Linens are a natural material, valued for their lightness, durability, and elegant appearance. However, to maintain the beauty and quality of your linen items, special care is required, especially during the first wash of the linen.
This guide will help you understand how to machine wash linen and preserve the appearance of your linen clothing and bed linens throughout their use.
Why is the first wash of linen essential?
The first wash of linen is a crucial step in preparing your clothes and fabrics for everyday use.
Linen is a fiber that can shrink slightly during washing, especially when immersed in hot water. It is therefore important to follow best practices to avoid any deformation.
The washing of linen also helps to remove any remaining impurities after manufacturing, while making the fabric softer and more pleasant to the touch.
How do you wash linen to preserve its texture?
During the washing of linen, it is essential to follow a few basic rules to ensure optimal care of your items.
Start by separating linen items from other textiles, especially more abrasive fabrics that could damage the delicate fiber of linen.
For linen clothing, such as a linen shirt or linen pants, always check the care labels that provide specific information.
Washing linen in the machine:
Machine washing of linen is possible, but it is important to choose the right program. It is recommended to wash linen in cold or lukewarm water (about 30 to 40°C).
Choose a delicate or hand wash program, which will minimize the risk of damaging the fibers. It is also advisable to use a gentle detergent to preserve the natural properties of linen.
If you are wondering how to wash linen in the machine, know that the "delicate" program is often sufficient for everyday use.
Linen washing temperature
The washing temperature of linen must be controlled to avoid shrinking the fabric. Linen is usually washed at a temperature of 30 to 40°C.
However, some more durable items, such as linen sheets, can withstand temperatures of up to 60°C.
Don't forget to always check the label to ensure the appropriate temperature. If you're wondering at what temperature to wash linen, it is recommended not to exceed 40°C during the first linen wash.
Linen wringing: a delicate step
During the washing of linen, the spin-drying also plays an important role. A spin that is too vigorous could alter the structure of the fiber.
It is therefore recommended to choose a gentle spin, or to reduce the spin speed to avoid overly damaging the linen. Low-speed linen spin helps to maintain the shape and texture of the fabric without damaging it.
If you have particularly delicate items, you can even choose not to spin them at all.
The use of white vinegar in washing linen
Linen and white vinegar can be combined for deeper maintenance. By adding a small amount of white vinegar to the wash cycle, you help to set the color and soften the fibers without resorting to harsh chemicals.
This natural remedy is an excellent alternative for maintaining the freshness of linen while preserving its softness. It is also recommended to use it to eliminate any unpleasant odor that the linen may have after its production.
Washing linen in a machine: Which program to choose?
If you are wondering which program to choose for washing linen in the machine, it is advisable to opt for the delicate cycle or the wool program, which is specially designed for delicate fabrics.
This program uses a lower temperature and a reduced spin speed, which minimizes the risks of shrinkage and deformation of linen.
Linen in the dryer: to avoid?
It is preferable to avoid using a linen in the dryer, as the intense heat can damage the linen fibers and cause excessive shrinkage.
Prefer air drying by laying your linen items on a line or a flat surface. If you must use a dryer, make sure to use the gentlest setting and low temperature.
Linen care: tips to extend its lifespan
The care of linen is not limited to washing it. After each wash, it is recommended to iron linen garments while they are still slightly damp to facilitate the smoothing of the fibers.
Also, be sure not to store them in places that are too humid or too hot, as this can lead to premature degradation of the linen.
Conclusion: A successful wash of linen for a long duration
The washing of linen and its maintenance require a bit of attention, but with the right methods, you can preserve the quality and appearance of your linen clothing and household linens for many years.
Don't forget to respect the washing temperature for linen, avoid excessive spinning, and prefer air drying. With these tips, you can fully enjoy the beauty and comfort of linen without compromising its longevity.