Caring for Your Linen
Linen is one of the most enduring natural fabrics. It is strong, it needn’t be saved for best, and it grows softer and more beautiful with every wash. Looked after properly, it becomes an heirloom.
How To Wash Your Linen
Linen is stronger when wet, which is why it launders so well. For everyday washing, use a gentle cycle at a low temperature, in lukewarm or cold water, with a mild detergent. Linen is naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, so low temperatures work well.
If you need a hotter wash, linen can be washed at 60°C as an occasional wash. It can withstand 90°C, but we’d keep that for the rare occasion, as washing at high temperatures every time will wear the fabric more quickly over the years. A single hot wash won’t harm it.
Avoid bleach, which can weaken the fibres, and optical brighteners on coloured linen.
How To Dry Your Linen
Linen is best dried naturally, and it dries quickly. If you do tumble-dry, use a low heat and take it out while it’s still slightly damp, then hang it or lay it flat to finish. High heat can over-dry the fibres and make ironing harder.
How to Iron Your Linen
For a smooth finish, iron linen while it’s damp: first on the wrong side to remove the creases, then on the right side to bring out its natural sheen.
If you prefer the soft, naturally crinkled look of linen, you don’t need to iron at all. Linen won’t dry perfectly smooth on its own, so it’s entirely a matter of taste.
How To Store Your Linen
Irish linen is naturally mothproof and can be stored in normal conditions. Keep it somewhere cool and dry, ideally on slatted shelves where the air can circulate.
Avoid plastic bags, cardboard boxes, cedar chests and cupboards with heating pipes running through them, as these can discolour linen. Where you can, store it unfolded, and roll tablecloths instead of folding them.
If your linen does discolour, wash it as soon as possible and dry it in the sun to whiten it again.
In short
- Wash on a gentle cycle at a low temperature with mild detergent, 60°C occasionally, and 90°C only rarely
- Dry naturally, or on low heat and remove while slightly damp
- Iron while damp for a smooth finish, or leave it for a natural, relaxed look
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from plastic, cardboard and cedar
Look after your linen well, and it will last for decades.
