How to Care for Pure Linen and Tencel-Linen Fabrics
Pure linen and Tencel-linen blends are hallmarks of effortless, eco-friendly style—cool, breathable, and naturally luxurious. Caring for these fabrics properly ensures they stay beautiful, soft, and durable for years. Here’s everything you need to know, from how to wash linen shirts to the best linen care tips and guidance on how to care for Tencel.
Wash Gently to Preserve Natural Fibres
Linen and Tencel are both strong yet delicate. Machine-wash on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water (30 °C or below) using a mild, bleach-free liquid detergent. This protects the fibres and prevents colour fading. Turn garments inside out and wash light colours separately to avoid dye transfer.
Remove Stains Without Damaging the Fabric
Treat stains as soon as possible. Blot (don’t rub) with a clean cloth to lift excess moisture. Pre-treat with a mild, eco-friendly stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water for natural fabrics. For oil-based spots, sprinkle a little cornstarch first to absorb grease before washing. Avoid chlorine bleach, which weakens both linen and Tencel fibres and can cause discolouration.
Skip Harsh Chemicals and Fabric Softeners
Bleach and harsh detergents weaken natural fibres and can cause yellowing or stiffness. Fabric softeners create build-up on Tencel and reduce linen’s crispness. A mild, eco-friendly detergent is all you need for a clean, soft finish.
Protect Embroidered Details
If your garment has embroidery, turn it inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag before washing. Use the delicate cycle and mild detergent to prevent fraying or snagging. When ironing, always press from the reverse side or use a pressing cloth to avoid flattening the embroidered texture.
Dry Naturally for Breathable Softness
Air-drying is best. After washing, reshape the garment and hang or lay it flat in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade colours over time. Avoid wringing; instead, gently press out excess water. Tumble-drying on low is possible for linen, but Tencel blends last longer when air-dried.
Iron or Steam for a Polished Look
For a crisp, classic finish, iron linen while still slightly damp, using a medium-hot setting and steam. For Tencel-linen blends, a warm iron or handheld steamer is perfect to remove wrinkles without damaging the fibre.
Store Thoughtfully to Prevent Creases
Fold garments neatly and store them in a cool, dry space. If hanging, use padded hangers to avoid shoulder marks. Keep them away from plastic covers to allow the natural fibres to breathe.
Why These Fabrics Deserve Care
Linen is made from the flax plant, requiring minimal water and pesticides, while Tencel is the trademarked form of Lyocell, produced by Lenzing AG through a closed-loop process that recycles over 99 % of the water and solvents. Caring for these garments prolongs their life and reduces the environmental impact of frequent replacements.
Quick Recap of Essential Linen & Tencel Care Tips
- Gentle, cold wash with mild detergent
- Treat stains promptly and gently
- No bleach or fabric softeners
- Air-dry in the shade; avoid wringing
- Protect embroidery by turning inside out and using a mesh bag
- Steam or iron while slightly damp
- Store folded or on padded hangers
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you wash pure linen shirts without shrinking them?
Wash on a gentle cycle in cold or lukewarm water (30 °C or below) with a mild detergent. Avoid hot water and high-heat drying—both can cause shrinkage.
2. What are the best linen care tips for humid climates?
Air-dry your linen shirts in the shade and store them in a cool, dry space. For humid areas, add silica gel packets or natural dehumidifiers to your wardrobe to keep the fabric fresh.
3. How do you care for Tencel or Tencel-linen blends?
Wash Tencel fabrics in cold water on a delicate cycle with mild detergent. Air-dry and use a warm iron or steamer to remove wrinkles. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners to maintain the fibre’s silky finish.
4. Can embroidered linen be machine-washed?
Yes, but always turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag on the delicate cycle. Iron from the reverse side or with a pressing cloth to protect the embroidery.
5. How do you remove tough stains from linen or Tencel garments?
Blot the stain immediately and pre-treat with a gentle, eco-friendly stain remover or a baking soda paste. For oil-based stains, apply cornstarch to absorb grease before washing.
6. Is Tencel the same as Lyocell?
Yes. Lyocell is the generic fibre name; TENCEL™ is the trademarked brand produced by Lenzing AG through a closed-loop, low-impact manufacturing process.
Saint & Raven’s pure linen and Tencel-linen collections are crafted for timeless, sustainable style. Explore our range to experience breathable luxury that stays beautiful—season after season—when you give it the care it deserves.