How to care for linen?
How to care for linen?
Here are the most common questions answered when it comes to how best to care for, wash and store linen. Linen is a timeless, durable, and natural material that suits everything from clothing to home textiles. If you are looking for high-quality linen curtains made to measure, check out our whole selection here.
WHY CHOOSE LINEN?
The smooth surface of linen is naturally dirt-repellent and easier to keep clean than, for example, cotton. Therefore, full linen is a more affordable option than half linen mixed with cotton because real linen stays clean longer and is more durable. Linen is an easy-care natural fiber that ages beautifully and only gets softer with time.
HOW TO REMOVE STAINS FROM LINEN?
As with all types of stains, your best chance is to treat the stain as soon as it appears. Spot wash stains with a stain remover (type of bile soap), stain spray, or linen soap, avoid bleach on linen.
HOW TO WASH LINEN?
Soak the linen fabric about 30 minutes before the first wash and wash separately. Soaking prevents sharp creases from appearing after washing. Never wash a full machine, but give the linen space in the washing machine. 30-40 degrees is usually enough.
Although linen is durable and can withstand high temperatures, it lasts better in the long run by choosing a gentle washing program. Set the washing machine to low spin and a generous amount of water, preferably with an extra rinse. Avoid water-saving eco programs because the linen needs a larger amount of water to rinse away excess fibers. Feel free to use a detergent for natural fibers, such as Fiini’s wool detergent. Avoid tumble drying, which shortens the life of the linen and can make the linen more wrinkled. Instead, stretch the linen after washing and hang it up.
For hand-embroidered linen or heirlooms, hand washing is recommended.
HOW TO WASH LINEN CURTAINS?
If you wish to maintain the stiffness of the linen curtains, we recommend airing them. Washing softens the curtains and there is a risk of shrinkage. Curtains usually only get dusty, so airing them outdoors goes a long way to freshen them up.
Wash the entire curtains only if they are dirty. Always spot-wash if there is only a single stain, so the entire curtain does not need to be machine-washed. See the previous question for more detailed washing advice.
SHOULD I MANGLE, IRON, OR STEAM LINEN?
Cold mangling gives the linen a shine and goes especially well with finer tablecloths and napkins. If you let the linen rest for at least a day between washing and mangling, the fibers have time to recover.
Please moisten the linen before ironing. The linen withstands heat well and is ironed with three dots on the iron.
You can advantageously steam and steam linen clothes and curtains. Just hang the curtains in the window, spray with water or fabric spray, and steam with a hand steamer.
HOW MUCH DOES LINEN SHRINK IN THE WASH?
It is very different, and linen can shrink differently in width and length so it depends on how the linen is cut. But overall, linen shrinks approx. The linen used for Restyle’s linen clothes, linen curtains, and linen tablecloths is pre-washed and shrinks a little less, approx.
HOW TO STORE LINEN CURTAINS?
Air the curtains outdoors, after airing when they are completely dry, they are ready for long-term storage. All textiles are always best stored dark, dry and cool.
Our very best and time-saving tip is to roll up curtain lengths on a fabric roll or equivalent. Then the curtains are kept crease-free and are so much more fun to take out next time. Curtains can be advantageously hung on clothes hangers. Cover with cotton fabric or try our linen storage bags to avoid dust.
SO HOW TO BEST CARE FOR LINEN?
To summarize, we can say:
- air curtains first
- always soak before the first wash
- wash in a water-rich and gentle washing program
- hand wash textiles you are particularly careful about
- steam your hanging curtains with a steamer
- store curtain lengths on a roll to avoid wrinkles
Looking for high-quality made-to-measure linen curtains? We got you!
