How to soften your linen sheets

Linen is known for its high quality, durability, and stunning luxurious look. But did you know that much like fine wine, your linen gets better with time?

What is Flax Linen?

Linen is one of the world's oldest natural fibres, once reserved only for royalty and wealthy individuals. Some of the earliest records of linen date back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for clothing, currency, offerings for the gods and most famously as the burial garment for mummies.

Derived from the versatile flax plant, linen is created by spinning the fibres from the stem of the plant to create a thread. These threads are dyed and woven into the luxurious fabric you know and love!

What's so good about linen?

Linen sheets and linen quilt cover sets have risen in popularity recently due to the fabric's sustainability and suitability to the Australian climate.

But why else is linen becoming a household favourite?

• Durable (long-lasting)
• Eco-friendly
• Absorbs moisture without holding onto gross bacteria!
• Breathable
• Made from natural fibres
• Uses less water & pesticides than alternative products
• Looks better un-ironed
• Allergy-friendly
• Machine washable

FUN FACT: Across its lifecycle, a linen shirt will use 6.4 litres of water compared to the 2,700 litres needed for a cotton shirt.

Why is linen expensive?

Due to the time needed to manufacture linen yarn and the manual processes involved, linen is generally priced higher than its alternative materials. It's also a higher quality product that improves with time. We like to think of it like a fine wine!

HOW TO SOFTEN YOUR LINEN SHEETS -

Buy pre-softened

There is still a misconception that linen sheets are rough and scratchy. Luckily, your brand-new linen is often pre-softened during the manufacturing process before being turned into your new favourite sheets or quilt cover set. This means that from the second they arrive at your door, you already have pre-softened linen ready to cosy up in!

Wash your linen

Each time your linen is washed, it becomes softer and more absorbent.

TOP TIPS:

• Cold, gentle machine wash inside out for the best results.
• Line dry in the shade to avoid bleaching by the sun.
• Throw away your fabric softener!
  This will stick to the fibres of your linen, building up over time and preventing natural softening.
• Don't overload your machine. Linen is highly absorbent, and moisture absorption is key to your linen softening over time.

Add baking soda

Adding baking soda to your linen wash cycle will regulate the pH level in the rinse water and help soften the fabric. There are a few different ways you can use it in your wash:

Option 1:
Mix your regular washing powder with half a cup of baking soda and wash as usual.

Option 2:
Soak your linen sheets before washing. Fill a bowl or bucket with cool water and pour in a bag of baking soda. Simply soak the linen sheets overnight before washing them as normal the next day. The more baking soda you use, the stronger the softening effect.

Use white vinegar

Vinegar is highly acidic and ideal for helping loosen stubborn scratchy fibres. There are a few different ways you can use it in your wash:

Option 1:
Soak your linen sheets overnight in a solution of 4.5 litres of water and 1 cup of vinegar. Then simply wash in your machine as usual.

Option 2:
Opt for a double wash! For the first cycle, wash your linen in half a cup of white vinegar by placing the vinegar where you would normally add your washing powder. After the cycle is finished, you'll need to rewash your linen as normal.

Option 3:
Add half a cup of vinegar to the fabric softener section of your machine. This will help soften your linen and remove any build-up of washing powder or fabric softeners you may have used in the past.

Iron your linen

One of the benefits of linen sheets is that ironing is not needed. They look fabulous with their stunning natural texture draped on your bed.

Ironing, however, can help to soften the material more quickly, particularly if your linen is new. Simply use a warm iron on the reverse of your sheets or quilt cover set. Just make sure to avoid using a finishing spray.

How long will it take for my linen to soften?

There is no set amount of time your linen will take to soften up to your preferred level. Simply relax and enjoy the journey to a buttery soft fabric you'll find hard to leave in the morning!

Have you experienced our NOOK by Lorraine Lea Elayna range?
Made for lazy days spent in bed, they'll soon become your new favourite sheets.