Updated: 12 October 2026
Caring properly for linen homewares helps bedding, table linen, towels and curtains stay soft, beautiful and useful for longer. That means fewer replacements, less waste and better value from pieces designed to serve your home for years.
This guide focuses on everyday household textiles. For a fuller explanation of wash cycles, stains and shrinkage, see our complete guide to washing linen.
Start with the care label
Always check the label before washing, drying or ironing. Construction, colour, trims and finishes can affect the best method even when the main fabric is linen. Separate pale and dark shades, empty pockets, close fastenings and avoid packing the machine too tightly so water can circulate.
Wash household linen gently
All our linen is machine washable at cool temperatures with a mild detergent, unless the care label says otherwise. Where an item is described as pre-washed, LinenMe has washed the linen before making the product to help prevent shrinkage. Linen becomes softer with each wash, and good-quality fabric should not be damaged when its care instructions are followed.
For vintage linen, wash by hand in cold water with a detergent intended for delicates. Avoid bleach: it can damage and weaken the fibres. Linen has an inherent resistance to dirt and stains, so it often needs less aggressive treatment than expected. Treat marks promptly and never scrub one small area harshly.
Adjust care to the household item
Linen bedding and table linen benefit from room to move in the drum and a thorough rinse. Towels should be washed without fabric softener, which can leave a coating that reduces absorbency. Shake curtains free of dust before washing, remove hooks or other hardware and rehang them while slightly damp if their care label permits. Small decorative items such as cushion covers should be turned inside out and fastened before washing.
Dry linen without unnecessary stress
Linen textiles can be tumble dried on a low heat when the label allows it. To conserve energy, line drying is an excellent alternative. White linen can benefit from sunlight, while darker shades should be kept out of strong direct sun to reduce fading. Linen releases moisture quickly, so it generally takes less time to dry than heavier fabrics.
Remove pieces while they are still slightly damp, smooth seams and edges, then allow them to finish drying naturally. Avoid leaving wet linen crumpled in the machine or basket.
Iron only when you want a crisp finish
Linen's natural creases are part of its relaxed character, so ironing is optional for many homewares. If you prefer a smoother finish, iron while the fabric is slightly damp and follow the temperature shown on the label. Work on the reverse of dark or embellished pieces and avoid pressing repeatedly over one spot.
Store linen clean, dry and breathable
For long-term storage, make sure every item is completely clean and dry. Fold or roll it neatly and keep it in a breathable storage bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp rooms and sealed plastic packaging that can trap moisture. Moths do not usually eat linen, so insect damage is less of a concern, although a lavender bag can help keep stored pieces smelling fresh.
Rotate and repair the pieces you use
Rotate bedding, towels and table linen so the same pieces are not continually washed and worn. Air items between uses, deal with loose threads before they pull and mend small areas of wear early. Check curtain hems and table-linen edges from time to time, as these are common places for damage to begin.
Help linen homewares last for years
With the right care, linen products can keep going for many years and may become heirloom pieces passed to the next generation. That durability and longevity add to linen's environmental credentials: caring well for what you already own reduces the need to replace it.
Good morning, at which temperature in C can your linens for table cloths be washed? Thank you