Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world, and it’s built like a tank. But if you treat it like cheap cotton, it will break down. Here is the exact routine we use to keep our linen sheets and cushions looking brand new year after year.
The Golden Rule: Never use fabric softener
Linen fibres are naturally long and breathable. Fabric softener coats those fibres in a waxy chemical layer. It makes the fabric feel soft for exactly one wash, and then it clogs the weave, traps moisture, and makes the linen scratchy and stiff. Skip it entirely.
The Wash Cycle
- Temperature: 30°C or cooler. Hot water shrinks linen and fades the dye.
- Detergent: Use a gentle, enzyme-free liquid detergent. Powder detergents can sometimes leave white streaks in the weave.
- The Cycle: Use a gentle cycle with a low spin speed. High spin speeds crush the fibres and cause unnecessary wear and tear.
How to dry it
Line-drying is always best. If you have to use a tumble dryer, use the absolute lowest heat setting and take it out while it’s still slightly damp.
Pro tip: Linen is supposed to wrinkle. If you want it perfectly flat, iron it while it’s still damp on a medium-hot setting. Otherwise, embrace the texture.