Nothing beats wearing linen in the summer—and that’s not an exaggeration. Science confirms linen is the most comfortable fabric for hot weather, even more so than cotton or silk. “You can feel its texture—slightly crisp and cool to the touch,” says Melia Long, a laundry expert at Poplin. “It softens beautifully over time with wear.”
But while linen is breezy and comfortable, caring for linen dresses, shirts, and matching sets isn’t always effortless. The fabric tends to shrink, wrinkle, and—since it often comes in white—stain. Why must every great thing have a catch?
Don’t worry, though. Below, laundry and fabric care experts share tips on how to wash linen, prevent shrinkage, and remove stains without stress. Let the easy, breezy days of summer—and linen outfits—begin.
### What is linen made of?
Linen is a natural fiber from the flax plant, the same source as flax seeds. Flax has been cultivated for food and fabric for thousands of years—archaeologists believe it dates back at least 36,000 years. “It’s one of the oldest and most sustainable textiles in the world,” says Alicia Sokolowski of AspenClean. “The flax stalks are harvested, dried, and processed to extract long fibers, which are spun into yarn and woven into fabric. Linen is natural, biodegradable, and prized for its strength, texture, and moisture-wicking ability.”
### Does linen shrink?
Yes, linen can shrink—”especially if it hasn’t been pre-washed before its first cleaning or if exposed to high heat,” Long says. The good news? Most linen clothing is pre-washed. Still, it’s best to be cautious. “Wash it gently in cool or lukewarm water and avoid high dryer heat to maintain its shape and size,” Sokolowski advises.
### Can you machine wash linen?
Skip the dry cleaner—linen can go in the washing machine. “Linen holds up well in the wash, and most modern linen pieces are machine-washable,” Long explains. “Just use a gentle cycle, cold or lukewarm water, and mild detergent. Hot water or harsh agitation can cause shrinkage or fraying, especially at the seams.”
### Can you put linen in the dryer?
You can, but Long says it’s “not ideal for long-term garment care.” If you want to speed up drying, use the dryer on low for just a few minutes—”enough to loosen wrinkles.” Then, hang or lay flat to finish drying. “Linen dries quickly, so high heat isn’t necessary,” she adds.
### Is it best to hand wash linen?
Hand-washing isn’t usually needed, according to Sokolowski—unless the piece is delicate or embroidered. If you do hand-wash, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. “Avoid wringing to protect the fibers,” Long notes.
### Do you ever need to dry clean linen?
Most everyday linen items—clothing, napkins, tablecloths, and bedding—don’t require dry cleaning. The exception? Structured pieces like suits, jackets, or lined dresses. “These may benefit from professional care,” says Long. “Always check the care label.”
### How to get stains out of linen
Act fast—”the sooner you treat the stain, the better,” Sokolowski says.
Here’s how to remove stains from linen:
1. Blot the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Avoid rubbing.Here’s a more natural and fluent version of your text:
Pre-treat the stain:
– For general stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water directly to the spot.
– For oily stains (like makeup or grease), sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda to absorb the oil, then brush it off and apply a stain remover.
– For tough stains (like wine), use a little liquid dish soap or an enzyme-based stain remover.
Let the treatment sit for 15–30 minutes. Avoid chlorine bleach—it can weaken the fabric and cause discoloration over time.
Soak if needed:
For stubborn stains, soak the linen in cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of oxygen bleach for a few hours.
Wash gently:
After pre-treating, wash as usual in cold or lukewarm water with mild detergent. Hot water can set stains and shrink the fabric.
Air dry:
Lay the garment flat or hang it to dry. Make sure the stain is completely gone before using heat or ironing.
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