Hand-Wash or Machine? Tips for Better Linen Care

When it comes to hand-washing vs. machine-washing linen, which method is superior? Check out tips, tricks, and pros and cons for each.

Linen fabric is incredible for many reasons: it's light, soft, airy, and temperature-regulating. However, these benefits also mean that special care is required. While that's not a reason to pass it up entirely, it does mean that you need to keep a few things in mind when washing linen so as not to damage it.

While it may take a bit of knowledge, the good news is that washing linen by hand or washing machine is nevertheless an easy process. Read on to learn about hand-washing versus machine-washing linen and how to go about each for the best results.

Hand-Washing Linen

Just like you might hand-wash clothes, linen garments, towels, and bedding can be washed in any basin big enough to hold them. For smaller items like linen shirts or pillowcases, a sink might suffice. When washing sheets, a bathtub is preferable.

How to Hand Wash Linen:

Select your wash basin. It should be big enough that your linen can soak in it, without being too bunched up. A sink will suffice for smaller linen items, but a large bucket or bathtub is better for linen sheets and bedding.
Fill the basin with lukewarm water and about one teaspoon of mild detergent.
Once the detergent has dissolved, add your linen.
Fully submerge your bedding or garment, ensuring every part of the material gets wet.
Gently swirl (do not twist or pull) the linen in the basin for a few minutes to dislodge any dirt.
Allow the linen to soak for 10 - 15 minutes.
Drain the basin. You may need to remove your linen while doing this to guarantee all the soapy water drains out.
Refill the basin with lukewarm water and re-submerge your linen. Gently swirl again to rinse off the detergent.
Once you're confident that the detergent has been rinsed out, drain the basin again.
To remove excess water, gently press down onto the linen. Again, do not twist or pull.
Follow the below instructions for drying, and enjoy your clean linen!

Tips & Tricks:

Do not use harsh detergents or fabric softeners. These can leave behind residue build-up – not what you want on your soft linen sheets!
Avoid chlorine bleach. It can damage linen fibers and weaken the fabric. Oxygen bleach can be used on white linen, but make sure to follow the bleach's specific instructions for best results.
Never twist, wring, or pull on linen while washing. Doing so can stretch and break the natural fibers, leading to misshaped linen and long-term damage.
Only use gentle detergent, as harsh detergents can damage the natural fabric or leave behind residue.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:
- Allows you to manage water temperature very carefully
- Requires less water than machine-washing, making it better for the environment
- Less energy usage which also reduces your environmental impact
Cons:
- More active process
- Requires a large basin, which may be unfeasible for those without a bathtub

Machine-Washing Linen

Despite being a natural textile, linen can also be machine-washed, making it ideal for low-maintenance care.

How to Machine Wash Linen:

Place your linen in the machine, leaving enough free space for the machine’s contents to move around. Overcrowding a washing machine is generally not a good idea and is especially damaging for linen. An overcrowded machine can cause the fabric’s fibers to misshape and prevent detergent from washing out completely.
Following your machine’s instructions, add a gentle liquid laundry detergent.
The best washing method for machine-washing linen is to use a gentle cycle with cold water. Cool water prevents shrinkage, while a delicate cycle prevents twisting and tearing. Choose settings accordingly, and start your wash.
Allow the machine to run as usual.
Follow the tips below for drying, then enjoy your clean linen!

Tips & Tricks:

If washing multiple, small linen pieces in one load, consider using mesh laundry bags. These prevent items from tangling together in the machine and ensure your linen stays in good condition.
Use the vinegar laundry hack to brighten whites and remove stains. Add a few drops of vinegar into your load before starting it to help brighten up your linen pieces.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:
- Less hands-on, once the washing machine is running, all you have to do is wait
- Better for those who don't have a large tub or basin in which to hand wash larger items
Cons:
- Difficult to control temperature. Even low-temperature settings sometimes use hot water
- If your machine doesn't have a gentle/delicate cycle, it's hard to say whether it will be suitable for linen items
- Machine washing uses more water, making it less environmentally friendly