Linen Care
Linen is one of the most future friendly fabrics available! It is a truly natural, and sustainable fabric that is strong and doesn't need to be 'saved for best'. It can take any amount of washing and thrives on regular use! Looking after linen properly helps prolong it's life leaving you with beautiful heirlooms!
We've shared some great tips for looking after your linen below!
How To Wash Your Linen
Linen increases in strength when wet, which is why it launders so well. Linen also becomes softer and more absorbent after each wash! Each time you launder Irish Linen a subtle molecular change occurs around each fibre resulting in the renewal of its smooth, lustrous surface.
The best way to wash linen is on low temperatures in lukewarm or cold, and preferably soft, water. Use the gentle machine cycle and a mild detergent to protect the fibres and prolong the life of your linen! Thank to the natural antibacterial, antimycotic and hypoallergenic properties of linen, low wash temperatures work brilliantly!
However, unlike synthetic fibres, linen can be washed at high temperatures if preferred, typically 60c. We would recommend this as an occasional wash.
How To Dry Your Linen
Linen is best when dried naturally. If you do wish to tumble-dry linen, it is recommended to use a low heat setting, as high heat can over-dry the fibres and makes ironing more difficult. Remove from the dryer when still slightly damp to avoid the linen becoming stiff, and hang or lie flat to finish off the drying process. Linen will naturally dry quickly!
Avoid using detergents which contain Optical Brightening Agents on coloured linens. Bleach is the worst enemy of linen as misuse can significantly degrade and weaken the fibres! Always iron linen when damp, first on the wrong side to eliminate creases then on the right side to enhance the fabric's natural sheen.
How To Store Your Linen
Irish Linen is naturally mothproof and can be stored under normal conditions. Store your linens in a cool, dry place; avoid plastic bags, cardboard boxes and cedar chests. Slatted shelves will allow air to circulate and avoid cupboards with heating pipes running through them or cedar linen chests, as these can discolour linen.
If by mischance it does become discoloured, wash as soon as possible and dry in the sun to whiten again. Whenever possible, store linen articles without folding. Linen tablecloths store best rolled!
You can see why we love linen – not only does it look stunning, it’s also machine washable, tumble dryable and doesn’t require any ironing if hanged or laid flat when still damp! Look after your linen properly and it will last for decades to come!
