How to Care for Linens

With summer just around the corner, people often ask us about cleaning linens… whether they need to be dry cleaned or have some other special care. The simple answer for most linens is no. Linen is a wonderful, natural fabric. As long as it has been properly manufactured and treated, you can normally hand or machine wash it, and tumble dry on low. The cleaning experts at Central Discount Cleaners offer these must-read tips on how to care for linens.

Read the label

Every garment (including those made of linen) comes with attached care instructions, which should always be followed. Typically we find that more “structured” linen clothing like a suit or jacket (versus some blouses, curtains, or table cloths) may require dry cleaning. In addition, linens with special dyes or are blended with other fabrics may require special handling. It’s always wise to test a cleaning method on a small, concealed area of a garment before washing the entire item.

Protect the trim

After you’ve read the label’s care instructions, you will need to prepare your linen item for cleaning, including fastening buttons and tying drawstrings. Any items with beadwork, sequins, or other fine art should be placed in a lingerie bag before laundering, or alternatively hand-washed.

Wash gently

If you opt to machine wash linens, it is essential to use the gentle cycle, preferably in lukewarm or cold water. Only mild detergents should also be used to protect the fibers, and take care not to pack the machine too tightly so that the linens can move freely. For more delicate items, you may choose hand washing instead. Simply fill a sink with cool water and just a few drops of mild detergent. Swish the linen through the water gently. Drain the sink and refill with clean, cold water to rinse, and again lightly swish the item through the water. Repeat as needed to assure the linen is free of any detergent. Gently squeeze the item making sure not to over twist or stretch the fabric.

How to dry your linens

Always look at the label. In many cases, you should be able to tumble dry your garment on a low temperature. It is best to remove it while it is still slightly damp and allow it to finish drying either hanging or lying flat. In other cases, the instructions may advise to dry it entirely in the open air.

What about ironing?

Generally there is no need to iron your linen garments. In fact, they are beloved for their natural crumples and creases, given them a lovely relaxed feel and appearance. If you must iron (because that is just what you do), make sure the fabric is slightly damp and use a medium hot iron.

Central Discount Cleaners has provided Joliet, Aurora, Lockport, New Lenox, Palos Heights, and Shorewood customers with dry cleaning services and more for decades. Besides apparel dry cleaning and laundry services, we’ll take care of your comforters, pillows, curtains, table clothes and more. Take advantage of our weekly specials. Ask about our same-day service. Call us today at 815-726-1229 or just stop in to experience the fastest, most thorough dry cleaning services available. Be sure to follow us on Facebook!


Sources:
http://www.centraldiscountcleaners.com/dry-cleaning-il.php#start