Linen has a way of improving as it ages. It gets softer with every wash and more relaxed with every use. Whether it's on your dining table or your bed, it just works.
But linen isn't cotton, and it doesn't want to be treated like it. If you've pulled a linen tablecloth out of the dryer and found it two sizes smaller, or wondered why your favorite napkins feel stiff instead of soft, you're not alone. The good news is that caring for linen is simple once you know what it likes.
Whether you have our linen tablecloths, placemats, napkins, kitchen towels, aprons, pillowcases, or bedding, here's what you need to keep them in good shape.

Washing: less is more

The most common question: can you machine wash linen?
Yes. Linen does fine in the washing machine. It's actually stronger wet than dry. A few rules will save you some regret:
Watch the temperature. Use cool or lukewarm water, around 86°F at most. Hot water is the main cause of shrinkage, and over time it weakens the fibers. Cold water handles lightly soiled items well and is gentler on the fabric.
Pick the right detergent. Use a mild liquid detergent and skip the powder, which can coat the fibers. Avoid bleach. It breaks down linen fibers. If your whites need brightening, hang them in the sun. Sunlight does the job.
Skip fabric softener. I know, it seems like the obvious move. But softener leaves a residue that builds up on the fibers, making the fabric limp and sometimes leaving oily spots. Linen softens on its own with each wash. If you want a little help in the dryer, wool dryer balls work well.
Don't overload the machine. Linen soaks up a lot of water, so it needs room to move. Give it space and use the highest water level your machine allows.
Wash items inside out. This protects the surface fibers and helps color hold.
Keep lights and darks separate. Garment-dyed linen can bleed in the first few washes.

Drying: air is your friend

Short version: air dry when you can.
Linen dries fast and doesn't need a tumble dryer's heat. Line drying or laying flat in the shade is easiest on the fabric and helps it keep its shape and color. Direct sun fades natural dyes over time, so shade is better.
If you have to use a dryer, use the lowest heat and pull items out while they're still a little damp to avoid stiffness. Don't over-dry, because that's when it shrinks.
One tip: shake your linens out right after the wash cycle ends, before you hang them. It cuts down on wrinkles and saves ironing later.

Ironing: or don't

Something you might not expect from a care guide: you don't have to iron linen.
The wrinkles aren't a defect. They're part of how linen looks. A dry cleaner I know said linen wrinkles "when you start looking at it." The relaxed, lived-in look is the point.
If you want a crisper finish, especially on table linens or bedding, here's how:
Iron while the fabric is still damp. This is the easiest way to do it. Linen irons best when it's slightly moist. Use a steam iron or a spray bottle, and set it to medium to high heat.
Don't iron dry linen. You'll fight it the whole way.
Iron in the direction of the fibers for the smoothest result.

Storing: let it breathe

This is where people go wrong. Linen needs air.
Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight.
Don't store linen in plastic. Plastic traps moisture and leads to mildew, or yellowing over time. Use cotton or linen storage bags instead.
Fold loosely. Don't cram pieces into tight drawers. The fibers need air to keep their structure.
And a note from someone who genuinely likes this fabric: don't save it for special occasions. Use the napkins, the tablecloths, the bedding. That's what they're for.

Stain removal: act fast

Spilled red wine on a new tablecloth? Don't panic.
Blot, don't rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper. Blot with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Salt helps. On red wine, sprinkle salt on the spot right away. It soaks up the wine.
White vinegar and baking soda handle most liquid stains.
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treat with a mild stain remover and let it sit 15 to 20 minutes. Most important: never put a stained item in the dryer. Heat sets stains for good.

How often should you wash?

Depends on the item:
•Bedding (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers): every 1 to 2 weeks. If you share a bed or sleep hot in summer, weekly is better.
•Tablecloths and napkins: after each use, especially if there were spills.
•Kitchen towels: regularly. Daily is ideal to keep odors and bacteria down.
•Aprons: at the end of each day.

The bottom line

Linen is one of the few fabrics that gets better with time. Treat it right and it stays comfortable and good-looking for years.
The rules are simple:
•Wash cool, not hot
•Skip bleach and fabric softener
•Air dry when you can
•Iron while still damp for best results.
•Store it somewhere it can breathe

That's all. No complicated routine, no dry cleaning bills. Just linen that ages along with your home.

Ready to bring more linen into your life? Our tablecloths, placemats, napkins, kitchen towels, aprons, pillowcases, flat sheets, duvet covers, and fitted sheets are all 100% linen, made to last.