Even though linen sheets are quite pricey compared to other sheets, they are worth the purchase. Aside from offering distinctive aesthetics, linen sheets undoubtedly offer outstanding functionality.
But you always have to put in the work when it comes to maintaining linen sheets. Linen sheets are quite frail; thus, you may have to be extra careful when washing, drying, and storing them.
But should linen sheets get ironed?
About ironing linen material
Naturally, linen fibers do not react well when exposed to too much heat. Therefore, it is always best to avoid ironing linen anytime you can. Linen barely shrinks or develops creases when taken care of properly.
Nonetheless, there are times when you will have to iron linen sheets. It could be due to extreme shrinkage or simply because you want the linen sheet to dry within a short period.
In such scenarios, always ensure that your iron is on the lowest heat setting. This way, you minimize exposing the linen to very high temperatures.
Moreover, always iron the linen when it’s still damp. Consequently, there will be favorable ironing temperatures. So, if you want to iron linen, do not let it dry completely. Please remove it from the hanging line immediately it stops dripping water.
At this point, iron it using low heat. Ultimately, you can iron linen sheets but avoid this as much as possible. In turn, you will prolong the durability of the linen sheets.
Can you dry linen by ironing?
Once you finish washing and rinsing linen, the next step is to dry the garment. So, how do you go about it?
Drying linen is pretty much straightforward. All you have to do is hang the linen sheets outside in the sun. However, do not place them directly under the sun. Look for an area where you can hang your clothes under a shade.
Direct contact with ultraviolet rays can damage linen sheets in the long run. Also, do not leave the sheets out in the sun for an extended period. Nonetheless, this drying technique can be inconvenient, especially when you are in a hurry to dry your linen sheets.
In such cases, you can opt to iron the linen sheet while still damp. Although not recommended, drying line through ironing can help you save on time more than you can imagine. All you have to do is take the linen sheet while still damp. Then, iron it using low heat.
Start ironing the linen from the center, moving towards the edges of the sheet. At the end of the day, it is possible to dry linen by ironing. But this method is often discouraged by most laundry experts. Ironing linen only weakens the fibers and shortens the durability of the sheet.
How do I make my linen sheets last longer?
It is now clear that linen sheets do not need to get ironed. Otherwise, linen sheets will offer low longevity. Aside from using the right drying techniques, there are other ways to make sure you prolong the durability of your linen sheets.
They include:
Washing linen sheets often
Linen sheets should not be left unwashed for long periods, primarily when used frequently. Accumulation of dirt on the linen fibers can damage the fabric as well as tamper with your health.
Therefore, it is advisable to wash linen sheets from time to time. Nonetheless, washing linen sheets frequently weakens the fibers; thus, making them more prone to wear and tear. So, wash linen sheets only when need be.
A good maintenance tip is to purchase many sets of linen sheets so that you can change them frequently without having to wash them all the time. All in all, clean linen sheets last longer.
Protect your linen sheets
More often than not, most individuals go to bed without washing off their makeup. In turn, this could lead to severe stains and discolorations on your linen sheets. Before you sleep, ensure that you take a good shower and cover your hair with a silk scarf to prevent oil transfer.
Removing stains from linen sheets might require you to use harsh chemicals that in turn damage the fibers. Therefore, take the initiative of protecting your linen sheets from all potential stains. Moreover, ensure that you place sharp objects away from your linen sheets.
Use appropriate laundry detergents
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of detergents you can use to do your laundry. Each varies in composition since they have different ingredients. When it comes to washing linen sheets, always go for gentle detergents.
Plant-based detergents work well with linen sheets due to their natural composition. Using a harsh laundry detergent would weaken the fibers as well as cause shrinkage. In turn, you would have to rewash the linen sheets.
Store your linen bed sheets well
The technique used to store linen sheets also affects its durability. Always keep linen sheets in cool areas that do not experience direct sunlight. Also, when storing linen sheets, ensure they are clean.
Otherwise, they would be unpleasant odors coming from your wardrobe. Never store linen sheets in damp areas. When linen sheets come in contact with moisture, they can develop discolorations and smell bad. Additionally, storing linen sheets also requires you to arrange them according to colors.
Doing this will prevent any transfer of colors from one sheet to another. Thus, keep white linen sheets in one section, bright-colored linen sheets in another segment, and dark-colored sheets in a different segment.
Get rid of stains immediately
Anytime you notice stains on your linen sheets, ensure you get rid of them immediately. Failure to do so may cause permanent stains that tamper with the aesthetics of the linen sheets. Use appropriate detergents to get rid of the stains to avoid damaging the linen fibers.
The bottom line
Occasionally, you may have to iron linen sheets. But this may not be necessary. Ironing linen sheets exposes them to heat. And heat does not have a positive effect when it comes in contact with linen sheets.
Therefore, experts always advise homeowners to avoid ironing linen sheets. But if you need to iron your linen sheets, ensure that the iron stays on low heat.
Also, always iron the linen sheet while it is still damp.
