How do I care for linen bedding correctly?

So, there it is, my new linen bedding, and a nagging question occupies my mind: How do I care for linen bedding correctly? Linen is a natural product—compared to other fabrics, the linen fiber is only minimally treated and tamed. It is made from flax, which undergoes numerous processes until it becomes this high-quality, skin-friendly fabric. Nowadays, linen is no longer an everyday product, which is why the question arises again and again: How do I care for linen bedding correctly? How can I ensure the product retains its value, color, and shape? The frequency of this question suggests that linen represents something special to its buyers and that the proud owners certainly do not want to make any mistakes.

First of all, it should be noted that the correct handling of this natural material is essential, especially with fine and hand-embroidered details. With every wash, linen becomes even more radiant and soft. The fine, typical sheen is also known as linen luster. It is caused by a natural wax coating on the linen fiber. This is one of the reasons for the smooth surface. Anyone who follows the care and washing instructions below can be fairly certain of not making any mistakes.

Thanks to the smooth surface structure of the flax fiber from which linen is woven, linen bedding needs to be washed less frequently than bedding made of cotton or microfiber. When washing, the delicate cycle should be used and fabric softener should be avoided, as it damages the fabric. Ideally, linen bedding should be air-dried, as the dry heat in a tumble dryer makes the fibers brittle. Once the linen bedding has dried to a slight residual moisture, it can be ironed dry.

Regular washing is good for linen bedding

Regular washing makes linen wonderfully soft and gives it its typical look. Due to its robustness, the natural material does not require gentle treatment. Dirt is easily removed during washing, and it shines anew after every wash. White and pure linen fabric without special finishes can withstand water temperatures up to 95°C. However, this should remain the exception, as wear and tear increases at such high temperatures. Therefore, we recommend 60°C for normal washing.

In any case, separate dark and colored laundry from white items, as you surely do in everyday life. To remove stains, avoid bleach, as it weakens the fibers and can bleach the fibers of colored linen fabric. Use stain removers without bleach.

Many conventional washing powders contain bleaching particles that damage the fabric color in linen. It is best to use detergents for colors and delicates. Information on common stains can be found in the next section. Fresh stains are best removed by rinsing while they are still fresh. If necessary, use a natural stain soap. Red wine stains are practically sprinkled with sugar or salt, which absorb the liquid and thus prevent staining.

Linen products (clothing, tablecloths, bedding) do not need to be soaked before washing and do not require a pre-wash. However, a new product may enjoy an extensive bath in warm water shortly before the first wash—this prevents the material-typical creases in the fabric. Washing is best done in a washing machine with a high spin speed. When ironing, linen can withstand the maximum temperature. It is best if the linen bedding is still slightly damp. This is the best way to smooth it out.

A starch spray is not necessary, as linen is naturally firm. However, if you prefer a “crisp” tablecloth, you are welcome to starch it after washing. Linen—especially during the first wash—tends to lose fine, fluffy fibers that settle on other laundry items and are difficult to remove. Therefore, wash linen products separately from the rest of your laundry. Linen fabrics tend to wrinkle. You can counteract this by only filling the washing machine halfway. The positive side effect: the material is thoroughly rinsed.

Please do not put linen bedding in the dryer

Avoid drying the laundry completely in the dryer, as this could cause permanent creases. The longevity of your laundry item is then also at risk. In any case, linen is best ironed when it is still slightly damp. Smooth the products properly after washing before hanging them on the line to dry. Simply pulling them straight is sufficient.

A word on hand-washing linen bedding: It is best to use a neutral detergent without bleaching ingredients. Do not leave the fabric lying in the water, but wash it quickly and intensively. Soap residue should be thoroughly rinsed out. The piece of linen bedding is lightly wrung out, placed on a towel, and rolled up. The fibers of the terry towel absorb the excess water. A few hours later, the fabric can then be dried as usual.

Hand-embroidered linen textiles require special care, otherwise the disappointment will be great. Choose a low temperature and a low spin speed for machine washing. Hand-embroidered tablecloths and other linen products must not be machine-dried. The fine embroidery would contract unpleasantly. Therefore, it is better to take delicate textiles with embroidery to the dry cleaners.

How do I look after linen bed linen properly? Helpful tips for removing stains from linen fabrics

It is annoying when fabrics get stained. Many questions immediately arise: How do you remove a specific stain? Here are some tips:

Remove sugary drinks or residues with lukewarm water. Residues can be removed using alcohol from the pharmacy.
Soften coffee or tea stains with glycerin. For the subsequent wash, add a little ammonia to the wash water.
Cosmetic creams are treated like other grease stains (stain spray). Popular stains such as lipstick and face powder are dabbed with alcohol and then washed with detergent.
Grass stains are lightly rubbed with an alcohol/ammonia mixture and then washed.
Grease stains can be treated with benzine or another solvent and sprinkled with talcum powder to avoid rings. Simply brush out and wash. The second option is a commercially available stain spray. Follow the instructions provided.
Ink stains are the ultimate nightmare. But don't worry, the stain will disappear in no time if you place a thick layer of absorbent paper under the fabric and dab the stain from the reverse side with alcohol. Then rinse with plenty of water and wash with a neutral detergent.
What many people don't know: blood, protein, and milk stains should be washed out immediately with cold water. Please avoid warm water at all costs, as protein coagulates from 42°C and can then no longer be removed. Then wash the item normally. Dried blood stains can be treated with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and a little ammonia.
Sweat stains can be treated with the help of water and vinegar or alcohol and ammonia and then rinsed out. For yellowing, a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution helps.
Wine and fruit stains should be treated while they are still fresh. To do this, dissolve salt in lemon juice and apply. Salt is helpful even without lemon juice. Wash the item immediately afterwards.

These are the answers to the question: How do I care for linen bedding correctly? If you follow these instructions, you will enjoy your linen for a long time.

Do you have further questions about linen products from Linen? Are you unsure if you have understood everything correctly? Give us a call; we are happy to help and will support you with our expertise.

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