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Have you ever brought home a brand new linen sheet set and been less than enthused about how it feels? Did you find yourself wondering how to soften your linen sheets, or, better yet, if linen bedding gets softer at all? Fortunately, you’re not alone. While linen’s breathable, lightweight, and eco-friendly properties make it a favorite in the sleep department, they might need a little TLC to reach that cloud-like softness you dream about. So let’s learn how to wash linen bedding properly for optimal comfort.
If you have ever noticed specific instructions on the care label that’s usually sewn with the linen sheets and even the bed sheets and pillowcases in your bedroom, they tell you the dos and don'ts about washing linen sheets or ironing linen sheets. You must adhere to them, here’s the reason why:
Although, as earlier mentioned, linen is as strong as it gets, the wrong washing intensity and the wrong products may cause its weave to loosen. And if this continues over time, you’ll end up getting the threads hanging out of your linen sheets, and all too quickly.
A washing machine whose tumble dry and/or wash cycle isn’t preset correctly may end up wrinkling, twisting, and or pulling linen sheets. We’d also like you to note that certain temperatures of water can bring about fiber-shrinking, and thus, shrinkage of the entire linen sheet as a whole.
If you have spent hours skimming the “how to wash linen duvet cover” or “how to wash linen bedding” articles on the internet, and you’re still unsure. We’ve got you covered. Read below the A-Z’s of natural linen bedding:
As much as households and businesses rely on the washing machine when it comes to doing the laundry, show your Or & Zon linens some love by hand-washing them. Nothing beats this manual yet rewarding practice.
This is a highly recommended tip for bed linens, and much more so for those with looser weaves. It’s a step towards avoiding loosening their beautiful interlacing fibers. Doing so will not merely maintain their make but their life as well. You’ll get to keep them longer while helping retain their original form.
Additional Tip: Soak your linen sheets in Lukewarm water for a few minutes with a teaspoon of mild laundry detergent and gently swish the item around to avoid over-stretching the fabric. Rinse it repeatedly until all the soapy residue is gone. Voila! You’re done.
Although the best practice would be to hand wash your linen sheets, you can definitely go for machine washing while following the instructions on the care label.
Following these instructions will prevent your bed sheets from wearing out too soon:
Hot water is a no-no for linen. How about soaking for too long? Still a no. To stop its natural fibers from becoming constricted and weak (which ruins its shape too), lukewarm water is all that’s required when you wash linen. And a little bit in between lukewarm to room temperature than the opposite.
An important note to remember is that it shouldn’t go beyond the 40 degrees Celsius (104° Fahrenheit) mark. In case you’re not able to use a thermometer, you can always simply decide on what you feel is skin-safe. Dip your elbow in the wash-water. If it’s warm, yet not too warm to be scalded, you’ll be good.
The answer is the latter. Linens are exquisitely soft, and they only get softer with time. A fabric softener is unnecessary while washing linen duvet cover of yours or the other precious beddings. Not to mention (but “yes”, to mention) how many commercial fabric softeners today have too-strong chemicals that may wear down the natural fiber in the long run.
Pro Tip: You can use wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil on them to give a beautiful scent to your sheets without compromising on durability.
A straightforward answer to your confusion: Air dry linen sheets. This is how you can aid their longevity. However, if you need them dried quickly, a mix of both air and machine drying is acceptable to dry the sheet well (you’ll have to double-check the label as not all weaves are suitable for these). Machine-dry the sheet on the lowest setting and at the gentlest spin. Next, hang it out to dry when it’s still slightly damp.
Then again, similar to sticking to hand-washing, a manual is the best way to go.
Linen’s flax plant-sourced fibers are naturally coarse, giving the fabric an almost rough, itchy texture at first. And then, there’s also the stiffness caused by leftover residue from the manufacturing process. We know: it’s not the most appealing description. Still, don’t write off this ultra-strong, biodegradable textile based on the first touch.
The short answer to the age-old question, “Does linen bedding get softer?,” is fortunately … yes!
Though linen fabric may initially feel rough, it ages beautifully. So don’t worry about wear and tear — the more you use it, the more luxurious it becomes. But time isn’t the only solution to scratchy bedding. There are plenty of simple hacks on how to soften linen sheets and linen duvet covers.
You’re certainly not required to soften your linen bedding before sleeping on it. If you’re okay with the fabric as is, then no worries! However, it’s helpful to think of this textile as new shoes: it might take a bit of breaking-in to become perfectly suited to you.
But sensitive sleepers might not be game to leave it be. Skin conditions and sensory sensitivities, among others, can make it tough to wait out the breaking-in process. If this sounds like you, learn how to soften linen fabric with baking soda or other DIY methods.
Do you have a bedding duvet cover set that needs some more love? Years of use isn’t the only thing that’ll turn those rough textiles into cozy covers. We’ll teach you how to soften linen with baking soda, dryer balls, and more. Don’t worry about turning your laundry room into a science experiment — these hacks are easy enough for anyone to do!
Still, note that these techniques can only do so much. Choosing high-quality linen makes for much softer sheets than cheaper alternatives. Buy the best bedding you can for the most luxurious results.
Add “natural fabric softener” to the endless list of vinegar’s uses. Vinegar softens linen, prevents static, deodorizes, brightens, and tackles soap buildup. However, frequently adding vinegar to your washing machine can damage rubber parts, so be cautious with this method.
Here’s how to soften linen sheets with vinegar:
You can also soak your linen bedding with vinegar:
Always use white vinegar. Apple cider, balsamic, or red wine varieties can stain your linen duvet or bed sheets.
Laundering linen with baking soda (not powder!) naturally softens the garment without compromising the quality. There are two ways to use baking soda as a fabric softener.
Try the pre-soak method:
Use baking soda in the washing machine:
Dryer balls are a staple in any sustainable household, but did you know they can help soften your linen too? Available in materials like wool and rubber, dryer balls prevent garments from clinging together in the machine, which can also help reduce drying time.
Beyond that, dryer balls circulate in the machine, striking your bedding repeatedly. This process may sound harmful to your linen bedding, but it’s not. It softens them. Beating the linen fibers in this way allows them to relax and grow oh-so-cozy.
Swap out dryer sheets for a few dryer balls, and enjoy smoother sheets.
Practice makes perfect, right? That theory stays true for linen: repeated washing is an age-old method for softening your bedding.
Of course, this technique is best for patient people as your sheets will smooth out with each wash, not immediately. Still, if you don’t want to experiment with any laundry additives, this is the way to go.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to wash linen bedding safely. Still, there are some general best practices:
New linen sheets often “sheds” during the first few washes. This is normal and occurs because it’s a natural fiber. It’s temporary!
What if you want buttery-soft linen bedding ready for immediate use? Can you buy pre-softened linen?
You sure can!
Or & Zon’s stonewashed linen bedding collection features perfectly smooth sheet sets, duvet covers, and pillowcases. The secret? We really do wash them with stones to achieve the best possible texture and appearance. Stone-washed linen sheets offers several advantages such as softness and a relaxed look and feel. No prep work needed. And don’t worry about linen’s notorious shrinkage either: our pre-washed bedding is already at its final size.
stone washed linen sheets
Linen is an ideal bedding material for many folks. It only gets better with each wash, can last for decades, and is incredibly breathable. Still, proper care is vital to help your linen perform at its best. How to wash linen duvet covers or Sheets? Consider these care tips to preserve your linen sheets:
Now that you know how to soften linen with baking soda, vinegar, dryer balls, and frequent washing, you’ll never have to ask, “Does linen bedding get softer?” ever again. Your linen sheets will prove that it’s possible! Then continue using proper care techniques to bask in your super soft linen sheets for decades to come.
