5 Simple Tips to Properly Wash and Clean Your Linen Sheets

The luxury of natural linen bedsheets cannot be denied in the bedroom and many homeowners are making the switch to invest in the indulgent textured look and feel of this sturdy natural fiber for every day.

Twice as durable as wool and cotton, 100 percent linen provides the perfect sleeping environment for you and whether you’re washing your linen sheets for the first time, looking for how to soften linen bedding or simply seeking the key steps to the best bedding care for your home, we spoke founder of boutique linen brand Bed Threads Genevieve Rosen-Biller for her tips and tricks on how to look after your investment and enjoy the luxury of linen for years to come.

“There’s a host of reasons why linen has become the season’s essential bedding accessory,” says Genevieve:

• It’s instantly elevates any space, thanks to its relaxed yet refined finish.
• It contains natural temperature-regulating abilities, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
• It’s long-lasting — a high-quality set will serve you well for years and years, if cared for properly.

“Just a few simple steps will ensure that your bedding will remain fresh and vibrant for years to come,” said Genevieve Rosen-Biller. “Product care is simple. Flax has been cultivated and used to create textiles for thousands of years, and people enjoyed the benefits of linen long before the existence of washing machines and complex modern detergents.”

1. Read the Care Instructions

“We’re going back to basics here but sometimes the best advice is the simplest. Usually, if your sheets are pure linen, these will recommend no ironing, no dry cleaning and avoiding fabric softeners, as these can strip linen’s natural fibers, and any dyestuff used to color your pieces.”

2. Wash Regularly

“Aside from the obvious hygiene implications, linen becomes more comfortable with every wash. Time and use soften linen, so the more they’re loved, the better they feel… so your permission to stay in bed is here.”

3. Be Careful How You Wash Them

“Wash your bedding in lukewarm or cold water using a mild liquid detergent to protect the fibers, and avoid using detergents which feature color brighteners, as these formulas will weaken the fibers of your bedding and may discolor it,” Genevieve recommends. “Machine washing is fine, as long as it’s on a moderate setting and you don’t overload the machine — the more water, the better, as linen is highly absorbent.”

“Whether washing your linen by hand or by machine, always ensure that it is thoroughly rinsed in plenty of water to remove all traces of soap, detergent and residual soiling. This will prevent the formation of age spots which are caused by oxidation.”

4. Line Dry When Possible

“When it comes to drying your linen, typically air drying works best because it is a gentler option than a tumble dry. If you simply do not have the space (or the weather doesn’t permit) it’s fine to put the dryer on a low setting — just make sure it’s not overcrowded,” suggests Genevieve.

5. The Good News? You Can Forget About Ironing

“The beauty of linen bedding is that those natural creases that can form when air drying actually add to the aesthetic,” Genevieve says. “Linen looks best when it’s undone — and will give your bedroom an instant, polished finish, as if it’s been plucked from a high-end homewares shoot, without the effort required.”

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Homes to Love.