How to Clean and Care for Linen Bedding

1. Sort the Laundry

   Linen bedding should be sorted by color. Never wash darker colors with white or very pale linen. It is best to wash linen bedding with other natural fibers like cotton and bamboo.

2. Select Washer Cycle and Water Temperature

   Linen bedding should be washed in warm or cold water using the permanent press cycle. Long washing cycles with high-speed spins cause more wrinkles, and excessively high water temperatures can cause shrinkage.

3. Load the Washer Correctly

   Before adding linen bedding to the washer, close any zippers or buttons on duvets and pillow covers. This will prevent snags and possible tears on the fabric. Load the bedding into the washer in loose folds. Do not overcrowd the washer, or the linen will have excessive wrinkles.

4. Dry the Linen Bedding

   Linen bedding can be hung to air-dry on a drying rack or outdoor clothesline. Smooth the hems and edges as you hang the linen to reduce wrinkles and help it hold its shape.

   If drying in an automatic dryer, choose a timed dry cycle with a medium heat setting. Add wool dryer balls to help speed drying and soften the fabric. Remove the linen while it is still slightly damp to reduce wrinkling.

   A combination of 10 minutes in the dryer and air-drying to finish leaves sheets soft and with fewer wrinkles.

Storing Linen Bedding

Linen bedding should be completely dry before storing to help avoid mildew and mold growth. Storage should be in a temperature-controlled, well-ventilated area and away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage to fibers. Never store linen bedding in plastic bags, which can encourage dampness.

Repairs

Small rips and tears can be easily repaired by hand-sewing or with a sewing machine. Linen thread is available to match most bedding colors. Larger tears might be best left to a professional seamstress.

Treating Stains on Linen Bedding

If there are visible stains on the bedding, pretreat the area following the guidelines for the specific type of stain. Oily stains, blood, or nail polish each require a different type of removal treatment.

Most bedding stains can be removed by applying a tiny amount of your regular laundry detergent directly to the stained area. Work in the liquid detergent with your fingers or a soft-bristled brush. Allow the detergent to work for at least 15 minutes before washing the linen bedding as usual.

Ironing

There are two schools of thought when it comes to ironing linen. Some embrace the natural, rumpled look and never iron it. Others like a neater look and iron their bedding after each washing. If you decide to iron, always iron linen while it is slightly damp. If the fabric is already dry, mist it lightly with distilled water, and press it at a temperature of around 445 degrees. Allow the freshly pressed linen to dry completely before using to prevent excessive wrinkling.