Linen is the ideal material in summer. But: how do you actually wash linen clothes? Here you can find out what to look for when washing linen. Linen is THE summer material par excellence. The fabric has a cooling effect on the skin, is extremely breathable and optimally absorbs moisture. Linen is therefore made for warm temperatures. And by the way, the noble fabric also looks super stylish.
But as pleasant as the fabric is – linen is a natural fiber and therefore very sensitive when it comes to proper care. For example, did you know that you should never put linen in the dryer? Linen is THE summer material par excellence. The fabric has a cooling effect on theskin, is extremely breathable and optimally absorbs moisture . Linen is therefore made for warm temperatures.
But as pleasant as the fabric is – linen is a natural fiber and therefore very sensitive when it comes to the right one maintenancegoes. For example, did you know that you should never put linen in the dryer?
You can read here how to wash your linen properly, plus everything you need to know about the washing program, washing temperature, spin speed and more. As a general rule, always check the instructions on the manufacturer’s care label before washing . Here you can usually find all information about optimal cleaning. If the clothing is pure linen, then, for example, different washing specifications apply than for a linen mix in which other materials were also used.
Can I wash linen in the washing machine?
Unless otherwise stated on the care label, linen can be washed in the washing machine . However, since the natural substance tends to shrink during washing, you should be careful here. Like other materials, linen should only be washed with textiles of the same color in order to avoid staining.
Which washing program do I choose for linen clothes?
For linen washing, you should always choose the delicate cycle or the delicate cycle of your washing machine. Important: The spin cycle should not be higher than 600 revolutions per minute. Stronger spinning would remove too much moisture from the garment, which it needs for the drying process. In addition, a gentle spin protects the fibers from damage to the fabric.
Tip: Fine linen fabrics should be put in a laundry bag for machine washing ( available here at Amazon *) or alternatively in an old pillowcase.
When washing linen, it is also important that the textiles have enough space in the washing machine and can move freely. Is called:Never stuff the washing machine full (no more than half load) and wash linen only with a few other items of clothing. This also protects the sensitive natural fibers and ensures that the material stays in shape.
At how many degrees can I wash linen?
In the case of heavy soiling, white, undyed linen fabric can theoretically be machine washed at very high temperatures (up to 95 degrees). Cottons are ideal for bed or table linen made from undyed linen. However, since higher temperatures ensure that textiles wear out faster, a washing temperature of 60 degrees is generally recommended – especially when it is only lightly soiled.
If the fabric is colored, the washing temperature should not exceed 40 degrees to protect the colors from fading. The same applies to embroidered linen: a maximum of 40 degrees is also allowed here.
Which detergent is suitable for linen fabrics?
When choosing the right detergent , it also depends on whether it is undyed or colored linen. A heavy-duty detergent can be used for white, undyed linen items. Dyed linen, on the other hand, needs a different detergent. A liquid color or mild detergent without bleach additives is recommended here. If the detergent contains optical brighteners, there is a risk that the colored fibers will fade.
Can I use fabric softener when washing linen?
Under no circumstances should you use fabric softener when washing linen. The fabric softener can damage the delicate fabric and change the look of the fabric. By the way: vinegar is a tried and tested household remedy to protect linen clothes from fading. Simply add some distilled, white vinegar directly to the wash cycle or, alternatively, treat stains with vinegar before the wash cycle.
Can you iron linen clothes?
Linen clothing should be ironed after every wash. It is best when it is damp, inside out (a must if there are embroidery or prints on the garment) and with a steam iron ( buy here from Otto *). If the textile is already dry, it is difficult to get the material really smooth. If you have the feeling that the garment is already too dry, you can moisten it briefly before ironing. What also works: a damp cotton cloth that you place on the fabric while ironing.
How do I protect lines from running in?
It is perfectly normal for linen to shrink a little (especially if the fabric does not contain synthetic fibers). As a rule, you have to expect that linen clothes can shrink by up to five percent the first time they are washed (even when washed by hand).
You should definitely consider this when buying, if in doubt, choose one size larger.
To prevent the linen from shrinking even more, you should wash the textile once at 30 degrees on a gentle cycle after purchase. This also applies to white, undyed linen.
Linen clothing shrunk: what can I do?
Your linen clothes have shrunk? No panic. There is a way to get it back to its original size. To do this, you should wash the shrunk garment again as normal. Before you let the linen piece air dry, you should squeeze out the residual moisture in the fabric with your hand. Now you let the textile dry – but only so long that it is still slightly damp to the touch. Then comes the most important point: ironing . Slowly and carefully iron the linen clothes from the center to the outer edges. This should restore the garment to its original size.
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