Have you ever held your linen garment and wandered how you should clean it? If so, this is for you! I have compiled some basic insights on caring for your linen

How should you launder linen?

• According to Good Housekeeping, linen should be washed with cool or warm water.
  • Based on personal experience, I recommend cool water to prevent shrinkage or warping of the fibers.
• Hang linen to dry
  • Avoid the dryer at all costs to preserve your linen.
    • If dryer is necessary, use the lowest and coolest setting. Dry per machine instructions without any other garments except the linen garments.

What prevents those massive wrinkles?

• Nothing! Linen is a natural fiber that is very susceptible to wrinkles.
• Elbow grease and a hot iron will take those wrinkles out!
• Using a spray starch helps prevents deep wrinkles while wearing.

What ironing technique works best?

• Press and glide.
  • Using firm pressure, hold the iron down and smoothly glide it to the end of the fabric.
• Use an ironing board that doesn’t retain moisture from steam, the added moisture will encourage wrinkling.
  • Check the ironing boards condition by test ironing the ironing board and feeling for leftover steam or moisture.
• Use an iron that is not damaged.
  • Make sure the iron has no leaks or residue on the plate
    • If at a hotel, avoid the iron and ask concierge to steam your garment.

Should Linen be dry cleaned or washed in the washing machine?

• Both!
  • Depending on your schedule, you should consider the best option for you.
• Dry cleaning helps keep the fabrics integrity.
  • Verify the Dry cleaners is reputable and will care for your garment.
• Washing linen is great but take precautions.
  • With prep and the right tools your garment will be good as new.
    • Laundry Detergent, Arm and Hammer Powder Laundry Detergent
    • Stain Remover, Shout Triple Acting (test an inconspicuous area first before using product)
    • Clothesline or Drying Rack, Indoor Clotheslines or 2-Layers Space Saver Drying Rack

What is the best method to remove fabric pills?

• Electric fabric shavers
  • It removes the pilling from linen best.
  • The light contact reduces the risk of damaging the fabric.

How do you remove tough stains from the linen?

• Avoid bleach, it will make the fabric weak and yellow.
• Use a triple acting Stain remover like Shout, but only as instructed on bottle.
  • Test the fabric because each linen type varies and can react differently.