How to wash and care for linen

Updated · Delmara Baltic Living

Wash linen in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, without bleach or fabric softener, and do not overload the machine. Hand-wash fine, open weaves at up to 30 °C and do not wring them. Dry linen on a line or flat, iron it hot while still slightly damp, and store it dry and breathing, not in plastic. Always check the care note on the piece first.

Washing

  • Read the care note: handwoven and open weaves are often hand-wash only.
  • Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent; avoid bleach, which weakens the fibres.
  • Skip fabric softener, especially for towels: it coats the fibres and makes linen less absorbent.
  • Give linen room in the machine and choose a gentle cycle and low spin.
  • Wash new, strongly coloured linen separately the first few times.

Drying and ironing

Shake linen out and dry it on a line or flat, out of strong sun for coloured pieces. Avoid the tumble dryer unless the label allows it: heat can shrink linen and make it stiff. Linen irons best on a hot setting while still slightly damp. Or leave it as it is: the soft creases are part of linen's character.

Stains

Act quickly and use cold water, because hot water sets stains such as blood, egg and milk. Dab rather than rub, treat the stain with mild soap, rinse and wash as usual. For candle wax, let it harden, lift it off, then place paper over the spot and iron gently.

Storing

Store linen clean and fully dry, in a cupboard or a cotton bag, not in plastic, which traps moisture. Rolling large tablecloths, or folding them along different lines each time, avoids permanent creases.

All linen

Linen towels

Questions and answers

Can I put linen in the washing machine?
Most linen can go in the machine on a gentle cycle in lukewarm water. Fine, handwoven and open weaves are usually hand-wash only. Always follow the care note.
Why does linen get softer over time?
Washing and use gradually relax the long flax fibres, so linen becomes softer and more supple with every wash without losing its strength.
Should I use fabric softener on linen?
No. Linen softens on its own, and fabric softener coats the fibres and reduces absorbency, which matters most for towels.