Linen Care

Linen Care Guide – LacyLinen

Caring for linen is beautifully simple. Thanks to its naturally strong and long-lasting fibers, linen doesn’t need constant pampering. That said, a little know-how goes a long way in keeping your LacyLinen pieces looking and feeling their best. Here’s what you need to know.

A Few Words About Linen

Linen is cherished for its elegance, breathability, and timeless appeal. It's been trusted for generations in everything from clothing to home essentials—and for good reason. Its soft yet textured feel makes it perfect for our delicate lingerie collections.

However, because linen is made from natural fibers, it benefits from a bit more attention than synthetic fabrics. With the right care, your lingerie will maintain its shape, comfort, and natural charm for years to come.

Before You Wash: A Quick Prep Checklist

Linen responds differently to cleaning than most fabrics, so taking a few easy steps before washing can make a big difference.

1. Read the Label First

 Every LacyLinen garment includes a care tag—don’t skip it! This is your guide to the best way to clean your item, whether it’s machine-washable, hand-wash only, or dry-clean recommended. The tag also tells you the ideal water temperature and drying method.
 Some of our lingerie pieces are pre-washed for softness and machine-friendly use, while others may need a gentler approach to prevent shrinkage. Always start here.

2. Sort Your Laundry

 Separate light and dark colors before washing. Linen—especially when new—can release excess dye, and this may transfer to lighter fabrics during the wash.
 Even natural or undyed linen can pick up stray colors, so it’s always best to wash similar shades together.

3. Spot-Treat Stains Gently

 Linen is highly absorbent, which means spills and stains can settle quickly. The key is to act fast.
 First, blot (don’t rub!) the area using a clean cloth or paper towel to lift as much of the stain as possible. Then, apply a mild stain remover or gentle detergent directly to the spot. For a natural option, try a paste of baking soda and water for oily stains, or a splash of diluted vinegar for organic marks like wine or coffee.
 Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing. For tougher spots, soak the item in lukewarm water with mild detergent for up to half an hour.

Washing Linen

Hand washing is the preferred method for LacyLinen lingerie, as it helps preserve both the delicate fabric and lace detailing. Here's how to do it right:

  • Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.

  • Gently swirl your lingerie in the water—avoid scrubbing, wringing, or twisting.

  • Rinse thoroughly in clean water to remove all soap.

  • Gently press out the excess water using your hands or by laying the item flat on a clean towel and rolling it up.

Machine washing is possible for sturdier pieces, but only with caution:

  • Always place lingerie in a mesh laundry bag to prevent friction and stretching.
  • Wash at 40ºC / 104ºF or lower on a gentle/delicate cycle.
  • Do not overload the washing machine—allow room for the fabric to move freely. Overpacking can lead to uneven washing or striping.

  • For darker or bright-colored pieces, wash separately the first few times, as some dye transfer may occur.

Important notes on detergents:

  • For white linen, gentle bleaching agents may be used.
  • For colored linen, use only mild, bleach-free detergents or soft soap.
  • Avoid products containing chlorine or harsh enzymes like sodium borate, sodium hydroxide, or cellulase.

  • If your water is hard (lime-heavy), add a fabric softener to protect the fibers.

Drying Linen

Linen dries quickly, which is both convenient and important for maintaining its quality.

Air drying is the most recommended method:

  • After washing, gently reshape the item and hang it while slightly damp to help prevent wrinkles.
  • Avoid twisting or wringing, especially on lace-trimmed pieces.

  • Smooth out the fabric gently by hand and allow it to dry naturally.

  • If drying indoors, choose a well-ventilated space, and avoid placing items in direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Machine drying is possible if done with care:

  • Use a low or no-heat setting.
  • Remove the item while still slightly damp to prevent stiffness and reduce the need for ironing.
  • Shake out the fabric and lay or hang to finish drying.

For items with lace, gently stretch and shape by hand after washing, and let them hang to maintain their original form.

Ironing Linen

To keep your lingerie looking crisp and fresh, follow these ironing tips:

  • Iron linen while it’s still slightly damp — this makes it easier to smooth out creases.
  • Always iron on the reverse side of the fabric to prevent shine, protect the color, and maintain the soft natural texture.
  • Use a hot iron (3-dot setting) with steam for best results.
  • After ironing, allow the item to finish drying in a cool, well-ventilated room. Avoid placing freshly ironed pieces into drawers or wardrobes until they are fully dry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Linen

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to make small mistakes that can affect the longevity and appearance of your LacyLinen lingerie. Here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Using harsh detergents or fabric softeners
     These can coat the delicate linen fibers, reducing breathability and soft texture. Always choose a gentle, eco-friendly detergent specifically designed for natural fabrics.
  • Washing or drying at high temperatures
     Heat can shrink and weaken linen fibers. Stick to cold or lukewarm water and low-heat drying settings to protect your lingerie.
  • Overloading the machine
     When washing by machine, avoid packing too much into the drum. Linen needs space to move freely—crowding it can lead to excessive wrinkling or uneven washing.
  • Skipping stain pre-treatment
    Allowing stains (especially oil-based or pigmented ones) to set can leave permanent marks. Always treat stains promptly and gently before washing.

Linen is a naturally luxurious and long-lasting fabric, but it does require thoughtful care—especially when crafted into delicate lingerie. With the proper washing, drying, and ironing techniques, your LacyLinen pieces will retain their softness, elegance, and charm over time.

Taking a little extra time with care now means your favorite pieces will feel just as beautiful years from today as they did on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bleach on linen?

No. Bleach can damage the natural fibers and cause fading or yellowing. For white linen, use an oxygen-based cleaner if needed—it’s much gentler and safer.

Will linen shrink when washed?

Linen may shrink slightly, especially if washed or dried with heat. To avoid this, always use cool or lukewarm water and low-heat or air drying. Many of our items are pre-washed, reducing the chance of noticeable shrinkage.

Should I use fabric softener on linen?

We don't recommend it. Fabric softeners coat the fibers and reduce the linen’s natural breathability. For a softer feel, try adding a splash of white vinegar to the rinse cycle or tumble dry briefly with dryer balls on low heat.