How to Wash Linen
What You'll Need
- Per machine directions
- 1
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Step-by-Step Method
Wash linen on the gentle cycle with cool or lukewarm water. Linen can handle machine washing but prefers gentle agitation. Use a mild liquid detergent (not powder, which can lodge in the weave).
Remove linen from the washer immediately after the cycle ends. Linen wrinkles aggressively when left sitting wet.
Hang to air dry (linen dries quickly) or tumble dry on LOW heat for 10-15 minutes, then hang to finish. Remove from dryer while still slightly damp.
- Do not use bleach on colored linen (fading)
- Do not dry on high heat (shrinks and becomes brittle)
- Do not overload the washer (linen needs room to move)
- Do not use fabric softener (coats fibers and reduces linen's natural moisture-wicking ability)
- Linen wrinkles are part of the aesthetic. If you must iron, do so while the fabric is damp on a medium-high setting with steam.
- White linen can be brightened by air-drying in direct sunlight. UV light naturally bleaches linen.
- Store linen rolled, not folded, to minimize crease lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Linen can shrink 3-5% on the first wash, especially with heat. Wash in cool water and air dry the first time. Pre-washed or stone-washed linen has already shrunk and is safe for normal washing.
Sources & Methodology
Linen is a bast fiber from the flax plant. Its long, smooth fibers become more pliable with repeated washing as the pectin binding breaks down, creating the characteristic softness of well-worn linen.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026