Linen Care: Keep Your Linen Looking Fresh & Feeling Soft

Summer's calling, and you're answering in your finest linen. Linen is the ultimate fabric; it looks great and is easy to care for, but keeping it looking at its best still requires a little know-how. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of linen care, answer your key questions, and provide valuable tips on pristine linen shirts and clothing.

 

Washing

  • Machine washing is absolutely okay. This is how we wash our favourite linens; they still look and feel lovely after years. We recommend a 30-40 degree wash on a gentle cycle.
  • Ditch the heat. One of the most asked questions about linen care is how to wash white linen shirts. Unlike white cotton, which washes well at higher heat, linen is better at a lower temperature (30-40℃ as above) as hot water can shrink and weaken the fibres. It also doesn’t need the higher heat as it’s naturally hypoallergenic.
  • Gentle suds are best: Harsh detergents can be rough on linen. Opt for mild, natural cleansers and skip the fabric softener – linen softens naturally with every wash, so your softeners are wasted here. 
  • Don't overcrowd the washing machine: We know washing isn’t the highlight of the week, and you want to get it done as quickly as possible, but overfilling it is counterproductive. You’ll end up with clothes that aren’t as clean and fresh as they should be, which can also damage them. Give your linen room to move for a thorough clean.
  • Colour coordination matters: Separate darks, lights, and colours to avoid dye transfer disasters. Nobody wants a pink polka-dot surprise on their white linen shirt.
  • Solo act: Linen loves its own company. Wash it separately from other fabrics or put it in with similar materials. Avoid washing with towels in particular, as these can snag and shed lint/ fibres. Because towels are also heavier when washed, they can cause extra creasing on the items they’re washed with.
  • Always read the label: As you’ll probably have seen, many online guides exist. While 100% linen should be the same regardless of which brand is used, if you have a blended fabric, it will be slightly different, so check the label to be safe.

Drying & Ironing Linen

  • Air drying is best: Tumble dryers can shrink and over-wrinkle your linen, mainly on high heat. Given linen’s lightweight nature, it dries very quickly anyway, so hang your clothes in the shade or a well-ventilated area, letting the gentle breeze do its magic. 
  • Ironing is optional: Linen's unique texture and “wrinkles” are part of its charm; however, if you prefer a crisper look, iron on low heat while the fabric is still damp. You can also use a pressing cloth to avoid scorching.
  • Dry clean sparingly: For special occasions, dry cleaning is fine for heavily soiled or delicate linen pieces, but make sure your cleaner uses gentle methods and detergents. While most dry cleaners do a great job with linen, it’s worth checking and confirming the fabric type before handing over the precious good - pointing out the troublesome spots and stains is also helpful. If you can, try not to dry clean your items too often.

Linen Stain Removal

Depending on the type of stain, the treatment may change. We’ve listed some of our most common solutions; however, we recommend doing a quick test on a hidden area (e.g. inside the cuff or colour) first to ensure your linen doesn’t react unfavourably. 

  • Baking soda mixed with white vinegar - mix it into a bit of a paste and put it onto the stain. Rub in gently, then leave for 30 minutes. Rinse gently, and put into a gentle wash at 30-40℃.
  • Rubbing alcohol is another handy cupboard item. Rubbing alcohol is usually 70+% isopropyl alcohol and a particularly effective stain remover for ink. Squeeze a little onto the stain and let it rest for a few minutes, then rinse it with cold water and pop into the wash.
  • Shop-bought stain removers such as Vanish are another potential aid. These tend to be harsher on linen, so pre-testing is essential. Follow the stain remover instructions and make sure to rinse thoroughly.

Extra stain removal tips:

  • Act Fast: The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it comes out. Use a clean, absorbent cloth and immediately blot up spills. Imagine yourself as a stain-busting superhero, swiftly neutralising threats to your linen's pristine look.
  • Natural Remedies First: Try baking soda mixed with white vinegar first up. Or enzyme-based cleaners for most stains. Harsh chemicals can damage linen. 
  • Consult the Experts: If you’re struggling with a super stubborn stain, don’t keep scrubbing away, as this will likely cause more harm than good. Speak to a local dry cleaner who will have the tools and knowledge to tackle even the tougher challenges (or let you know if all hope is sadly lost).

 

Should you treat linen blends the same as 100% linen?

Linen is often blended with other fabrics, such as cotton or polyester, to offer wrinkle resistance and a bit of extra weight, making them perfect for everyday wear. Different blends will have different wash temperatures, so following the label here is essential. Linen blends are very easy to care for, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Ready to experience linen magic?

Now that you're a linen care pro, you can live your best life in linen. Explore Academy Brand's collection of men's and women’s shirts, shorts, and dresses. Each piece is crafted with quality linen, designed to elevate your everyday style with effortless comfort and timeless beauty.