Caring for your linen means caring for the environment
Textiles used to be a highly valuable commodity. Fabric was cherished, repaired and passed down to future generations. Not only is it economically beneficial, but so much better for the environment. Linen is very durable and will last forever if you simply care for it as our ancestors used to care for their items... with the added benefit that most of us have access to washing machines!
Wash only if necessary... hang your linen between uses and use a home-made fabric freshener (check out my secret recipe!) once in a while, if needed. You will notice that linen doesn't absorb odors, being natural antibacterial, so you can easily skip on the laundry! Life just got so much simpler, didn't it!
Avoid overloading the washer - linen needs room to move!
Wash in cold or lukewarm water on the gentle cycle.
Use a mild detergent to preserve linen fibers.
Avoid fabric softeners and bleaches, as they can alter the texture of linen. A simple tablespoon of vinegar in the rinse cycle is a natural fabric softener that's safe to use!
Hand washing
Submerge the linen pieces and leave them to soak for around ten minutes.
Gently move the pieces in the water, without rubbing.
Remove the soapy water and rinse until no soap residue remains.
Do not wring out the linen; remove excess water by pressing gently, then spread out on a dry towel.
Roll up the towel with the linen on top, pressing the roll so that the towel absorbs the excess water.
Drying linen
Air-dry outdoors or indoors.
Smooth edges and hems with your fingers before hanging to dry.
If you're tumble-drying, remove the linen while it's still a little damp.
Do not use fabric softeners in the machine; they bind to the linen fiber and alter its properties.
Ironing linen (optional!)
For best results, iron your linen while it's still damp.
Set the iron to high temperature with steam.
Ironing dry linen at high temperature may damage the fabric.
Do not use fabric softeners in the machine.
Storing linen
Make sure your linen is completely dry before storing to avoid mildew.
Store in a well-ventilated, dry area away from direct sunlight.
Avoid placing in plastic bags or bins; use pillowcases or linen bags to store your linen.
Removing stains
Treat stains as quickly as possible!
Heat fixes stains. Don't use hot water or the dryer until the stain is gone, unless otherwise indicated.
Scrubbing fabric can damage fibers. Sponge or rub gently when necessary.
