Linen gets softer and more absorbent with every wash. It is one of the few fabrics where age is genuinely an improvement.
How to wash linen
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linen | 40°C (104°F), or 60°C for white bed linen | line dry, take down slightly damp | standard; avoid softener |
Use a normal, but do not overload cycle and standard; avoid softener. It creases because the flax fibre has low elasticity. That is inherent to the material, not a sign of poor quality, and no finish removes it entirely.
Drying and ironing
Dry line dry, take down slightly damp. For ironing: very hot, while damp.
Linen is around 20% stronger wet than dry, which is why it tolerates hot washing that would destroy most natural fibres.
How long it should last
Ten to thirty years. Linen sheets are routinely handed down.
Quick reference
Linen at a glance
- Wash: 40°C (104°F), or 60°C for white bed linen
- Cycle: normal, but do not overload
- Detergent: standard; avoid softener
- Dry: line dry, take down slightly damp
- Iron: very hot, while damp