How to wash linen without damaging it

Linen is one of the star fabrics when temperatures start to rise. It is lightweight, breathable and has a natural look that stands it out from other fabrics, making it a must in our closets in spring and summer. Nevertheless, it is also a delicate material that requires some specific care to ensure it keeps its shape, texture and durability.

Knowing how to wash linen without it shrinking is key to avoid it losing its shape, softness or it deteriorating over time. Although we think of it as a rather difficult task, it can be kept in good condition for a long time. Honestly!

Does linen shrink? We are going to explain how to wash it

One of the most common doubts is if linen shrinks. The answer is yes, particularly if we do not wash it properly. Since it is a natural fibre, linen can shrink when it is exposed to high temperatures, both when washing or when drying.

To avoid it shrinking, it should be washed in cold or low temperature water (maximum 30ºC) on a gentle washing cycle in the washing machine, which will minimise movement and rubbing against other garments.

It is best to always check the label on each garment, since some will require pre-washing or treatment to reduce the possibility of shrinking.

Products to use when washing linen in the washing machine

We need to bear in mind that the type of detergent we use directly affects how we care for linen. Considering that it is a natural fabric, the most recommended choice is to use mild products without any aggressive agents.

For example, liquid detergents are usually a good choice since they dissolve better and leave less residue on the fibres. It is also preferable to avoid whitening products or bleach, particularly on coloured garments, since those products can weaken the fabric and fade the colours. In the case of white clothes, if you want to keep the colour, you can use specific detergents, but they should always be used in moderation.

Using fabric softener is optional. Although it confers a more pleasant feel to the material, it is not indispensable, and in many cases it can leave residue behind that affects how breathable the linen is.

A practical tip when deciding how to wash linen in the washing machine is to perform an extra rinse cycle to get rid of any remains of detergent that are left behind on the clothing.

How to wash linen by hand

If you decide to handwash linen, use pure soap or mild detergent for delicate clothes, and plenty of lukewarm water at a maximum of 30-40ºC, since linen is very absorbent. Rinse twice, changing the water, and add some detergent-stain remover booster with active oxygen whitener to the water. Get rid of any dirt remains without leaving the garment to soak to avoid damaging the fabric.

Can linen be dried in the tumble dryer?

Although some garments can be dried in the tumble dryer, it is best to avoid it whenever possible.

The heat can make the garments shrink and affect the structure of the fibres. Therefore, the best option is to air-dry it, on a flat surface or a coat hanger. Never wring out these garments before hanging them out to dry.

Where you hang out the clothes to dry is also important. Avoid direct exposure to the sun for prolonged periods, since it can dry out the fabric and affect the colour, particularly on dyed garments.

If you do use the tumble dryer, you should use a low temperature on a short cycle, and remove the garments while they are still slightly damp to avoid them drying out too much.

Tips for ironing linen

Linen is made from the vegetable fibres of flax, and it wrinkles very easily.

Therefore, knowing how to wash linen is just as important as knowing how to get rid of wrinkles from the fabric.

We are going to give you three recommendations:

• To make ironing easier, you should iron linen while it is still slightly damp. Lay it on a flat surface for it to dry out.
• If it is a light colour, iron it inside out first, and then turn it the right way out and iron it again. If it is a dark colour, just iron it inside out.
• Always check the label and observe the ironing instructions. Pure linen does tolerate higher temperatures. In case of doubt though, the label will provide the right instructions.

The only thing remaining to say, is to enjoy your linen garments this summer, and by using these tips you will be able to keep them in perfect condition and they will last much longer.