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Taking good care of our linens ensures that we can enjoy using them for a long time. The first rule of thumb before doing anything to any kind of fabric/garment is to read first the label wherein care instructions are provided by the manufacturer. These instructions take into account tightness of weave, expected fabric shrinkage of thread, lining and trim, dyes used, and wrinkle resist treatments. The second is testing the cleaning method on a small inconspicuous area first, or on a scrap piece of similar fabric, before doing the whole garment. If your results are good, move cautiously to a bigger test or the whole garment.

Washing

Washing is recommended rather than dry cleaning for linen garments,bed and table linens. Dry cleaning is, however recommended for cleaning linen draperies because there is a potential for shrinkage in long pieces. Washing is recommended because the more linen is washed, the softer, more absorbent and more luminous it becomes and you can do it either by hand or machine wash. The following points should be considered when washing your linens:

• Use a gentle cycle when machine washing your linens and use just a little amount of gentle soap like Ivory Snow powder, Woolite, Orvus Quilt Soap and even your favorite shampoo. Whatever you use, follow the package directions. Place delicate, embroidered or fringed linens in a lingerie bag before putting them into a washing machine.
• Cool to warm water should be used. Cool water is best for colored linens. Take note to use soft water because hard water forms a soap scum that make linen stiff and dull.
• Wash stained linens immediately because if it allowed to set, the stain will be permanent.
• Use oxygen bleaches like hydrogen peroxide for white linens because chlorine bleaches can cause yellowing.
• A couple of cream rinse for the hair maybe used in the final rinse to make the linens more lustrous.
• Rinse very thoroughly when hand washing your linens because residual soap will produce large brown spots. This is caused by oxidation of cellulose by residual soap.

Drying

Linens can be dried by line drying, machine drying or rolling in terry towels. Whatever method you use, bring the linen in while it is still damp. If linen dries thoroughly, it may become brittle, taking several hours to recover its natural moisture and flexibility. Don’t wring wet or damp linen before drying, it breaks the fibers.

For large pieces like drapes, you can spread them on your lawn but make sure that the grass is clean.

Ironing

Ironing is often optional when dried flat or tumbled at low heat. If you really want to iron your linens, do it when the linen is still damp. Steam ironing dry linen is less effective and requires more effort. If you can’t get to them while they are still damp, put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator before ironing. This will make them easier to iron and will prevent mildew.

Spray starch maybe used and iron the linen with lots of steam at a medium to hot setting. Starch provides extra crispness, particularly for folded napkins but if you wanted a softer garment, use fabric sizing instead.

Iron on the wrong side first, then on the right side to bring out the sheen, especially damasks and light-colored linens. Iron dark linens on the wrong side only. Heavier fabrics may need a slightly higher temperature setting. Pure linen can withstand the highest temperature setting on your iron, but test a small inconspicuous corner first.

Iron linen until smooth but not dry. Once wrinkles are gone, hang the linen item until it is bone dry. When ironing embroidered linen, keep the embroidery stitches rounded and dimensional by pressing item on the wrong side atop a soft towel. Use a press cloth to safeguard delicate lace and cutwork. A press cloth also helps to avoid press marks over seams, hems and pockets. Place a table next to the ironing board when ironing large tablecloths. Roll finished sections of the cloth over the table rather than letting it pile up under the ironing board. Minimize creasing ironed tablecloths by rolling them around a tube or hanging them.

Storing Linens

Always clean linen items before storing because dirty linen encourages growth of mildew. Good ventilation, light and lack of available bacterial food discourage mildew growth. If you discover mildew on your linens, brush the mold off outdoors to avoid scattering spores in your house. Then soak the linen item in a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide and water before laundering. Wash as above, dry in the sun, then store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area.

Wrap linens using linen, cotton or muslin. Tissue can be used but make sure that it is acid-free because acid can yellow your linens.Never store linens in plastic bags, cedar chests and cardboard boxes because these can cause linen to rot, streak or turn yellow.

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