Written by How To

How To Wash Linen Clothing

how to wash linen

A wonderful natural fabric derived from flax plant fibers is linen. Because of its high level of permeability, it is a great material for summer clothing. It is a distinctive natural substance that requires little upkeep and endures for a very long time. The more linen is washed, the softer and more lovely it gets, washing better than any other natural material while preserving quality.

Linen clothing is effortlessly fashionable. The appearance of linen exudes an impression of classic beauty that is always in vogue. It has a comfortable loose fit without being overly baggy and an easy-to-wear drape. It’s the ideal material for outdoor events like summer barbecues or warm-weather work days. However, linen has a reputation for being a challenging fabric to maintain. 

The issue is that as long as your linen is left neglected at the bottom of your laundry basket, it will become more wrinkled and unclean. It’s likely to become musty if left in your closet. In either case, even if you don’t wear your linen shirt often, you will wash it more often.

How To Wash Linen?

Although it may appear that linen is extremely delicate and difficult to maintain, this is not necessarily the case. The label that is connected to your linen garment will always tell you how to care for it, but it also helps to have some general information. You can wash linen by hand or by machine.

1. Washing Linen Shirts In Machines

Flax, a natural fiber that can absorb a lot of water, is used to make linen. It is prone to significant creasing after washing, but if you give objects a lot of room to move around in the drum, you’ll find that this particular problem is significantly alleviated. Checking the care label and then adhering to these procedures is the ideal approach to wash linen.

Washing Linen Shirts In Machines
Photo Credit: Canva

Sort the linens into white, dark, and colored piles. Wash apart from other fabrics for optimum results. To prevent damage, do not combine it with heavier goods like towels or jeans. Get the laundry ready by flipping it inside out. Close the zippers and all of the buttons.

  • Check that your laundry has sufficient space to thoroughly rinse.
  • Opt for water that is lukewarm (40°C/104°F) and low temps.
  • Make use of the delicate cycle.
  • Use a gentle detergent made for fine fabrics.
  • Avoid bleaching. The fibers are prone to weakness and possible discoloration when using bleach and detergents with optical brighteners.

There is no need for the softener because linen naturally gets softer with each wash and stonewashed linen is already the softest it can be; using a softener would simply damage the fibers and reduce the fabric’s capacity to absorb and wick moisture.  

2. Washing Linen Shirts by Hand

For lightly dirty clothing or linen with a loose weave, hand washing is advised. This can sustain further harm if washed in a machine. Add a teaspoon of mild detergent to a small container of lukewarm water. The linen garment should be soaked for around 10 minutes in lukewarm water.

washing linen shirts by hand
Photo Credit: Canva

Swish linen clothing in a smooth back-and-forth motion. Never scrape or distort the fabric as this can harm it. Rinse many times until all of the soap has been removed, then drain the soapy water.

To avoid ruining your outfit, avoid wringing linen to remove extra water or even twisting or scrubbing the fabric at all. To get rid of moisture, carefully roll each item in a towel. To avoid wrinkles and even ironing, hang your linen garment to dry on a padded hanger. Avoid detergent that contains optical brightening agents because they may change color. 

Never use bleach on linen, stay away from detergent with fabric softener added, and the majority of available fabric softeners don’t work on linen and can leave a residue. The deadliest enemy of linen is bleach, which can hasten the tearing or deterioration of the fiber. Additionally, if you can, wash your linen in mild water.  

3. Linen In Dryer

In addition to its attractiveness, one of linen’s best advantages is that it dries quickly. Because of this feature, linen is a fantastic material for travel and for wearing in extremely hot weather. Your best option for drying linen clothing is to air dry it due to how rapidly it dries and its propensity to shrink when heated. 

linen in dryer
Photo Credit: Canva

In addition, since we wear linen throughout the warmer months, the summer heat helps it air dry even more quickly. If you do prefer to machine dry, select a low- or no-heat setting. Avoid using hangers when air drying clothes since they will leave ugly dent marks unless they are cushioned. Instead, place the item flat on a towel or on a drying rack.

Should You Wash Dry Clean Linen?

You may rest easy knowing the answer to this intriguing inquiry about all of your apparel that is labeled dry clean only. It can still be washed even though the labeling states dry clean only. The linen dry cleaning process can be used by professionals to clean them, according to your preferences and your budget.

The more structured, fitted clothing, such as linen jackets or blazers, should be dry cleaned. Items with the label “dry clean only” can be hand washed or even machine washed on a mild cycle without causing you any severe problems. However, linen dry cleaning is the best choice for you if you have the money but not the time because it will save you from having to invest a lot of time and energy into trying to hang dry your clothes, among other things.

Photo Credit: Canva

FAQs 

Can I put Linen in the Washing Machine?

To prevent washing machine fiber damage, flip linen garments inside out. Never use hot water, always use the gentle cycle, and always use mild detergent. You can use a hotter wash if your linens have already been washed, but make sure to carefully read the care instructions.

Can you put Linen in the Dryer?

As long as the care instructions say it’s okay for the clothing, natural linen fabric can be tumble dried without risk. To dry linen shirts, linen bedding, or linen clothing, use medium heat. Again, excessive heat might result in damage or shrinkage. As soon as they are dry, hang them to avoid further creasing..

Is 100% Linen Washable?

Despite the fact that all dresses, tunics, pants, and shirts are constructed of pure linen, other fabrics that were used for the stitching, trim, or lining may need to be dry cleaned or hand washed. If you ignore it or don’t know about it, it could ruin your clothes.

How do you Wash Linen without Shrinking?

Separate bright and dark fabrics, as well as linen and other types of materials; if in doubt, use your washing machine’s gentle cycle. Avoid overworking your machine. If unsure or using vintage linen fabrics, hand washing them in cold water will prevent additional shrinking and preserve the original fit of the garment. Rinse thoroughly in cool water after using a light detergent. Avoid using bleach.

What is the Best Way to Wash a Linen Shirt?

Always use the mild cycle on your washing machine for washing linens. Avoid washing in water that is too hot or cold. If the washing machine has a water level setting, always use the highest level available. Your apparel should be unrestricted.

Can you Dry Clean Linen?

Linen is made from flax fiber. Dry washing is an excellent alternative for linen because these natural fibers are more prone to wrinkles. Even though it is acceptable to wash your linens, having them dry cleaned might save you the time it takes to press the linens to remove any creases or wrinkles.

How much does it Cost to Dry Clean Linen?

Depending on the kind of thing you’re dry cleaning, the price varies greatly. For instance, dry cleaning for clothing like shirts, pants, and skirts can go as high as $100 for wedding dresses and other items like curtains and drapes.

Is 100% Linen Dry Clean Oly?

If your item’s label says dry clean, you may usually wash it at home by hand washing or using a washing machine, depending on the material. Dry clean only clothing cannot be hand washed. However, if it specifies dry clean only, heed the warning and take it to a professional. 

Conclusion

Clothes made of linen are cool to wear and simple to maintain. They can be machine or hand washed. You have the choice. But be careful to use warm water and a gentle detergent without bleach. Your clothing may be dried easily too. Once the item is damp, use a cool drier before letting it air dry. Or simply hang it up to dry in the open air.

It’s simple to maintain linen clothing. It is resistant to air drying, ironing, washing by hand, and washing machines. It won’t take much work on your part to maintain them tidy and appealing. How to wash linen? The secret is to carefully follow the washing recommendations for linen clothing, and you’ll have clothing that will last you for a very long time.

Read Also:

How to Wash Linen Sheets, Dry, and Care
How To Wash A Weighted Blanket – Care Guidelines

Close