There is nothing better than getting into bed at night and feeling the soft linen against your skin. Linen is a durable, luxurious fabric requiring special care to maintain its quality and longevity. Known for its breathability and comfort its delicate fibres need gentle handling to preserve its natural beauty.
We often make the mistake when cleaning our linen by simply putting them into the washing machine, using any detergent, choosing whatever cycle and letting the washing machine do its job. However, linen needs a gentle hand, and should be treated differently to your usual every day washing. To keep its luxurious feel and its fibres soft and inviting for as long as possible, you need to treat your linen with some love and tenderness.
When it comes to linen, and since it is not washed daily, to avoid unnecessary wear and tear care must be taken to wash it correctly. Ragavan suggests the following steps on how to wash your linen to keep it good condition for many years:
Yes, Check Laundry Labels
It may seem like common sense, but often the laundry labels on linen and clothes are overlooked. Always check the care label on your linen items for any specific washing instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Separate Your Linens
Just as you would with your clothes, separate your linen items from other types of fabrics. Wash whites, light colours, and dark colours separately to prevent colour bleeding.
Pre-Treat Stain, then Rub it in
For any stains, pre-treat them with a mild detergent or a stain remover. Apply the detergent directly to the stain and gently rub it in.
Opt for Gentle Non-Bleach Detergent
Choose a mild, non-bleach detergent when washing your linen. Bleach can weaken linen fibres and cause discolouration. A gentle washing powder will gently handle all your linen with the care it deserves. Its gentle and effective formula allows you to keep the wear and tear of your linen at bay, while at the same time cleaning your linen efficiently, in both hot or cold water, and without any additional fuss.
Cold Water Over Hot
Don’t wash your linen in hot water. Always opt for lukewarm or even cold water. Hot water can cause the fibres to shrink or become damaged.
Use Your Machine’s Gentle Wash
All washing machines have different cycles for different washes. Choose the gentle cycle to minimise the wear and tear on your linen’s fabric.
Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine
Giving linen items enough space to move freely will ensure they are cleaned thoroughly and evenly. Too many items will not allow for proper cleaning and an uneven distribution of your washing powder.
Check for any Detergent Residues
Ensure that your linen is rinsed thoroughly to remove all detergent residues. This is particularly important for maintaining the softness and texture of the fabric.
Dry Linen under Indirect Sunlight
When it comes to drying your linen, the best option is to air dry outside in a shady spot as direct sunlight can cause the colours to fade. If you must tumble dry your linen choose a low heat setting and remove the linen while it is still slightly damp to avoid wrinkling.
Iron at Medium-Hot Heat
If you iron your linen, do so with a medium-hot iron and while it is still slightly damp. Also remember to iron it on the reverse side of the fabric.
Don’t Skimp on Linen Storage
Once you have washed your linen, storing it is just as important. Always store in a cool, dry place to avoid trapped moisture that can cause mildew. Don’t use plastic bags to store them, rather opt for breathable cotton bags or wrap them in cotton sheets.
Your linen is just as important as your clothes, and when washed correctly, can last longer – saving you money and keeping your favourite decor in the bedroom, looking as good as new. Often we simply wash our linen as we do our clothes, but because of type of fabric and the way it is used, there needs to be a change in our thinking and a change in our washing routines.
