Aqua Edge Embroidered Linen Duvet Cover on bed

How To Wash Linen Bedding

Not only is linen bedding luxurious, but it also elevates any bedroom to the “next level.” But your bedroom won’t get to that “next level” if you don’t properly care for your bedding! 

Catch-22, you say? It’s definitely not. Cultivating the know-how for washing linen bedding will save the day—and your room! From linen care instructions to secret tips, we’re here to help.

Why Should I Buy Linen Bedding? 

French Blue 100% Linen Flat Sheet

Make your bed luxurious with linen bedding and experience all its immediate benefits. Linen makes a great home décor fabric thanks to its durability and its temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic properties.

Another benefit? Linen bedding is also stylish. Easily upgrade any room by building a linen bedding set that reflects your sleep habits and lifestyle.

But the biggest benefit of linen bedding? It’s easy to clean! If you live in a home with a beloved pet or messy child—or if you’re simply human and need a clean home—you’ll quickly discover the ease of washing linen bedding. 

How to Clean Linen Bedding

First thing: It’s super easy to wash your linen bedding. In fact, caring for your linens is quick, simple, and absolutely no fuss! And your dreamy bedding will only get better with each wash.

7-Step Guide to Washing Linen Bedding:

  • Spot clean or pre-treat stains before washing
  • Wash with similar materials and like colors
  • Wash on a gentle cycle setting
  • Use cold or lukewarm water
  • Use a mild liquid detergent
  • Dry on low heat only using a gentle cycle setting
  • Iron on low heat if you prefer a smooth look

Step 1: Spot Clean or Pre-Treat Stains Before You Wash Linen Bedding

Spot clean or pre-treat stains as soon as you notice them with a gentle fabric spot treater. Better yet, create your own spot treatment by mixing Dawn dish soap and cold water for everyday stains or baking soda and vinegar for the tough ones.

When it comes to stains, time is not on your side. The faster you can get to those stains, the more likely they are to come out in the wash. (Whatever you do, don’t dry your linen bedding in the dryer until you’re certain those spots are out since heat will set a stain like nobody’s business!) 

Step 2: Wash Linen Bedding with Similar Materials and Like Colors

White Linen Ruffle Hem Coverlet

Wash your linen sheets with like colors and with similar materials (like other linens in your home) to prevent color bleeding. Doing so will also help you guarantee that your bedding holds up well over time. 

Step 3: Wash Linen Bedding on a Gentle Cycle Setting

While linen fabric is sturdy, it’s best when not overhandled. Wash linen bedding on your washing machine's gentle or delicate cycle to ensure it is properly cared for, extending the life cycle of your linen sheets and bed coverings. 

Step 4: Use Cold or Lukewarm Water

Much like cotton, linen fabrics tend to shrink, so it’s important to keep the temperature down to maximize the life of your bed linens! When you wash your linen sheets and linen bedding, set your washing machine at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius or 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Honestly, the cooler, the better! 

All of our linen bedding products come prewashed to prevent shrinking, providing you with the softest, most comfortable night’s sleep possible! Still, it’s best to treat your fabric with care when you wash your linen sheets so they last as long as possible. 

Step 5: Use a Mild Liquid Detergent

Use a gentle, liquid detergent to wash linen sheets and bedding, avoiding those that use harsh chemicals or fragrances. (If it says clear and mild, it’s safe for your linen!) You should avoid fabric softeners and bleach when you wash linen bedding. 

Step 6: Dry on Low Heat Only Using a Gentle Cycle Setting

It’s a myth that linen bedding can’t be dried in the dryer. It absolutely can be! But just like when it’s washed, given that it’s best not to overhandle linen fabric, only dry your linen bedding on a low heat setting. Literally, the cooler, the better! 

Step 7: Iron on Low Heat When Needed

Another myth we’re here to dispel—your linen bedding can’t be ironed. False, we say! While many people love the casual crinkle linen fabric is known for, you can absolutely iron linen bedding if you prefer a sleek style. However, when planning to iron your linen sheets, it’s important to keep your iron on the lowest setting possible, as high heat can damage your bedding.

It’s also important not to over-iron your linen sheets and bedding. When in doubt, remember the best part about linen fabric—its natural, gentle wrinkles that exude comfort and style!

Steps to Avoid When You Wash Your Linen Bedding

Alloy Grey Linen Ruffle Hem Duvet Cover

Pouring detergent directly onto your linen bedding. Instead, pour detergent into the machine before adding your linen sheets or bedding to wash.
Using bleach or fabric softeners. Bleach and fabric softeners tend to discolor linen fabric. Avoid them and always use a gentle, liquid detergent.
Dry cleaning your linen bedding. No need to outsource washing linen bedding to the dry cleaner! Believe it or not, it’s actually best not to dry clean linen bedding. Stick to our washing guidelines above and you’ll be set.
Overloading your washing machine. Linen isn’t fragile by any means, but it’s best to not overload your washing machine. Giving your linen bedding room to move in your washer and dryer guarantees a quick and thorough clean. 

How Often Should I Wash My Linen Bedding?

Given you live one-third of your life in bed, you’re constantly shedding hair and skin cells, sweating, and drooling, just to name a few (disgusting) things. If we share our beds with other humans or pets, well … you get the picture! It’s time to wash! 

Bare minimum, you should wash linen sheets at least once per week. (If you’re sick or have an especially active week, consider a mid-week wash as well.) You can wash your other linen bedding like duvet covers or bedspreads every other week and still see great results. 

Storing Washed Linen Bedding Properly 

When you aren’t remaking your bed immediately, ensure you’ve stored your washed linen sheets and bedding properly to avoid damaging them. First, avoid a mildew situation by making sure your linen bedding is totally dry before putting it away. Also, keep your bed linens in a cool, dry environment away from sunlight and heat to avoid light stains and shrinkage. 

The more you wash your bed linen, the softer it gets over time. Follow these simple steps to make your bed like a pro, guaranteeing you’ve got that fresh sheet feeling every time you slip your washed linen sheets on your bed!

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