Fabrics care guide
Natural fabrics are precious.
Our main goal isn't only to provide the best quality linen textile but ensure you have the best instructions on how to care for such fabrics. We've put together the essential guidelines to help you manage your linen fabrics.
Linen fabric
Known as the world’s strongest natural fiber, linen is highly resistant to abrasion and less prone to wearing and tearing. So you can enjoy your favorite linen pieces for many years without the need to replace them after a couple of washes. Proper care is one of the main conditions to ensure a long and successful life of linens. Here you will find a few suggestions that will help your fine linens to wear softly and smoothly through endless laundering.
Machine Washing
While linen is incredibly durable, the way you set your washing machine can significantly impact the fabric's longevity and texture. Using the correct settings ensures the fibers remain intact and the colors stay vibrant for years to come.
- Wash linen at around 40 °C / 100 °F. For stubborn stains, the temperature can be increased to 60 °C / 140 °F, but avoid frequent high-heat washes to prevent shrinkage.
- Wash linens separately, keeping them apart from other fabrics and colors.
- If your washing machine offers adjustable water levels, choose the highest — linen absorbs a lot of water.
- Our polyester filled garments should be washed at a maximum temperature of 40°C / 100 °F.
Hand Washing
For those extra delicate or lightweight linen pieces, a more personal touch is often required. Hand washing is the gentlest way to cleanse the fabric without putting unnecessary stress on the natural fibers.
- Best for thin linen fabrics that can be delicate in a machine wash.
- Use a gentle swishing motion, avoiding wringing, twisting, or scrubbing.
Stain Care
Accidents happen, but they don't have to be permanent if you act quickly. Handling spots correctly as soon as they occur prevents them from setting into the porous linen fibers.
- Treat stains as soon as they appear; the sooner you act, the better the result.
- Read our blog for more tips how to clean almost every stain from your linen.
Detergent
The longevity of your linen often depends on the chemistry of your wash. Choosing a mild, fabric-friendly detergent protects the natural integrity of the flax fibers and maintains a soft feel.
- Choose soft, neutral detergents designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid products containing bleach (e.g., chlorine, peroxide).
- Never pour detergent directly onto the fabric; instead, dissolve it in water before adding linens.
- Ensure all detergent is completely rinsed out before drying.
Bleaching
While we sometimes want our whites to be brighter, traditional bleach can be too harsh for natural linen. Following specific guidelines will help you maintain that crisp look without damaging the material.
- Only use on white linen - do not bleach colored items. Use oxygen-based bleach, never chlorine bleach.
Shrinkage
Linen is a natural material that reacts to heat and moisture. Understanding how to manage these factors will help your garments maintain their original fit and shape over time.
- Linen from Linen Tales is pre-washed and pre-shrunk; it typically shrinks 3% or less.
- Avoid washing or drying on high heat, which is the most common cause of shrinkage.
Drying
The drying process is just as important as the wash itself for maintaining the fabric's strength. Proper airflow and temperature control prevent the fibers from becoming brittle or misshapen.
- Options include tumble drying on low, hanging, or laying flat on a white towel.
- If using a dryer, remove while slightly damp, then finish drying by hanging or laying flat.
- Hanging white linen in the sun helps preserve its brightness.
- Avoid over-drying, which weakens fibers and causes shrinkage and pilling.
Ironing
Linen has a beautiful natural texture, but if you prefer a smoother finish, the right technique is key. Ironing while the fabric is in the correct state ensures a crisp look without scorching the fibers.