Whether used in the home or as part of your wardrobe, linen is a fantastic fibre that unlocks a long list of benefits from season to season.
Even in the height of summer, donning or snuggling up in linen delivers the perfect coverage, with its self-cooling, moisture resistant, hypoallergenic nature allowing the skin to breathe to leave you looking and feeling great.
Sleeping on linen is also a seasonal game-changer. As well as simply oozing summer vibes – linen’s fresh, crisp, neutral look really does look the part in contemporary and classic bedroom schemes – linen bedding promotes better sleep as Better Homes and Gardens reveals:
“Beyond its look and feel, linen is temperature-regulating, anti-static, anti-bacterial and acts as a natural insulator. This means it has temperature-regulating qualities, and keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, without causing you to overheat. A trans-seasonal bedding solution, linen dries quickly, so in the warmer months its moisture-wicking qualities act as an effective antiperspirant.”
Aesthetically, linen only gets better with age, but you’ll need to take care of your linen the right way to keep reaping the rewards of this beautiful fibre. Read on to discover all you need to know about caring for your linen clothing and homewares.
Keep things simple – yes, really!
When we say linen is low maintenance, we mean it! A simple wash using a gentle, cold to warm cycle is enough to give your linen items the refresh they need.
Washing your linen on its own, rather than with other garments, will also help to keep your linen in great condition. Washing as part of a full load will cause abrasion that can result in bobbling and pilling.
Go back to basics once more
You should keep things simple with your detergent too. The gentler the detergent, the better.
Our high-efficiency Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent is gentle, fragrance-free and offers a thorough clean that’s tough on stains and bacteria. This makes it perfect for linen items and only adds to the hypoallergenic qualities that linen is known and loved for.
Our Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent is also effective from 20°C, meaning you can extend the lifespan of your linen bedding, throws and garments, and save plenty of water and energy in the process. Never use bleach or brighteners on your linen, instead go back to basics every time.
Wash little but often
As we’ve proven above, it takes very little effort to wash your linen bedspreads and throws. Whilst everyone (and the planet) would benefit from doing less laundry, your linen bedding in particular should be washed regularly.
The Sleep Foundation recommends that bedding should be washed at least once weekly, more if you have sensitive skin, or suffer from allergies or asthma.
Whilst other fabrics would buckle under the strain of so much washing, linen is different, becoming softer and cosier after every wash.
Dry your linen – but not completely
Linen is so durable it can be air-dried or tumble-dried on low heat for less than 30 minutes. You should however remove your linen from the dryer, washing line or drying rack when slightly damp before laying it flat to dry the rest of the way.
Remember, once your linen is completely dry, there’s no need to iron. Linen bedding and throws look great with that relaxed, crumpled finish.
Ready to put our linen care tips to the test? Shop our linen bedspreads, linen throws and linen cushions to discover the high-quality, all-natural homewares that really make your space.
Need some advice for taking care of your wool accessories too? Read our guide to washing and drying your wool blankets for more tips.