Linen might look like fancy-schmancy fabric, but in reality mastering linen care is surprisingly fuss-free. However, whilst it’s famously low-maintenance, you still need to know how to wash linen properly to prevent shrinkage and colour loss (the achilles heels of linen).
With the right delicate detergent and a few simple techniques, you can ensure your favourite linen threads stay soft and breathable after every wash.
Help, I’ve stained my favourite linen shirt. What should I do?
When it comes to stains, the best course of action is to treat them as quickly as possible.
Start by removing the stain residue, and then apply a little bit of our Wool and Delicate Wash directly to the stain to spot treat it. Make you gently rub the area instead of an intense scrub to avoid any damage.
Wait about 5 minutes, then pop it straight into the washing machine with 4 pumps (14ml) of our delicate detergent, and wash with cold or lukewarm water on a gentle spin cycle.
Things to avoid when removing stains from linen:
- Don’t use bleach to spot treat your linen as it will weaken the fibers and alter the colour of dyed linens (this includes our spot stain treater and soaker - keep them away from your linens).
- Don't leave the spot treat detergent on for too long - linen is a bit finicky at holding colour so even a good clean can make for uneven colour patches.
- Remember to always follow the garment care instructions and patch test everything first.
Is it true that linen shrinks in the wash?
It’s true. Linen does shrink (about 4% on average for pure linens) in the wash, due to their fabric manufacturing process. Linen is a woven textile made from flax fibres that are stretched during their creation. When it becomes wet (i.e. gets washed) for the first time after manufacturing, this stretch will retract, making the linen seem ‘smaller’.
We get it, it’s a pain, and it seems like the manufacturers know this too, which is why it’s pretty common to see ‘pre-washed’ labels these days. When you choose pre-washed linen, your fabric won’t shrink as much when you wash it for the first time.
The good news is, there are a few ways to minimise shrinkage:
- Always use cold to lukewarm water for both hand washing and machine washing, as very cold water and higher temperatures (we’re talking 40° C or more) will increase the likelihood of shrinkage.
- When it comes to drying your linen threads, hang them to dry outside (preferably flat so they don’t lose their shape) instead of using a dryer.
But if your favourite linen has shrunk and you want to take matters into your own hands, there is a way to ‘unshrink’ it so to speak.
Simply re-wash your linen and line dry until it’s damp. Then, using a low-mild temperature on your iron, iron outwards, starting from the centre. Use a firm but gentle pressing motion to stretch the fabric back to its original size but be careful not to press too hard.
Hand Wash vs Machine Wash
Great news, you can do both!
If you prefer to machine wash, make sure you separate your darks from your whites to avoid any colour transfer, and always use a gentle cycle as linen is a lightweight fabric.
It’s important to not overload your washing machine too as it might twist or pull your linen threads out of shape. Use a delicate detergent and don’t use fabric softener, as the chemicals within the softener will reduce the absorbency abilities of your linen (i.e making it less breathable).
Fun fact: linen naturally softens with every wash!
And there you have it, our top tips and tricks to wash your linen like a pro! Find out how to wash your sweatiest activewear with Dirt here.
