Manufactured from flax seeds, linen is an incredibly fantastic fabric that offers numerous benefits. As a result, the fabric has grown in popularity throughout the years.
One of the main advantages of linen is that it incorporates a pretty simple washing process. Anyone can wash linen fabric, of course, if they keenly follow all the steps involved. Luckily, you can machine wash and hand wash 100% linen sheets.
In this article, we discuss the detailed process of washing pure linen sheets.
Washing pure linen sheets
Before you start washing linen bed sheets, the first thing to do is check all the washing instructions indicated on the label or manual.
This way, you will be aware of how to handle the fabric. Note that linen bed sets can be different.
And there may be some slight changes in the washing and maintenance guidelines. But in general, below is how your machine washes linen sheets.
Machine washing 100% linen sheets
- Always separate linen sheets from other colored fabrics. Remember, you don’t want to experience any transfer of colors from one garment to another. Thus, it would be best if you washed your bright colored linen sheets alone from your dark-colored linen sheets.
- Once you separate the colored garments from the bright colored garments, you can set the washing machine. Put the washing machine on a gentle mode setting. Keep in mind that linen is relatively intricate. Therefore, exposing it to too much friction might wear out the fibers.
- Then pour in cold or lukewarm water into the machine and mix with appropriate detergent. Using hot water to wash linen sheets is a recipe for disaster. Linen fibers always shrink anytime they are exposed to high temperatures. Also, hot water weakens the linen fibers hence shortening the durability of the fabric. Always use a mild detergent that does not contain harsh chemicals. It would be best to mix the detergent solution before placing the linen sheets in the washing machine. Typically, detergent should not come in direct contact with the linen.
- Proceed to wash the linen sheets in mild mode. Then, repeatedly rinse until all the detergent comes off from the linen sheets. Once you finish rinsing the linen sheets, hang them outside in the shade to dry. Avoid using dryers to dry 100% linen sheets. Remember, linen sheets do not react well with high temperatures. Additionally, remove your linen sheets outside immediately they dry. If you plan to iron your linen sheets, iron them while still damp.
Hand washing 100% linen sheets
Another way to clean 100% linen sheets is through hand washing. Hand washing garments has been a popular washing technique for centuries, even before washing machines came into the picture.
So, if you plan to hand wash 100% linen sheets, below are detailed steps.
- The first step to hand washing linen is taking a medium-sized bucket. Then, fill the bucket with a mixture of cold or lukewarm water and detergent. It would be best if you used a plant-based detergent. This way, your linen sheets would remain in perfect shape.
- Afterward, take your linen sheets and place them in a bucket full of detergent solution. Let them sit for approximately ten minutes in the water. Needless to say, avoid overloading your bucket with numerous sets of linen bed sheets. Depending on the size of your bucket, wash two sets of linen sheets at a time.
- Once ten minutes are over, toss and turn the linen sheets in the water using your hand. Do this using very little force. Experts advise that you don’t scrub or twist the fabric. Otherwise, you would impose too much pressure on the fibers and weaken them at the end of the day. Take your time to move the fabric around the water. When it becomes clean, you can now proceed to the next step.
- Then, start rinsing the linen sheets with cold water once you finish washing. Rinse linen sheets thoroughly until all detergent gets removed. Then, hang them outside to dry. Do not use dryers to dry your linen sheets.
- Nonetheless, before you begin hand washing linen bed sheets, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Occasionally, the linen sheets have a label that reads’S’, meaning the linen sheets should get washed using a solvent.
Other techniques for cleaning linen
Bleaching 100% linen
At times, you may need to bleach your linen sheets, especially when it experiences tough stains.
Although bleaching can help you eliminate the toughest stains and make the linen appear much brighter, it is not recommended for linen fabric.
Bleaching contains harsh chemicals that can damage and weaken all the linen fibers.
Also, bleaching may end up causing discolorations on the fabric.
How do you remove stains from 100% linen?
Whenever you experience a stain on your linen sheets, get rid of it immediately. All you have to do is take a mixture of water and detergent in a bucket. Then, place the linen sheet in the solution while the stain is still fresh.
Leave it for about an hour, but keep checking if the stain is still on the sheets. Alternatively, you can use baking soda or vinegar solution to get rid of the stain.
When using this technique, use a small microfiber cloth soaked in baking soda/vinegar solution to rub the stain. Be careful not to spread the stain to other sections of the fabric.
Removing bad odor from 100% linen
In case your linen sheets experience a bad odor, use a baking soda solution to get rid of this foul smell. Baking soda works pretty well with linen and does not damage the fibers.
Therefore, don’t store bad-smelling linen in your bedroom drawer. Soak them in baking soda solution to get rid of the odor.
Bottom Line
Linen sheets are increasingly becoming popular among the majority of individuals. Undoubtedly, this is because of their aesthetic, ease of spreading the bed and anti-bacterial properties.
Besides, washing and taking care of linen is pretty straightforward. The fabric is flexible enough to allow both hand washing and machine-washing procedures.
Whichever method you choose, ensure that you follow all the washing instructions indicated on the label or manufacturer’s manual.
Suppose you don’t understand everything on the instructions, look for information online or take a bold step and call the manufacturer. Most of them are willing to help you.
Ultimately, washing 100% linen sheets is not as complicated as many people think.
