How To Wash Linen?

Caring for Linen: How to Wash, Dry, Iron, & Remove Stains

Knowing how to care for your linen items is essential for keeping them looking great and lasting longer. Linen is a natural fabric that’s incredibly strong, breathable, and resistant to bacteria. Plus, it softens and becomes more beautiful with age, all while holding its shape. Whether you’re dealing with linen clothing, towels, drapes, or table covers, proper care will ensure your items stay in top condition.

Here’s a simple guide to help you care for your linen, from how to wash linen to tackling stains.

How to Wash Linen

When washing linen clothes or other items, always start by checking the care tags for specific instructions. If you're wondering can linen be washed in the machine, the answer is yes. Use the gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Hot water can lead to shrinking, so avoid it. How to wash linen clothes in a washing machine follows the same principle—gentle cycle and cool temperatures.

If you're concerned about shrinkage, the question does linen shrink in the dryer is important. Yes, linen can shrink when exposed to high heat, so always stick to low heat if using a dryer. Separate light and dark colors to prevent fading, and avoid fabric softeners—linen naturally softens over time, so there's no need to add more.

Also, skip the bleach. Even on white linen, bleach can cause blotching and fiber damage. A mild detergent is more than enough for washing linen.

How to Dry Linen

Drying linen properly is just as important as washing. Can you put linen in the dryer? Yes, but be sure to tumble dry on low heat. High heat can cause the fibers to break down and shrink. If you prefer air drying, lay your linen items flat on a drying rack to avoid stretching. Using clothespins can cause marks and distortion.

How to Iron Linen

Ironing linen is simple, but it helps to know the right techniques. Can you iron linen? Yes, and it’s best to press it while it’s still slightly damp. For darker fabrics, iron on the reverse side to avoid creating shiny spots. Use medium heat and steam to smooth out wrinkles. If you find ironing tricky, can you steam linen instead? Absolutely! Steamers are a great option for hard-to-iron garments.

How to Remove Stains from Linen

Dealing with stains on linen? Spot clean whenever possible to extend the life of your textiles and avoid overwashing. For general stains, a dab of dish soap (like Dawn) and cool water works well. For stubborn stains, try a mix of baking soda and vinegar. Just be careful with bleach—can you bleach linen? It’s better to avoid it, as it can damage the fabric. If necessary, oxygenated bleach products can be a gentler alternative.

For tough stains like blood or sauce, a cold wash often works best. How to get stains out of linen may vary, but cold water and gentle cleaners are a safe starting point. 

Quick Tips for Linen Care

How to soften linen: Linen softens naturally over time with washing and wear, so there’s no need for fabric softeners.

How to clean linen: Always follow the care tags and avoid overwashing to maintain durability.

How to wash a linen shirt: Treat it like any other linen item—use a gentle cycle with cool water.

Can you machine wash linen: Yes, linen can be machine washed, but stick to gentle settings.

How to remove fabric softener stains: If you accidentally use fabric softener, try rewashing with a bit of white vinegar or baking soda to remove the residue.

With proper care, linen becomes even more enjoyable to use, whether it’s for bedding, draping, table decor, or your favorite linen clothing. Following these simple steps for linen cleaning will help keep your items looking fresh and lasting longer.

Shop eHomemart for Quality Linen That Lasts

For high-quality linen products that stand the test of time, check out the selection at eHomemart. From luxurious table linens to stylish linen curtains and home textiles, eHomemart offers a wide range of options designed to complement any lifestyle. By following these simple care tips—whether you're learning how to wash linen sheets or how to iron linen garments—you can ensure your linen items stay beautiful and durable for years to come. Shop at eHomemart for premium linen and enjoy the lasting comfort and elegance this natural fabric brings to your home and wardrobe.