Linen sheets and duvet covers are luxurious additions to any bedroom. Made from natural fibers, linen bedding is lightweight, breathable, and becomes softer with each wash. However, washing linen does require some special care to keep it looking and feeling its best. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about properly laundering linen sheets and duvet covers.
Gather Your Supplies
Before washing, you’ll need to gather the following laundry supplies:
- Mild Liquid Detergent – Harsh detergents can damage and prematurely age linen fibers. Look for a gentle, bleach-free liquid detergent.
- White Vinegar – The acetic acid in vinegar works as a natural fabric softener for linen and helps retain brightness.
- Laundry Bag/Mesh Bag – Bags protect linen bedding from excess friction during the wash cycle. Look for mesh bags with zipper closures.
- Stain Remover – For spot treating stubborn stains before washing. Choose an enzyme-based remover formulated for natural fibers.
Check the Care Labels
The first step is always to check the care label on your linen bedding. While most linen can be machine washed, the label provides key details like maximum water temperature and any special washing instructions.
Some quick care label tips:
- Most linen sheets and duvet covers are machine washable up to 140°F. Higher temperatures could cause shrinkage.
- Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry to avoid damaging fibers. Never use high heat.
- Iron linen on the coolest setting if needed after drying. High heat can scorch the fabric.
Following the recommended guidelines ensures your linen lasts for years.
Pre-Treat Stains
Linen is prone to staining from foods, lotions, and body oils. Pre-treating stains before washing allows you to target problem areas to avoid set-in stains.
Here’s how to pre-treat:
- Spot treat new stains immediately. Don’t let them sit.
- Use an enzyme-based stain remover and let it soak in for 10-15 minutes.
- For tough stains, try rubbing the area with a stain removal stick.
- Rinse pre-treated areas under cool water before washing.
Pre-treating stains keeps linen looking like new for longer.
Wash in Cold Water
Always wash linen sheets and duvet covers in cold water – even if using a hot water detergent.
Warm or hot water can damage and shrink the linen fibers. Stick to the coolest setting on your machine.
Washing in cold helps linen maintain its shape and vibrancy wash after wash.
Use a Gentle Cycle Setting
Linen bedding should be washed on the gentle or delicate setting of your washing machine. The lower agitation protects the fibers.
If your machine lacks this cycle, choose a slow spin speed. High speed washing and spinning can weaken linen over time.
Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
For best results, place linen inside a zippered mesh laundry bag before washing.
The bag limits excess friction while allowing water and detergent to pass through.
Mesh bags also prevent lint accumulation and keep pillowcases or sheets from tangling.
Add Vinegar to the Rinse Cycle
White vinegar is a must when laundering linen bedding. The acidic vinegar helps:
- Brighten and intensify whites.
- Soften fibers and increase drape.
- Reduce wrinkling and shrinkage.
- Neutralize odors.
Add 1⁄2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for enhanced softening and freshness.
Avoid Fabric Softener
Skip the liquid fabric softener when washing linen sheets or duvet covers.
Softener and linen don’t mix well. The waxy residue can stain the fabric yellow and diminish its signature crisp feel.
Vinegar’s natural softening and brightening offers a better alternative.
Line Dry or Tumble Dry Low
Once washed, linen bedding should always be air dried if possible. Hanging to dry prevents shrinkage and retains softness.
If line drying isn’t feasible, tumble dry on the coolest setting. High heat can damage linen fibers irreparably.
Pull items out of the dryer immediately once dry. Allowing linen to sit hot can cause wrinkling issues.
Lightly Press with an Iron
If needed, linen can be touched up with an iron after washing.
Choose the lowest heat setting and press lightly. Too much hot ironing can weaken fibers over time.
Use a touch of spray starch when ironing to help restore crispness if desired.
Wash and Dry Before Storing
Before putting linen sheets and duvet covers into storage for the season, launder and dry them fully.
Storing unwashed bedding can allow stains and odors to set in.
Wash to remove soils then let items dry completely before folding away to prevent mildew.
Troubleshooting FAQs
Still have some questions about washing linen sheets and duvet covers? Here are answers to some frequently asked laundry troubleshooting queries:
How do you wash yellowed linen sheets?
For yellowed or dingy linen, wash bedding in hot water using an oxygen-based bleach alternative. Avoid chlorine bleach. Then wash again in cold water with vinegar added to the rinse cycle.
How do you soften rough linen sheets?
If your linen sheets feel stiff or scratchy, try adding an extra 1⁄4 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. Vinegar naturally softens fibers. Tumble dry on low or hang dry to retain maximum softness as well.
How do you prevent pilling on linen sheets?
Use a mesh laundry bag when washing to limit friction. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry. Higher heat washing and drying can accelerate pilling.
How do you remove mildew smell from linen sheets?
First, wash sheets in hot water with bleach-free detergent and 1⁄2 cup baking soda. Then rewash in cold with 1 cup vinegar added to rinse. Air dry completely in sunlight.
Why do my linen sheets shrink?
Linen shrinks when washed in hot water or machine dried on high heat. Always use cold water and line dry or tumble dry on low to prevent shrinkage issues. Pre-treat stains to limit harsh scrubbing.
How do you soften stiff linen sheets?
For softer linen sheets, skip the fabric softener and use an extra 1/4 cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle. Tumble dry low or line dry, and avoid over-ironing which can damage fibers and cause stiffness.
Caring Properly for Long-Lasting Linen
With the proper wash methods, high-quality linen sheets and duvet covers will become softer and last for years. Follow these expert care tips:
- Check labels and wash in cold water
- Use a mild, bleach-free detergent
- Pre-treat stains before washing
- Add vinegar to the rinse cycle
- Air dry or tumble dry low
- Iron gently on low heat if needed
- Wash and dry before seasonal storage
Treat your linen bedding with care and enjoy its natural coziness and longevity. Sweet dreams!