HOW TO CARE FOR: LINEN

It is Spring and Summer is just around the corner, so it is definitely time for linen. So for all you fashionista, here is a brief tutorial on how to care for the world's oldest natural fiber.

Washing:

• Use cool to warm, not hot, water. Wash colored linens in cool water. Soft water is important: Hard water forms a soap scum that make linen stiff and dull.
• If hand washing, rinse very thoroughly. Removal of all soap will help prevent large brown spots on linen, which are caused by oxidation of cellulose by residual

DRYING:

Several drying methods are recommended for linen

• Line drying
• Machine drying
• Rolling in terry cloth towels

Whatever method you use, bring the linen in while it is still damp. If linen dries thoroughly, it may become brittle, taking several hours to recover its natural moisture and flexibility. Don't wring wet or damp linen before drying, it breaks the fibers.

Ironing:

Ironing is often optional when dried flat or tumbled at low heat. We hate to iron, but ironing linen is a great deal easier if you do it when the linen is damp. And if linen is removed from drying while still damp and ironed immediately, it is easier still. Steam ironing dry linen is less effective and requires more effort (Ugh!). If you can't get to them while they are still damp, put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator before ironing. This will make them easier to iron and will prevent mildew.
Use spray starch (if desired) and iron with lots of steam at a medium-to-hot setting. Starch provides extra crispness, particularly for folded napkins.For a softer look for garments, use fabric sizing instead.