The arrival of spring and the onset of summer are all about fresh air, soaking up sunshine—and of course—the switch to lighter linens. As you unbox those seasonal sheets, tablecloths and closet staples, you might be wondering how to wash linen—the right way.
Instead of tossing them in your washing machine like your average garments, let’s review the basics of summer laundry.
Ready to give your light linens the royal treatment?
How to Wash Linen in the Washing Machine
Linens in Washing Machine, Step by Step
Linen is a blend of a natural fiber named flax. It can be a tricky material to work with, so here’s how to get it right every time:
If the garment permits, turn your linens inside out.
Separate light and dark linens into different batches.
For bulky linen items, do separate cycles. For lighter linens, only load the washing machine drum halfway.
Aim for a cycle with a long soak. If possible, choose one with a short wash, rinse, and spin as well.
Select a moderately cool water temperature.
Use a mild detergent. To get the right balance of strength and scent, consider making your own!
Don’t let your washed linens sit wet in the drum for too long. Switch to drying as soon as possible.
Shake out the pieces and hang them up to air dry (this blog covers everything you need to know about air drying). If you’re in a pinch and have to use the dryer, be sure to tumble dry at a medium temperature.
If you plan to iron your linens, do so when they’re still slightly damp.
Whitening Tips for Linens
During the warmer months, there’s nothing better than the feeling of crisp linens—especially clean white ones. Now that you know how to wash linen, you might be wondering which products keep them feeling bright.
For white towels, sheets, and tablecloths, it’s a good idea to incorporate bleach into their wash. Always remember to dilute the bleach with water, add it 5 minutes into the agitation cycle, and use a bleach dispenser if you have one.
Of course, there are plenty of bleach-free methods for freshening up linens. Baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and lemon juice can all do the trick—this blog shows you how!
If your whites still aren’t coming out white, we recommend giving your washing machine a deep clean.
Summer Laundry 101
Even if you don’t think of laundry as seasonal, there are plenty of ways to tailor your technique to the time of year. Ready for a head start on Summer? From organizing the closet to prepping winter clothing for storage, here’s our list of Summer laundry tips.
As your friendly nearby laundromat pros, there’s nothing we love more than giving quality pieces a quality cleaning. Whether you’re on the hunt for high-quality machines at a nearby laundromat, reliable dry cleaning, or pick-up and delivery laundry services, we’ve got you covered. Head to our website to learn more about your local WaveMAX facility!
