NEVER dryclean – it will degrade the fibers and adds pollutants to the environment. Never bleach linen, not even with “safe” bleach. It will degrade the fibers.
Pure linen is easy to care for. Follow these instructions and your linens will give you decades of beautiful comfort.
- Machine launder on the delicate or short cycle. Use cold or warm water to preserve the fibers and extend the life of the garment. It also reduces the carbon impact on the environment.
- Use only gentle detergents formulated for delicate fabrics. Never pour detergent directly onto fabric, instead add sheets after the tub has filled and the detergent is dispersed into the water. Use a mild detergent, or one that is non-alkaline and doesn’t contain bleach or brighteners. Use only half the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
- Never use fabric softeners. They coat the fiber and will degrade the fiber over time.
- Pure linen sheets look rough and unkempt looking in appearance in its natural state, Many people treasure this look. If you prefer a crisp look, you may press the linen. If you choose to iron, use the steam setting and select the linen or high setting on the iron and press the garment while it is damp from the backside. Never use spray starch. If you would like to extend the crispness use a light spray of sizing. Spray starch is not recommended under any circumstance.
- After washing pure linen sheets, the best way to dry the linens is to hang them on a line in the fresh air. If this is not practical for you, tumble dry with the temperature set to medium or low. This will help preserve and extend the life of the fibers. Immediately take your linens from the dryer and fold for storage. Never wring linen to remove excess water.
- Stains – If your pure linen bedding become stained, try removing the spot with club soda first. Always treat the stain and wash. Before you dry the garment, check to see if the stain is gone. If not, treat again and wash again before drying. Drying may set the stain for good.
- If the stain persists, some stains can be removed with common hairspray or rubbing alcohol, but it is best to test an inconspicuous spot for color fastness. Never use liquid or peroxide based powder bleach on pure linen. If you are unsure how to proceed, seek the advice of a professional. It’s better to be safe than sorry when removing stains from pure linen.
