The Linen Care Guide
Linen is remarkably easy to care for. Follow these simple guidelines and your bedding will reward you with decades of softness and beauty.
Linen Gets Better with Every Wash
Unlike cotton, which gradually loses softness and strength, linen does the opposite. Each wash breaks down the fibres slightly, making them softer, more pliable, and more comfortable. A well-cared-for linen sheet set can last 20–30 years.
Our sheets arrive already stone-washed — so they're soft from day one — but after a few washes you'll notice them become even more luxurious.
Linen also naturally resists bacteria, dries much faster than cotton, and is hypoallergenic. It's genuinely one of nature's most intelligent fibres.
How to Care for Your Linen
Machine wash cold (30°C / 86°F) on a gentle cycle. Use a mild, liquid detergent — avoid powder detergents, as they can leave residue in the weave. Wash separately from heavy items like jeans or towels.
Tumble dry on low heat, or line dry for the best results. Linen dries very quickly. Remove from the dryer while still slightly damp to reduce creasing — this also makes it easier to smooth out by hand.
Linen's natural wrinkles are part of its relaxed character — you don't need to iron it. If you prefer a smoother look, iron while slightly damp on a medium-hot setting. Steam ironing works beautifully.
Store clean, fully dry linen in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture — a cotton storage bag or pillowcase works perfectly. Fold loosely to allow air circulation.
Never bleach your linen — it weakens the fibres and can cause yellowing over time. Avoid dry cleaning. Don't wash on high heat. Don't wring or twist tightly, as this can damage the weave.
Always wash your linen before using it for the first time. This activates the fibres and removes any residue from manufacturing. Wash alone or with similar colors. Expect a small amount of shrinkage (3–5%) — our sizing accounts for this.
Care Label Symbols
All Linen Wave products carry the following care instructions.
Machine wash cold (30°C)
Do not bleach
Tumble dry low heat
Iron medium heat if needed
Do not dry clean
Care FAQ
Yes, linen typically shrinks 3–5% in the first wash. This is completely normal and expected. Our sizing is designed to account for this shrinkage, so your sheets will still fit correctly after washing. We recommend washing before first use to pre-shrink the fabric.
Even stone-washed linen can feel slightly firm straight from the packaging due to the finishing process. Wash it once before first use and it will immediately become softer. After a few more washes, you'll notice it continuing to soften and become more supple — that's the magic of linen.
Absolutely. Linen wrinkles naturally — it's one of its most beloved characteristics and a sign of authentic, natural linen. Many people love the lived-in, relaxed look. If you prefer smoother linen, remove it from the dryer while slightly damp and smooth with your hands, or iron while damp with a steam iron.
For the first few washes, we recommend washing dark colors (Charcoal, Gray, Blue) separately from light colors (Ivory, White, Pink) to prevent any color transfer. After the first few washes, colors are fully set and you can wash together.
We don't recommend fabric softener. It coats the linen fibres and actually reduces their natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The good news is you don't need it — linen naturally softens with every wash on its own.
Act quickly — blot (don't rub) fresh stains with cold water and a small amount of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent. For stubborn stains, try a gentle oxygen-based stain remover (like OxiClean). Avoid chlorine bleach entirely. For older stains, soaking in cool water with a small amount of white vinegar can help lift them.
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