Linen has a reputation for being precious. Frankly, it's rubbish. Linen is one of the toughest fabrics on the planet, and it actually gets softer and better every time you wash it. You don't need a laundry degree. You just need a few good habits.
Here's everything you need to know about caring for your linen napkins, from the first wash to the inevitable red wine incident.
How to wash linen napkins
- Go cool or warm, never hot. A cold or warm wash (around 30 to 40°C) on a gentle cycle is all linen needs.
- Use a mild liquid detergent. Skip bleach, which weakens fibres and strips colour.
- Ditch the fabric softener. It coats the fibres and makes linen less absorbent, which is the opposite of what you want in a napkin. Linen softens on its own.
- Wash like with like. Keep bold colours together, and wash brand new, brightly coloured pieces separately for the first couple of washes.
- Don't overload the machine. Linen needs room to move to come out clean and less creased.
How to dry linen
Line drying is linen's happy place. Hang it in the shade, because harsh Aussie sun will fade bold colours over time. Prefer the dryer? Use a low heat setting and pull your napkins out while they're still slightly damp. Over-drying is what makes linen feel stiff and crunchy.
How to iron linen (or not)
If you like a crisp finish, iron linen while it's still a little damp, on the linen setting or medium-high heat. Iron darker colours on the reverse side to avoid shine.
Or don't iron at all. That relaxed, lived-in rumple is half of linen's charm, and nobody at your table is checking for creases. They're too busy eating.
How to get wine stains out of linen
Someone will spill the rosé. It's basically tradition. Here's how to handle it:
- Act fast. Fresh stains are far easier to shift than old ones.
- Blot, don't rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper into the fibres.
- Flush with cold water from the back of the fabric to push the stain out the way it came in.
- Dab on a little dishwashing liquid or stain remover, work it in gently and rinse.
- Soak if needed. For stubborn stains, soak in an oxygen-based stain soaker. Patch test first on coloured linen.
- Keep it away from heat until the stain is completely gone. Hot water and the dryer will set it for good.
Does linen shrink?
Linen can shrink a little, mostly in the first wash and mostly when it meets hot water or high heat in the dryer. Wash cool, dry low, and your napkins will keep their shape.
How to store linen napkins
Store linen clean and completely dry, folded loosely or rolled, somewhere breathable and out of direct sunlight. No plastic tubs, please. Linen likes to breathe.
Quick linen care questions
Should I wash linen napkins before using them?
It's a good idea. A first wash softens the fabric and makes it more absorbent from day one.
Can linen napkins go in the dryer?
Yes, on a low heat setting. Take them out while slightly damp for the softest result.
Why do my linen napkins feel stiff?
Usually over-drying or detergent build-up. Try a lower dryer setting, use a little less detergent, and give them a few more washes. Linen softens with use.
For care details specific to your Everyday Normal pieces, check our Love & Care page. And if you want the science behind why your napkins keep getting better, read why linen gets better with every wash.