Does linen shrink? Everything you need to know to take care of your linens

If you are considering to buy linen bed linen or you already have some linen at home, surely you have asked yourself this question: does linen shrink? It is a very common doubt, especially when it comes time to wash it for the first time. And it's normal, no one wants their bedding to be too small after going through the washing machine.

From dE.LENZO, where we make 100% washed linen bedding, we explain everything you need to know to avoid surprises and extend the life of your textiles.

Does linen shrink when washed?

Linen is a natural fiber, and as with many natural fabrics, it has a certain tendency to shrink when washed, especially if basic care is not followed.

In most cases, if the linen is pre-washed, as is the case with all our linens, there will be no shrinkage. But if it has not gone through that process, it can shrink between 3% and 10% after the first wash, so when you buy linen bedding, make sure it has been washed and tumble dried.

Therefore, in our case and our linen linen DOES NOT SHRINK because it has already been pre-treated, so you don't have to worry about it when washing and drying it.

How to prevent linen from shrinking more than usual?

If you have unwashed linen, it is important to treat it gently from the start but whatever you do, it will shrink.

Avoid very hot wash programs and aggressive drying. Heat is the main culprit of linen shrinkage. Whenever you can, wash it in cool or lukewarm water, and if you tumble dry it on a gentle cycle. Find out more about how to wash, dry and iron linen..

Tips from the workshop for washing your linen bed linens

Here are some tips that we follow on a daily basis when working with linen:

• Use biodegradable linen soap
• Don't overload the washing machine.
• Choose a short spin.
• Hang it outdoors, in the shade.
• We leave you a specific content on this topic: Tips for washing and treating linen

Enjoy some of our products: Linen curtains, linen sheetsetc.

What if the linen has already shrunk?

If you have already washed your linen bed linen and it has shrunk a little, don't be overwhelmed. You can lightly dampen the fabric and iron it at medium heat to regain some shape. It won't return to the original size if the shrinkage was high, but it may give a little.

That's why we always recommend buying linen bedding that has already been pre-washed, because that greatly reduces the risk of surprises later.

Does linen shrink? Everything you should know if you're going to buy it

When I'm asked if linen shrinks, I always say the same thing: yes, but if it's well treated and you know how to wash it, you don't have to worry. In fact, that's one of the things I love most about linen: the more you wear it and the more you wash it, the softer and prettier it gets.

So now you know: if you choose linen bedding that is well-made and well pre-washed, you just need to follow a few simple care steps. Linen is durable, comfortable and ages beautifully if you treat it well. It is also antibacterial and temperature regulating.

We recommend a series of products for the care and washing of linen clothes..