How to Care for and Wash Linen Bedding to Maintain Softness

How to care for and wash linen bedding to maintain softness has soon become one of our most asked questions. Linen Bedding feels relaxed yet luxurious, light yet cosy – the kind of comfort that only gets better with time. Linen has been loved for centuries for good reason: it’s naturally breathable, beautifully textured, and incredibly durable. Even better, it adapts to the seasons, keeping you cool in summer and snug in winter thanks to its temperature-regulating qualities.

If you’ve recently invested in linen bedding (or you’re thinking about it), you might be wondering how to keep that effortless softness going strong. The good news? Linen is wonderfully low-maintenance. With a few simple care habits, your bedding will stay fresh, soft, and inviting for years to come.

Let’s walk through exactly how to wash and care for your linen properly – and why it only gets better with time.

The beauty of linen: it softens with every wash

Unlike many fabrics that wear out or lose their structure over time, linen does the opposite. Each wash gently relaxes the fibres, making the fabric softer, smoother, and more comfortable. It’s one of linen’s most charming qualities – your bedding slowly moulds to you and your home. If you’re wanting to invest in your sleep routine then linen bedding is definitely one avenue to explore.

If your bedding feels slightly crisp after the very first wash, don’t be alarmed. This is completely normal. Fresh linen can feel a touch structured at first, but this quickly eases with regular use and laundering.

Think of it as a fabric that gets softer with each wash.

How to wash linen bedding

Linen doesn’t need complicated care routines, but treating it gently will help preserve its texture and strength.

Here’s the simple method to follow:

Washing separately helps prevent friction from heavier fabrics or zips that could snag the weave. A mild detergent is best because harsh chemicals can weaken the fibres over time. Linen is naturally strong, so it doesn’t need anything aggressive to get clean.

A warm 40°C wash is ideal – hot enough for a thorough refresh but gentle enough to protect the fabric’s structure.

Drying for softness

How you dry your linen can make a noticeable difference to how it feels.

Line drying is the gentlest option and gives that naturally fresh, airy scent. Letting linen dry in open air also helps maintain its relaxed drape and texture. If you prefer using a dryer, choose a cool or low tumble setting and avoid over-drying. Removing your bedding while it’s just slightly damp and letting it finish air drying can keep it extra soft.

Overheating linen can make it feel stiff, so cooler is always better.

And remember — linen’s signature charm is its relaxed look. A few natural creases are part of the appeal. No need to iron unless you really want to. Steaming can be a great option to just finishing off the bedding rather than having to iron the whole set.

A note about ruffles and details

If your bedding features ruffles or decorative edges, you might notice a little fraying after washing. Don’t worry – this is completely normal and simply part of linen’s natural character. Loose threads can be easily trimmed with scissors.

It won’t affect the durability or lifespan of your bedding. In fact, these subtle details often add to that beautifully lived-in, effortless aesthetic that makes linen feel so inviting.

Built to last for years

One of the most rewarding things about linen is its longevity. With proper care, linen bedding can last for many years – far longer than many other fabrics. The fibres are naturally strong and resilient, meaning your sheets aren’t just soft and breathable, but genuinely long-lasting too.

Instead of wearing thin, they soften and settle, becoming more comfortable with every sleep, every wash, every season.

It’s the kind of investment that pays you back night after night. We offer our Linen Bedding Sets is 3 versatile sizes – double, king and super king. We also offer quilted bedspreads and ruffle bedspreads made from Linen.

The simple takeaway

Caring for linen bedding is refreshingly straightforward: wash gently, dry cool, skip harsh chemicals, and let the fabric do its thing. Over time, you’ll notice it becoming softer, more relaxed, and even more comfortable than the day you bought it.

Breathable in summer, cosy in winter, and endlessly soft with age, linen truly is one of those rare materials that improves the more you use it.

Treat it kindly, and it’ll return the favour for years to come.