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When I talk about linen, I always get excited because it is a fabric that I have come to know and love deeply. It is alive, sincere, capable of transforming over time, never the same, and perhaps this is what makes it unique: a thread that weaves beauty and durability, ready to accompany us for decades if only we know how to take care of it with the right gestures.
How to wash linen in the washing machine
People often ask me, “How do you wash linen?” The answer is simpler than it seems: in the washing machine, using a normal cycle. I recommend 40°C: there's no need to use extreme temperatures. Colored items should never exceed 40°, while whites, if there are any stubborn stains, can be washed at 60°C or, only if necessary, even at 90°C. No higher than that.
Does fabric softener ruin linen? Here's what to use instead
Then there's the question of fabric softener. I confess: I rarely use it, not because I don't like softness, quite the contrary, but because fabric softener swells the fibers and, over time, risks damaging them. Linen is made of fibers rolled together, and fabric softener lifts them up. The washing machine drum then cuts them, creating the famous fluff commonly known as “lint.”
This is normal, but it weakens the fabric by wearing down the fibers. That's why I prefer natural remedies, handed down by grandmothers and nannies: a spoonful of baking soda or a little white vinegar is enough to make linen soft and fragrant.
The beauty of linen is that it improves with time. I know that when you first buy it, it can seem a little stiff, even rough, but wash after wash it softens. It's like a friend: the more you get to know it, the more it reveals its true nature.
Drying linen: is it better to air dry or tumble dry?
What about drying? Yes, you can use the dryer without worry. Just choose the right cycle and don't leave the garments in too long: otherwise, the heat will flatten them and create deep creases. I prefer to take them out when they are still slightly damp: I open them up with my hands, leave them to breathe for another hour in the air, and they become truly soft and fluffy.
Ironing linen effortlessly
As for ironing, my secret is simple: iron when the linen is still damp. Or, if I don't want to waste time, I steam it directly with a fine spray bottle or steam iron, and in a few seconds the fabric smooths itself out, maintaining its natural look without ever seeming too stiff.
Finally, the scent. For me, this is a fundamental detail: beautiful, soft linens must also smell good. I love to add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus directly to the washing machine, or to scent the closet with sachets of dried flowers or cedar wood. It's those little gestures that transform laundry into a sensory experience.
Linen, if treated well, lasts a lifetime. There are sheets and tablecloths that are passed down from generation to generation, more beautiful and softer than when they were purchased. That's the magic of this fabric: time doesn't wear it out, it perfects it.
FAQ – Practical guide on how to wash linen
How do you wash linen in the washing machine?
Linen should be washed on a normal cycle at 40°C. Very dirty white items can be washed at 60°C and, in exceptional cases, at 90°C. Colored items should never be washed at more than 40°C.
Can fabric softener be used on linen?
It is best not to. Fabric softener swells the fibers, weakens them, and causes lint to appear. To soften linen naturally, just add a tablespoon of baking soda or a little white vinegar.
Why does linen pill or lose fibers?
This is a natural phenomenon: the fibers break down slightly during washing. It does not compromise the quality of the fabric, especially if treated gently.
Can linen be dried in the dryer?
Yes, but on a delicate cycle. Linen should be removed slightly damp, opened out with your hands, and left to dry for another hour in the air. This will keep it soft and free of deep creases.
How can I iron linen without effort?
Linen is best ironed when it is still damp. Alternatively, a vaporizer or steam jet is sufficient: the fabric will smooth itself out without the need for perfect ironing.
How can I scent linen without using fabric softener?
You can add a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or rosemary to the washing machine, or scent your wardrobes with lavender or cedarwood sachets, which also keep moths away.
How long does linen last?
If washed and treated correctly, linen can last for decades. Over time, it becomes softer and more charming, while retaining its natural elegance.
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