Linen is a material with many advantages. Airy, 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 keep them looking their best for longer? Find the answers below!
Where does flax come from?
Linen is a fabric made from the plant of the same name . It also provides flax seeds, 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 prevent you from sweating and will keep you cool, while in winter it will protect you from the cold. What is especially important nowadays, 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 we don't need to take proper care of it – By properly handling linen clothing, it will retain its splendor for a long time !
How to wash linen?
Wondering if linen shrinks in the wash? While linen clothes may shrink slightly, it shouldn't exceed 10%. To ensure they don't shrink, hand washing is best, 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 usually washed at 30-40 degrees Celsius. If it's not heavily stained, a lower temperature will be sufficient, as modern detergents remove stains starting at 20 degrees Celsius. To be sure, check the 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.
💡 For linen bedding and tablecloths, the upper limit can be 60 degrees Celsius. Duvet covers, pillowcases, and heavily soiled tablecloths should be washed at a higher temperature .
How to wash linen in the washing machine?
When washing linen, try not to put too many items in the drum. – the more crowded it is inside, the more your linen garment will wrinkle. Also, don't overdo it with spinning – next to tumble drying, this is the most unfavorable process for linen clothes.
Strong spinning can not only shrink the linen but also cause localized thinning of the fibers . Very high 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.
💡 You can use vinegar to rinse linen clothes! This is a cheap and eco-friendly solution that will keep your linen clothes soft and vibrant. Simply pour half a cup of vinegar into the fabric softener. Don't worry – the specific smell will disappear during rinsing!
Drying linen clothes
After washing, it's time to dry. We strongly advise against putting linen in a tumble dryer – It is much better to use a regular standing dryer , and 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 things 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.
💡 The optimal temperature for ironing linen is 200 degrees Celsius.
Looking for more advice? If so, be sure to check out 👉🏻 how to care for your clothes also made of other fabrics.
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