes?
An iron with a steam function or a steam iron is ideal for ironing linen. If you don't have such a device, you can start ironing linen when the garment is still slightly damp. This will make it easier, as linen tends to wrinkle easily. However, this is its only drawback!
If you don't notice when the item is still a bit damp, you can lightly mist it with water. Regardless of the method you choose, iron linen inside out. After ironing, hang the garment to dry completely.
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Finally, we'd like to add that this post is a good preview of our new summer linen items. A linen shirt—doesn't that sound like a great new addition to our linen collection? We can't wait to share it with you. Stay tuned.
Or perhaps you're looking for more advice? If so, be sure to check out how to care for clothes made from other fabrics.
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