How to Wash Linen

June 7, 2024

Linen is a fabulous fabric, known for its durability and timeless elegance. However, it does require a bit of special care to keep it looking its best.

If you're pondering the question "how to wash linen", have no fear! At Dip, we've gathered the best tips and tricks to share with you. In this article, we will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to wash linen properly.

As experts in laundry care, we pride ourselves on giving you the best advice to clean your garments as effectively as possible.

So, if you have other special garments in need of cleaning such as how to wash cashmere or how to wash wool, why not check out our articles on those topics as well?

What this article covers:

How to Wash Linen in a Washing Machine
How to Hand Wash Linen

How to Wash Linen in a Washing Machine

So, should you wash linen in a washing machine or by hand? The answer is - both!

However, both of these washing methods follow a careful process that, when adhered to, will leave your linen clean and lasting longer. Let's look at how to wash linen in a washing machine.

Separate White And Coloured Linens

First things first, always separate your white linens from coloured ones. This simple step prevents colour bleeding and keeps your whites bright.

Based on our observations, mixing them can lead to unwanted hues and dull fabrics. When you separate white and coloured linens, you protect the integrity of both.

Whites stay crisp and clean, while colours maintain their vibrancy without the risk of dye transfer.

Turn Your Linens Inside Out

Turning your linens inside out before washing helps protect the fabric. It reduces friction during the wash cycle, which can wear down the material over time. This is a small step with significant benefits for maintaining the integrity of your linen.

By reducing direct contact with other items and the washing machine drum, you minimise wear and tear on the fabric surface. This practice helps keep your linens looking new for longer and preserves their natural texture and strength.

Opt For Low Temperatures

Linen prefers a cool bath. We recommend washing your linen at low temperatures, around 30°C to 40°C. Additionally, cold water works best for how to wash a weighted blanket and how to wash a puffer jacket.

High heat can cause linen to shrink and become brittle, compromising the fabric's quality and longevity. Washing at low temperatures helps maintain the natural texture and strength of the fabric, ensuring it stays soft and durable.

We've found that adhering to these temperature guidelines not only preserves the fabric's quality but also extends its life.

Use Mild Detergent

When washing linen, choose a mild detergent, such as our laundry detergent sheets. Our ultra-concentrated formula ensures a powerful wash while the neutral pH level in these sheets makes it hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.

A gentle detergent cleans effectively while being kind to your linen, ensuring it stays soft and luxurious. Our laundry detergent sheets are the perfect choice for giving your linen a powerful and thorough wash.

They dissolve quickly in water, leaving no residue, and their plant-based ingredients provide a deep clean without harming the delicate fibres of your linen. This makes them ideal for maintaining the quality and softness of your linen, ensuring it remains comfortable and long-lasting.

How to Hand Wash Linen

Now, let's take a look at how to hand wash your linen:

Fill Your Basin Or Tub With Water

Hand washing linen is a great option for delicate items or if you prefer a gentler approach. Start by filling a basin or tub with cold or lukewarm water.

This provides the perfect environment for your linen to get a thorough, gentle clean.

Mix With A Mild Detergent

Add a mild detergent to the water and mix it well. Make sure it's completely dissolved to avoid any soap residue on your linen. From our experience, this ensures an even clean without any harsh spots.

Our laundry detergent sheets are the perfect choice for this task as they are easily dissolvable and can be mixed with water effortlessly. These sheets provide a powerful, thorough clean while being gentle on your fabrics.

Let It Soak

Allow your linen to soak for about 10-15 minutes. This process helps to loosen any dirt or stains embedded in the fabric.

Gently swish the fabric around in the water to enhance the cleaning process, but avoid excessive scrubbing, as it can weaken the fibres. This gentle soaking ensures that the linen is thoroughly cleaned without causing damage.

By allowing your linen to soak properly, you maintain the quality and longevity of the material, ensuring it stays soft and durable.

Rinse And Dry

After soaking and gently washing your linen, it's time to rinse. Ensure all detergent is thoroughly rinsed out by swishing the fabric in clean water until the water runs clear.

This step is crucial for maintaining the softness and integrity of the linen fibres. Once rinsed, carefully press out excess water without wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can cause damage.

Lay the linen flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to remove additional moisture. Finally, air dry your linen by laying it flat on a drying rack or hanging it up in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

You can adopt a similar approach when learning how to wash trainers. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

Conclusion

Washing linen doesn't have to be a daunting task. With these tips from Dip, you can keep your linen fresh, soft, and beautiful for years to come.

Whether you choose machine washing or hand washing, remember to use low temperatures and mild detergents for the best results.

If you're ready to experience premium laundry care, check out our sustainable products on our website.

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