The biggest challenges with organic linen - Laundry care
Organic bed linen has gained popularity in recent years, and people love to use it because of its sustainability and eco-friendly characteristics. But looking after it can be tricky.
Have you been maintaining the quality of your organic bed linen? Do you know how to take care of it?
At ecoLinen, we’re all about sustainability, and we're here to give you tips on how to keep your organic bed sheets and bedding looking sharp.
Here are the biggest challenges experienced by those using organic linen:
1. Proper washing techniques
One of the primary obstacles in caring for organic bed linen, as well as maintaining wool quilts, bath towels, and wool blankets, is choosing the right washing techniques.
Many laundry detergents have harsh chemicals that can compromise the integrity of the fabric over time. To fight this, opt for natural, eco-friendly detergents that are gentle on your bedding and the environment. Additionally, washing organic linen in cold water and on a delicate cycle can help preserve its quality and longevity.
2. Drying dilemmas
Drying organic bed linen poses its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to avoiding shrinkage and maintaining softness. Air drying your linens is the ideal solution to prevent damage and retain their luxurious feel. However, if you need to use a dryer, select a low heat setting to prevent excessive shrinkage and wrinkling.
3. Ironing woes
Another common issue with organic bed linen care is the need for ironing to achieve a crisp, polished look. However, ironing bed linen incorrectly can lead to fabric damage and unsightly creases. To solve this, iron your linens while they are slightly damp to make the process easier and more effective. Use a steam iron on a low heat setting to smooth out wrinkles without causing any harm to the fabric.
4. Stain removal struggles
Dealing with stains on organic linen can be tricky, as traditional stain removers may contain chemicals that are harmful to the fabric and the environment.
DO: Pretreat stains with a baking soda and water paste, use white vinegar in warm water, choose a gentle detergent, apply lemon juice, wash in warm water, and repeat if necessary. We have had success with eco store laundry soakers as they use active oxygen for stain removal - alternatively Vanish also helps remove stains and retains the ‘organicness’ of the bed linen
DON'T: Use chlorine bleach, start with very hot water, rub harshly, overload the washer, or skip the rinse cycle… to maintain fabric integrity and prevent damage.
