Linen Care Guide: How to Keep Your Linens Beautiful for Years

Linen is a timeless, natural fabric loved for its breathability, durability, and effortless elegance. Whether you're using linen for table settings, home textiles, or wardrobe pieces, proper care ensures it gets softer and more beautiful with time. Follow our step-by-step linen care guide to maintain its quality and charm.

About Linen Fabric

Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant and is one of the oldest textiles in the world. It’s prized for being:

• Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking

• Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly

• Durable and long-lasting

• Softening over time with proper care

Each linen piece is unique, often featuring a subtle texture or slub, and develops a lovely lived-in look with use.

Before You Wash: Prep for Longevity

• Check care labels: Always read the label to see if your linen is pre-washed, dyed, or untreated.

• Sort by color: Wash lights and darks separately to prevent color transfer.

• Shake out dust and crumbs: Especially for linen tablecloths, napkins, and towels.

• Close buttons or zippers: This protects other items in the wash.

Hand Washing Linen

Hand washing is the gentlest option, ideal for delicate or heirloom linens.

• Use cool to lukewarm water (30°C / 86°F max).

• Choose a mild liquid detergent free of bleach or optical brighteners.

• Gently agitate the fabric — do not wring or twist.

• Rinse thoroughly and press out water by rolling the fabric in a towel.

Machine Washing Linen

Most modern linens can be safely machine washed.

• Use a gentle cycle with cool or lukewarm water.

• Wash similar colors together.

• Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.

• Use a mesh laundry bag for smaller or delicate items.

Tip: Overloading the machine can lead to creasing. Wash fewer items at a time for best results.

Drying Linen: Air vs. Machine

Air Drying (Recommended)

• Lay flat or hang on a padded hanger or line in a shaded area.

• Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade natural dyes.

• Smooth out wrinkles with your hands while damp to reduce the need for ironing.

Tumble Drying

• Select a low heat or delicate setting.

• Remove linen while slightly damp to prevent over-drying and shrinkage.

• Shake and smooth the fabric before laying or hanging.

Ironing Linen: Crisp or Natural

For a Crisp Finish

• Iron while the linen is still slightly damp.

• Use a medium to high heat setting with steam.

• Iron on the reverse side to preserve texture and color.

• Spray with water if needed to relax deeper creases.

For a Relaxed, Natural Look

• Skip the iron — embrace linen’s organic wrinkles.

• Smooth with your hands after air drying and gently fold or hang.

• Perfect for rustic-chic or Mediterranean-inspired home aesthetics.

Linen Care Labels: What They Mean

Most linen products include international care symbols. Here’s what to look for:

• Tub symbol: Machine washable

• Hand in tub: Hand wash only

• Triangle: Bleach (crossed out means avoid)

• Iron symbol: Iron safe (dots = temperature)

• Circle in square: Tumble dry (dots = heat setting)

Always follow the most delicate method recommended to preserve the quality of your linen.

Final Tips for Linen Care

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

• Avoid plastic bags; use cotton storage bags for breathability.

• Spot clean stains promptly with a gentle soap and water mixture.

• Let your linen rest between uses — it helps prolong its life.

Looking for More Linen Tips?

Browse our blog for seasonal styling ideas and expert linen advice. Your linen deserves to be loved, used, and cared for — every day.