When you buy linen bedding, you’re investing in sheets that have the potential to last for many decades – and that’s pretty great news considering you’ll probably never want to sleep in any other type of bedding once you’ve tried it!
But to get the most out of your linen bedding, you need to treat it well. It’s sturdy and long-lasting, but the way you wash it can prolong its lifespan and ensure it stays soft and cosy. Here’s a look at the ins and outs of keeping your linen bedding clean and fresh.
Basic Linen Washing Principles
First, you need to know that linen becomes softer with use and time. That means you don’t need to worry about using or washing your linen bedding too much. Don’t save your linen sheets for special occasions – go ahead and treat yourself every night, and they’ll reward you with greater softness after every wash.
But before you climb into your new linen sheets for the first time, you need to wash them. The first wash of your linen bedding will enable the fibres to settle into place. Our linen is pre-washed for softness, but for hygiene purposes, it’s still a good idea to give your sheets a good cleaning before their big debut.
 
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Linen Bedding Washing Tips
- Ideally, you’ll wash your linen bedding alone, so it has room to move around. If you must combine it with other garments, make sure they are of a similar material and colour.
- Use a gentle cycle as too much agitation could cause the threads to get weaker over time.
- Washing with very hot water could lead to shrinkage and may degrade the linen over time, so stick with lukewarm water.
- Don’t pour your detergent directly onto the linen if possible. Instead, add it to the tray of your machine.
- Use a mild detergent, preferably a natural one. Many people buy linen for its environmentally friendly and natural properties; laundering it in chemical-laden detergent simply doesn’t make sense. Some good mild detergents to try in Australia are Euca and Bosisto’s. Soap nuts also work well.
- Don’t use fabric softener, if possible. Based on studies, nearly all fabric softeners contain toxic chemicals that are harsh to the environment and can have negative effects on your health and even build up on your linen and affect its texture. Plus, it simply isn’t necessary because linen is naturally soft and becomes softer with every wash.
- Make sure you use a rinse cycle at the end to get all of the detergent out.
Drying Your Linen
The best way to dry linen is outside on a clothesline – nothing beats that crisp feel you get from air drying. Choose a space that is away from direct sunlight, especially if your linen is coloured. Although it is generally resistant to fading, the Australian sun can be quite brutal!
Although some of the cheaper linens on the market can’t go in the dryer, LinenBarn’s bedding has the quality needed to stand up to your dryer. However, be sure you use the lowest heat setting possible.
If you’re going to be storing your linen bedding, make sure it is completely dry before you put it away.
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Washing Linen Bedding Q&A
How can I remove blood stains from linen sheets?
It can be pretty unsettling to notice you’ve got blood on your sheets but try not to panic – it usually turns out fine. If it’s fresh, bring it over the sink and hold it under cold running water to flush as much out as possible. Then, soak your sheets in a mix of cold water and gentle detergent for a while, and then wash in the washer as usual.
How can I remove wine stains from my linen sheets?
Few things in life feel more luxurious than enjoying a glass of red wine while nestled between your lush linen sheets, but spills can really take the fun out of your night. Try to act quickly and work on it before it dries for best results. Gently blot the stain to get excess wine out of it, taking care not to press too hard. Then, cover the stain with a heap of table salt. After any remaining excess liquid has been absorbed, brush the salt away, apply some stain remover and then launder it on a lukewarm cycle.
How can I get coffee stains out of linen sheets?
Breakfast in bed is one of life’s simple pleasures, but what happens if you accidentally spill some coffee on your gorgeous linen bedding? Soak the stain in some dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water and let sit for 15 minutes, rinse, sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol, rinse again and then wash. If the stain persists, do not dry; try using an enzyme pre-soak and wash again.
How often can I wash my linen sheets?
You can wash your sheets as often as you want. If you have a coloured set, it is good practice to wash the whole set every time one-piece needs washing to keep any colour fading consistent throughout each piece.
