Can I place my linen clothes in the dryer?
Linen has been used for centuries, since it is a fresh, resistent and aesthetic fabric, for clothes as well as for decor. But with this being such an ancient fiber, one cannot help but wonder: can linen withstand modern washing methods? Nowadays, there is a misconception that linen is an extremely delicate fiber and that it can only be dry cleaned; but here we tell you how you can wash your linen clothes in an easy and practical way.
What makes linen an excellent option?
Linen is a natural and sustainable material, derived from the flaxseed plant. At Velia Sierra Design, we manufacture clothes, jewelry and home decor with organic linen, but this fabric's properties have made it suitable to be used in less common items, such as armors, car seats and money. It has antibacterial properties, is beneficial for the skin and it is a thermal material that can be worn during the warm or cold seasons.
How do I wash my linen items?
Thanks to its incredible qualities, linen is a material that many of us seek to use daily, whether it is in our homes or within the garments we wear. While it repels impurities, it's still susceptible to the everyday dirt we're exposed to, from food stains to environmental pollution. So what is the best way to clean linen clothes? Is dry cleaning better or can it be replaced with washer and dryer?
Before you wash your linen items, check the manufacturer's washing instructions. These will tell you if your items need dry cleaning, the correct water temperature if it can be machine washed and if it can be tumbled dried. In the case of our Velia Sierra Design products, each piece undergoes a rigorous pre-washing and shrinking process, for which it is suggested to wash your garments at home for a better preservation.
For linen items with fraying and fringes, we recommend tying the ends with rubber bands before putting the product in the washer and dryer. In the case of crinkled linen, we suggest placing in washing machine and dryer, but it is important to avoid ironing at all costs, so that your garment maintains the soft wrinkle effect that makes it so characteristic.
For heavily soiled linen items, like tablecloths and napkins from our Lifestyle collection that have absorbed spills, we recommend soaking in water befoe washing and applying soap. Bleach can only be used for white linen items, but if used excesively, you run the risk of turning your white linens yellowish.
Essencial information for drying linen
Natural linen fabric is safe to tumble dry as long as the care instructions state that it is suitable for the garment. Use a medium temperature in your items to ensure optimal preservation. We suggest ironing to your liking and hanging immediately so that it defines a natural wrinkle in your garments, and in the case of crinkled garments, it's best to fold and store.
To iron or not to iron our linen garments?
Ironing clothes is a matter of preference! We love linen's natural wrinkles and creases, because it creates a free and cozy feeling that is not replicated in any other fabric, which is why we prefer to only iron key parts of our garments, such as cuffs, side seams and collars. If your wish for your pieces to be wrinkle-free, they can be ironed without a problem.
For instance, for us, a linen tablecloth can look amazing when freshly ironed, but it will also look good showing its natural creases. The same happens with napkins, tablerunners and other linen items: iron if you wish to, but it's not necessary.
Make sure that the linen in your garment is slightly damp before ironing, and that the iron you use is in a high temperature. Damp linen has some protection against heat and the end result will be more arthestically pleasing.
Finally: how do I store my linen pieces for a long time?
If your linen clothes spend a lot of time in the wardrobe, we recommend making sure they are completely dry before storing. This is because all natural fabrics get moldy over time if they are stored while still damp. Linen naturally repels insects such as moths, so its care is less rigorous than other fabrics.
For more information on care, you can see our Washing Guide on our Instagram Reels.
FOOTNOTE: It is always important to check the washing instructions of your linen garments, since not all brands with linen products handle the same prewash and shrinkage processes as Velia Sierra Design. Each manufacturer uses different processes, so there is no standardized care method for all linen products..
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