- Heddels
- Posts
- July 2- Laundering Linen – How to Wash Flaxen Fibers
July 2- Laundering Linen – How to Wash Flaxen Fibers
Laundering Linen – How to Wash Flaxen Fibers
Linen is one of the oldest clothing fibers in history, yet many are still afraid to wash it. Check our no-fuss guide to laundering your linen.
James Smith

Made from the long fibers of the flax plant, humans have been using linen for over six thousand years. And yet, some of us are still afraid to wash it. Why, you ask? Because just like wool, linen has picked up an unjust reputation of being difficult to wash and care for. The truth is, once you know how to wash linen correctly, it’s a breeze. So, to get you prepared for linen season, we’ve put together a quick, fool-proof guide to the dos and don’ts of washing this flaxen fiber.
Three Golden Rules
Most people go astray with their linen laundry by breaking one of the three following rules. Keep them in mind, and you should avoid the majority of potential problems.
Don’t use hot water – Hot washes will cause shrinkage and degradation of the linen.
Don’t tumble dry – The high temperature and spinning motion of the dryer will also cause damage and potentially irreversible crinkling/creasing.
Don’t use biological detergents – The enzymes in biological detergents are in place to eat away at the proteins of food stains. Linen fibers are mainly made up of cellulose (polysaccharides) but do contain some residual proteins. As such, washing (especially regularly) with biological detergent can cause the detergent’s enzymes to eat away at the parts of the fibers.
How to Wash Linen – Five Easy Steps
1. Is a Wash Necessary?

Image via Shrewton Laundry.
One of the unique characteristics of linen is its lack of elasticity. This rigidity allows it to hold its shape. So, if you find your linen garment starting to droop slightly or lose some shape due to daily wear, this would be a good time to give it a wash to freshen up the fibers. Dry cleaning is an option, especially if the care label indicates ‘dry clean only’; however, most linen garments fare absolutely fine with a simple machine wash.
2. Check the Care Tag

Image via Charly Chau.
Refer to the care label of your garment for a recommended temperature; most linen garments should be washed on a mid-to-cold temperature, however, a linen blend may be able to withstand higher temperatures.
3. Check & Address Stains

Image via Reddit
Inspect your garment for any nasty stains. Any harsh marks or stains will need spot cleaning, as the low-temperature wash that linen requires may not be enough to combat them. A spot cleaning service is provided by most good dry cleaners, but there is a whole world of home stain removal solutions available.
Removing stains from white linen:
If your linen is white, you can try a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to remove stubborn stains like coffee, wine, and even sweat. Hydrogen peroxide is a more gentle chemical solution than bleach. To do this:
Purchase 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
Lay the garment onto a white towel to protect other surfaces
Using gloves, pour some of this solution onto a Q-tip or cotton ball
Apply the solution to the stained area. For sweat stains, ensure the affected area is well-covered.
Leave to sit for 10-20 minutes, and then launder the garment ASAP
Removing stains from colored linen:
For colored linen, try the poster child of natural stain removers — a vinegar & baking soda solution. To do this:
Purchase white vinegar and pour some into a spray bottle
Mix water and baking soda into a loose, toothpaste-like consistency.
Wearing gloves, gently work this solution onto the stain and allow it to gently fizz for 15 seconds
Spray a liberal amount of white vinegar onto the soda-covered stain area
Let sit for 10 mins or so, and then launder the garment ASAP
4. Start Your Washing Machine

Set your washing machine to the recommended temperature (that means not hot!), using a program with a gentle spin cycle. Add a measure of non-biological detergent or natural soap solution. There are special detergents available that are tailored to care and preserve linen textiles, but you can get by just fine with a regular non-biological detergent.

Le Blanc’s dedicated Linen Wash.
Toss in your linen garment(s) and you’re good to go. You can take this opportunity to wash the garment with similar colored items, but it is recommended that linen garments are given enough space in the drum, so they can be agitated adequately to reduce crinkling and creasing.
5. Hang it Dry

Image via Lauren Winter.
Once the cycle is finished, remove your linen from the washer while it is still slightly damp. To dry, lay the garment flat on a non-heated cooling rack (better for pants) or hang it on a hanger. Removing the garment whilst damp helps to reduce shrinkage and creasing.
Good luck! (You don’t need it.)
Like this? Read these:
What did you think of today's newsletter? |