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Linen is not a fussy fabric. It doesn’t need babying, it doesn’t need endless products, and it doesn’t ask for much more than air, water, and a little patience. In return, it rewards you with that unmistakable drape, a cooling hand, and the way it grows softer and more inviting with every single wash. At Rough Linen, we love linen because it’s honest—it looks better when it’s lived in, and it’s at its best when you use it daily.
This guide walks you through how to care for your linen so it lasts not just years, but decades.
When it comes to washing, keep things simple. Cool to warm water on a gentle cycle is all you need. Harsh heat and aggressive spins are linen’s enemy, but a straightforward wash keeps it fresh. Always reach for a mild detergent—avoid bleach, fabric softeners, or anything too heavy. Those treatments might work for synthetic fabrics, but they strip linen’s natural fibers of their strength and resilience.
A good rule of thumb: wash your linens on their own. Towels, zippers, or heavy fabrics can rub against them and cause unnecessary wear. Give your linen the space it deserves, and it will thank you by staying smooth and strong.
Linen dries beautifully in the open air. If you’re able, hang your sheets or garments on a line and let the breeze do the work. Sunlight freshens them naturally and keeps them crisp, though you’ll want to avoid long stretches in direct, harsh sun which can fade colors over time.
If you’re using a dryer, choose medium or low heat and stop the cycle before things get bone-dry. Linen likes to be taken out while it’s still a touch damp—give it a shake, smooth it with your hands, and let it finish drying flat or on a hanger. This method helps prevent deep wrinkles and keeps the fabric supple.
One note of caution: very high heat can shrink linen up to 15%. Think of the dryer as a finishing tool, not the main event.
Wrinkles are part of linen’s charm. That slightly rumpled texture is the very thing that signals ease and authenticity—it doesn’t need to be perfect to look beautiful. That said, if you prefer a sleeker, hotel-like finish, you can iron your linen on a high setting while it’s still damp, or use a steamer for a gentler approach.
For stubborn creases, a light mist of water and a few minutes of air will usually coax them out. The more you use your linen, the more it relaxes into that effortless drape we all love.
Spills happen. The key is to act quickly. Blot (never rub) the stain, then treat the area with a mild soap or gentle stain solution before laundering as usual. Avoid bleach at all costs—it weakens linen’s fibers and creates brittle spots that shorten its life.
A natural trick: a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle keeps fibers soft and helps lift out any lingering soap residue. It’s a time-tested way to freshen without adding chemicals.
When your linen is new, you might notice a little shedding or linting. Don’t worry—this is part of its natural break-in process. After a handful of washes, the excess fibers will release, leaving behind only the long, strong threads that give linen its durability. It’s a bit like seasoning a cast iron pan—the fabric only improves with use.
When it’s time to store your linens, fold them loosely and keep them in a cool, dry space where air can circulate. Avoid plastic bins or bags, which trap moisture and can encourage mildew. Linen loves to breathe; it should never feel stifled. A wooden shelf or linen closet is ideal, especially with a sachet of lavender or cedar tucked nearby.
Linen is unique among fabrics: it doesn’t wear out, it wears in. Over time, what begins with a bit of texture becomes supple and silky, and what might feel crisp at first becomes cloud-soft. With even the most minimal care, your linen bedding, table linens, or clothing will grow lovelier the longer you live with them.
Caring for linen isn’t about keeping it pristine and untouched—it’s about allowing it to become part of your daily rhythm. Wash, dry, use, repeat. Every cycle builds more softness, more comfort, more ease.
Think of your linen as an heirloom in the making. It’s not delicate, not fragile—it simply asks for respect. With the right care, your Rough Linen pieces will last for years, carrying the easy grace of natural fabric that has been truly lived with and loved.
