Linen is timeless, easy to wear, and oh-so-soft on your skin. However, when it comes to washing the fabric, there are some key things to remember to keep your linen gems looking perfect for years to come.
The good news is that washing linen is simpler than you might think. When done right, it only makes the fabric more beautiful.
So, whether you’ve just discovered linen or already built your capsule, continue reading to learn everything you need to know to keep them looking (and feeling) their best.
Can You Wash Linen at Home?
Yes - in most cases, you can safely wash linen at home! In fact, linen is one of those rare natural fabrics that gets better the more you wear and care for it. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Always check the care label
High-quality linen garments usually come with specific instructions. If you see "Dry Clean Only," it's often due to structure (like linings or pleats) or delicate details (such as embroidery or wooden buttons).
Otherwise, most pure linen pieces - especially casual ones like linen dresses or shirts - can be washed by hand or machine, saving you both time and money.
Avoid washing with heavy clothes
Linen has a slightly open weave, which can be sensitive to friction. Washing it together with heavy items like jeans or towels may lead to pilling or pulled threads. Try to wash linen separately or with other lightweight, natural fibers.
What about dyed or dark-colored linen?
Linen dyed in deeper hues may bleed a little during the first few washes. To preserve color, wash dark linen separately in cold water with a detergent made for delicate or colored fabrics.
A quick hack? Turn garments inside out to reduce fading.
How to Wash Linen Step-by-Step
Ready to give your linen the gentle care it deserves? Follow these steps to keep your garments soft, strong, and effortlessly beautiful - wash after wash.
1. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water
Linen doesn't require hot water to get clean. In fact, heat can cause shrinking and weaken the fibers over time. Stick to water that feels comfortable on your skin - around 30–40°C (86–104°F) is perfect.
2. Choose Mild Detergents for Linen
Harsh chemicals can stiffen or fade your linen. Look for a mild, eco-friendly detergent that doesn't contain bleach or brighteners. Liquid detergents usually dissolve better than powders, especially in cooler water.
3. Set your machine to a delicate cycle
If you’re machine washing, choose a delicate or hand-wash cycle with low spin speed. This reduces agitation and protects the fibers.
4. Hand washing? Go easy.
Swish your garment gently in a basin of cool water with a small amount of detergent. Let it soak for 10–15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid wringing or twisting, as this can distort the fabric.
5. Need to wash a linen blend?
Linen blends (like linen-cotton or linen-viscose) often behave slightly differently. They may shrink less but wrinkle more, or vice versa. Follow the care instructions on the label, but use the same principles: gentle water, mild detergent, low heat.
Best Way to Dry Linen Clothes
You’ve surely seen those romantic images - linen dresses gently swaying on a clothesline, drying slowly in the summer breeze. That idyllic scene actually offers a clue. Let’s walk through the best ways to dry your linen gems.
1. Air-drying linen is best
After washing, gently reshape your linen and hang it to dry on a padded hanger or lay it flat on a clean towel. Important – keep the item out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
2. Go gentle when using tumble dry
You can tumble dry linen, but please do so only if you're in a hurry. Use the lowest heat setting and remove the item while it's still slightly damp to avoid over-drying, which can make linen feel brittle. Shake it out and hang or lay flat to finish drying.
3. Skip the dryer sheets
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets can leave residues that weigh linen down. Linen naturally softens with time, so it doesn’t need extra help.
4. Don’t panic if you slightly shrink the fabric – not all hopes are lost
Accidents are part of life, wardrobe accidents, too. If your linen feels stiff or looks smaller after drying, try rehydrating it with steam. Hang the garment in a steamy bathroom or use a garment steamer while gently stretching the fabric. You can also soak it briefly in lukewarm water and lay it flat to reshape. In most cases, your fabric will return to its original shape.
How to Remove Stains from Linen Naturally?
Life happens – you spill red wine on your favorite linen dress or smudge some extra sunscreen on your go-to top. Luckily, linen is more resilient than it seems. The key is to treat the stain quickly, gently, and with the right techniques for natural fiber care.
1. For fresh stains
Act quickly - the sooner, the better. Dampen the area gently (never rub) with a cloth. If needed, apply a mixture of baking soda and water or a mild soap directly onto the stain, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse.
2. For tougher stains
Soak the stained garment in cold water with a splash of white vinegar or lemon juice. Avoid harsh commercial stain removers, which can damage the fibers or discolor the fabric.
Should You Iron Linen Clothes?
To iron or not to iron - that is a question! Jokes aside, ironing linen is one of those personal choices that depends on both your style and the garment itself.
Ironing Damp Linen for Best Results
Linen creases are part of its charm. But if you prefer a smoother look, iron while the fabric is still damp, using a medium-hot iron on the reverse side. A burst of steam can also lift out stubborn wrinkles.
But if you’re all for the natural look, we are cheering for you! Especially with pieces like wrap dresses, wide-leg pants, or oversized shirts - linen looks beautiful slightly rumpled and, well, a bit messy.
Storing Linen the Right Way
We know you want to wear your linen dresses all day, every day. We totally feel you! But to keep them fresh and gorgeous for many seasons ahead, let them relax once in a while and learn how to store them correctly.
1. Let your linen clothes breathe
Linen loves airflow. Store your clean garments in a dry, well-ventilated space. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
2. Fold Linen Gently, Let it Breathe
Unlike synthetic materials, linen can develop long-term creases if pressed too tightly. Fold garments with soft corners and stack them gently to prevent hard lines.
3. Rotate seasonally
Before storing linen away for winter, make sure it’s freshly washed and completely dry. Adding lavender sachets or cedar blocks helps keep your garments fresh and moth-free.
Before you go
If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, ironing linen blends, or simply want to learn how to extend the life of your favorite wardrobe staples, you’ll find even more thoughtful advice in our Linen Care Guide It’s a helpful resource for going beyond the basics and truly getting to know your linen.
Caring for linen isn't about perfection. It's about giving your garments the attention they deserve so they can age gracefully with you. With every wash, your favorite linen dress will feel softer, lighter, and more uniquely yours.
Still looking for the perfect linen piece? Browse our handmade linen dress collection - is a lovely place to begin.
Last Updated: 2025-08-04
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