About French Linen - Layla Linen

Information About Caring For Linen

Before we start to answer questions about caring for linen we need to clarify or define what are the differences between cotton and linen? Both are gifted from nature. Both produce quality products from cellulose fibres. In simple terms cotton is produced from the cotton plant and linen is produced from the flax plant. Generally the term “Linens” refers to any household fabric whether found in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen or living areas of our homes. This is not to be confused with linen fabric.

SOME GENERAL COMPARISONS OF SIMILARITIES OR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN COTTON AND LINEN:

Linen fibre has variable lengths, mostly long of which it is renowned as the worlds strongest natural fibre. Linen has a very long life. Cotton strength is in essence achieved though the manufacturing process of spinning and weaving multiple fibres into a quality material-textile.
Although both linen and cotton are associated with wrinkles there are definitive differences. Linen is crisper than cotton softening over time with use. Linen improves with each use gaining elegance in a silky drape with high lustre. Soft and resilient cotton can yield a super soft to the touch feel at first touch.
Linen and cotton are known as natures moisture wicking fabrics. Cotton absorbs 25% and linen 20% of its weight in water before feeling damp. Linen gains strength when wet and has a natural antibacterial properties.
There is a common assumption that linen needs specialist care which could not be further from the truth. Both Linen and cotton are easy to care for.

THREE EASY STEPS ON CARING FOR YOUR LINEN

To relax linen’s natural fibres your first washes should be in water with a temperature of 30 to 40° C
Thereafter wash warm with gentle organic or eco freindly detergents
Generally your linen sheets will soften with age but on occasion when detergents get lodged between fibres they can stiffen. If this happens it can be easily remedied by adding vinegar to a regular wash. Alternatively you can wash your linens on luke warm with no detergent from time to time to rince away residual detergent for softer linens

MORE ABOUT LINEN

Do I need to dryclean my linen bedding?

Simply no as this applies to more structured clothing and not bedding such as sheets, quilt covers and so on.

Do I need to iron my linen?

No as the textural effect of linen is part of what we love about linen. This is what gives linen its relaxed soft drape. However if you prefer your linen ironed than iron while damp on a medium steam setting. Press dark linen once on the reverse side and lighter linens are best pressed on both sides.

Storing your linens

You should store your linens in a cool dry place. Avoid storing your linens in; plastic bags, cardboard boxes or cedar chests to help prevent yellowing. This allows your linen to breath. Freshen with a gentle wash if needed and your linen should be good to go. One of the great benefits of linen is it has natural insect-repellant properties which makes storing a breeze.