Why Linen Care Matters
Pure linen is one of the most durable and rewarding fabrics you can own — but like all natural fibres, it responds best to the right care. The good news? Linen is far easier to care for than most people think. With a few simple habits, your linen pieces will last for years and only get better with time.
Washing Your Linen
Machine Washing
Most pure linen garments can be machine washed. Follow these guidelines for best results:
- Use a gentle or delicate cycle with cold or lukewarm water (30°C max)
- Use a mild, pH-neutral detergent — avoid harsh chemicals or bleach
- Wash linen separately or with similar colours to prevent colour transfer
- Turn garments inside out before washing to preserve colour and texture
- Avoid overloading the machine — linen needs room to move freely
Hand Washing
For delicate linen pieces or embellished garments, hand washing is the safest option. Use cool water and a small amount of gentle detergent, gently agitate the fabric, and rinse thoroughly without wringing.
What to Avoid
- ❌ Hot water — can cause shrinkage
- ❌ Bleach or harsh detergents — weakens fibres and fades colour
- ❌ Fabric softeners — coat linen fibres and reduce their natural breathability
- ❌ Vigorous wringing — can distort the shape
Drying Your Linen
How you dry linen makes a significant difference to how it looks and feels:
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Air dry in the shade — direct harsh sunlight can fade colours over time
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Lay flat or hang to dry — this helps maintain the garment's shape
- Remove from the washing machine promptly to prevent deep creasing
- If using a tumble dryer, use a low heat setting and remove while slightly damp
Ironing & Steaming Linen
Linen's natural texture means it will wrinkle — and that's part of its charm. However, if you prefer a crisper look:
- Iron linen while it's still slightly damp for the best results
- Use a medium-to-high heat setting with steam
- Iron on the reverse side to protect the fabric surface
- A handheld steamer is a quick, effective alternative to ironing and is gentler on the fabric
Pro tip: Embrace the natural relaxed texture of linen — a light steam is often all you need for a polished, effortless look.
Storing Your Linen
- Store linen in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space
- Avoid storing in plastic bags — linen needs to breathe
- Fold loosely or hang to prevent permanent creasing
- Keep away from direct sunlight during storage to preserve colour
- For long-term storage, wrap in breathable cotton or muslin cloth
Dealing with Stains
Act quickly — the sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove:
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Blot (don't rub) the stain immediately with a clean cloth
- Apply a small amount of mild detergent or white vinegar directly to the stain
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before rinsing with cold water
- For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water works well on linen
- Avoid hot water on stains — it can set them permanently
How Linen Gets Better with Age
Unlike synthetic fabrics that degrade with washing, pure linen actually improves over time. Each wash makes the fibres softer and more supple, while the fabric retains its strength and structure. A well-cared-for linen garment from MYANDMI can be a wardrobe staple for years — making it one of the most sustainable investments you can make in your wardrobe.
Shop MYANDMI's Pure Linen Collection
Explore our full range of 100% pure linen clothing at myandmi.com — from linen dresses and co-ord sets to shirts & blouses and men's linen wear. Each piece is crafted to last and designed to get better with every wash.
