How to Wash & Care for Linen Sheets

There’s nothing like the feeling of slipping into freshly washed sheets at night. As easy as it is to throw your sheets in the washer on a hot, quick cycle, it’s not always the best way to care for your quality bedding. When it comes to linen, poor maintenance could lead to shrinkage and fading. This guide explains how to wash linen sheets and linen quilt covers so they always look and feel luxurious.

How to wash linen sheets

Don’t worry — it’s simple. Linen may need a bit of extra care, but it's not hard to do. Let’s break it down:

1. Treat stains

As soon as you notice a stain on your sheets, lightly dab them — never scrub — with baking soda and water to remove it. Stain removers should be reserved for particularly stubborn stains.

2. Wash

Our linen is pre-washed for comfort, but even if it’s your first use, we suggest gentle hand-washing or machine-washing on cold with a gentle liquid detergent. Steer clear of fabric softeners, as they can strip the natural fibres.

3. Rinse well

If hand-washing, rinse your sheets in plenty of water to remove all traces of detergent. If machine-washing, make sure that it's separated from other laundry.

How to dry linen sheets

We understand that tumble drying is convenient, but linen loves your clothesline. Save on energy bills by drying your linen sheets, pillowcases and duvet cover naturally in a shady spot.

You can tumble dry on a delicate setting if you're in a hurry — just try not to make a habit out of it.

How to make your linen sheets last

The secret to keeping your linen fresh for years to come is maintenance. Keep your linen sheets in good condition with these tips.

• Wash with cold water: Whether by hand or machine, cold water prevents linen dye from fading.
• Avoid fabric softener: Fabric softeners do not work on linen and can leave a residue, making the fabric feel stiff and uncomfortable.
• Treat stains gently: Remove stains with natural cleaning solutions. Never bleach your sheets — chlorine bleach weakens linen fibres and causes yellowing.
• Line dry in the shade: Drying in direct sunlight can fade the colour of your sheets and damage the linen fibres.
• Store thoughtfully: Keep your bed linens neatly folded in a dry cupboard or drawer away from direct sunlight.

Linen sheets FAQs

Can you machine wash linen sheets?

Yes! Hand washing may preserve your sheets longer, but nothing beats the convenience of a washing machine. Wash your linen sheets separately to give them room to spread out and properly rinse. Pay attention to your machine’s settings and select a gentle cycle using cold or warm water..

Can you put linen sheets in the dryer?

As we’ve mentioned, the dryer shouldn’t be your go-to! The heat and force of the dryer could damage your sheets and cause them to shrink. If tumble drying is your only option, use the most delicate setting and remove the sheets as soon as they’re dry to minimise wrinkling.

Does linen shrink?

Yes, like most natural fibres, linen will shrink after the first wash. Don’t worry — shrinkage will not impact sizing or how it fits on your bed. During the manufacturing process, flax fibres are stretched, and once wet again, they relax and return to their original state. Be careful not to fall into the trap of over-shrinking your linen sheet set by exposing it to high temperatures.

How do I soften linen sheets?

Linen should feel textured, crisp, yet soft. It becomes softer naturally over time with each wash. Follow our washing instructions to ensure your linen sheets stay buttery soft.

How long do linen sheets last?

It depends! With proper maintenance, linen sheets could last five to 10 years. Realistically, your usage, washing habits and handling will determine how long they last. If you rotate your linen sheets every couple of weeks or so, you will have better success getting linen to last longer. If you sleep with cats who use linen as a scratch post, you’ll see signs of wear much sooner.

Welcome to the linen club

Although linen may seem high maintenance, it isn't. Tired of ironing? Linen embraces a relaxed, creased look — no ironing required! That’s just one of the many benefits of the linen club.

BeddingCo linen is made from flax grown in France, where the cool climate and unique soil produce high-quality fibre. Our linen sheets are a luscious 160GSM — thick enough to be long-lasting and lightweight enough to be breathable.

With a unique collection of stylish colours, and sizes ranging from single to super king, there’s something for everyone at BeddingCo. Shop our linen sheet sets and linen quilt cover sets today.