Does 100% Linen Need to Be Dry Cleaned?
Whether you have a stunning summer dress, relaxed trousers or even a pair of curtains made from linen, all items are sure to have the signature chic finish that this natural fabric offers. However, with clothing shrinkage being one of the main laundry woes and linen being notorious for losing its shape, it can be off-putting to some to secure 100% linen items.
As expert dry cleaners, we know all too well that complex 100% linen items can be hard to wash, so they often end up being left in the wardrobes of people around the country. However, we believe this sustainable fabric is simple to care for as long as you use the right methods for washing and drying.
In this article, we will look at whether or not dry cleaning removes wrinkles and stains from 100% linen and if it’s the only way to clean it. We will clear up whether or not you need to panic if you accidentally wash a dry clean-only linen item and explore how much dry cleaning typically costs for 100% linen.
Keep reading if you want to know if 100% linen must be dry cleaned.
What Is 100% Linen?
100% linen items are some of the most sustainable products available. The material is ideal for clothing and other household items, so it is a popular choice due to its natural benefits and timeless finish. With its hardy appearance, you may be confused about why washing 100% linen can be complex. Let us explain.
Linen is a completely natural material made from the flax plant. The fibres are stretched out flat to create a material that can be used for constructing anything. 100% linen items feature the flax material, with no other fibres woven into the designs. Difficulty can start to arrive when the material becomes wet and warm as this loosens the fibres that hold everything together.
Some of the benefits of 100% linen are as follows:
- The fabric is solid and able to withstand many different pressures, which is why it’s chosen for clothing and household items. From sofas to jackets, 100% linen is a great choice for beautiful items.
- Thanks to its woven finish, 100% linen is also soft and comfortable which is why it’s great to wear. It also offers a great option for those who suffer with skin sensitivities.
- Being made from natural materials, 100% linen items are also completely biodegradable, which offsets some of the impact fast-fashion items have on our environment.
- Linen is stylish and synonymous with luxury meaning they can keep their value over a long period of time. Keeping them in brilliant condition via considered laundry processes only further adds to this.
- The material is also quite resilient to stains as it can often be wiped clean with a mild detergent.
- 100% linen is also expensive but offers a benefit as it retains value well especially when it is looked after properly.
With the benefits being plentiful, we can understand why it’s heart wrenching when damage happens to 100% linen during the laundry process.
Is 100% Linen Suitable For Dry Cleaning?
If you have a 100% linen item and have been looking at the best alternatives for dry cleaning, your panic is over, as you can send these items away for dry cleaning treatments.
Although some shrinkage can occur when dry cleaning linen, it puts less stress on the item than traditional washing. Dry cleaning works by adding specific cleaning solutions to items and then putting them into a machine that moves items around. The agitation and heat are designed to get the products working and to break down any dirt within the fabric. Due to the heating element of dry cleaning, which contains water particles within the steam, items are still exposed to some form of liquids. However, dry cleaning is ideal for removing wrinkles and stains from linen as it exposes items to less liquid than traditional washing.
If you washed instead of dry cleaning 100% linen, you would likely find that shrinking and misshaping are more likely to happen. Whilst these methods can still be used to treat 100% linen pieces, the process does need to be amended. This includes changes such as using mild detergents, low temperatures, shorter cycles and lighter loads.
Benefits Of Dry Cleaning 100% Linen Items
As well as offering the safest way to clean 100% linen items, other benefits of dry cleaning for this material are as follows:
- Items are more likely to last for longer as the fabric construct has not been weakened by over-manipulation when washing.
- Creases are also more likely to be removed, saving time and pressure on the item. Furthermore, if you wash 100% linen and then have to press or iron it, damage can occur if it is not managed carefully.
- When dry cleaning, you can only apply a cleaning agent to specific problematic areas. This alleviates the need for all of the item fibres to come into contact with direct agents too often, which also helps them retain their intended design.
- Dry cleaning is known for maintaining the quality, colour, and finish of clothing, which 100% linen items also benefit from.
- There is also less chance of items shrinking or losing shape when dry cleaning adds to their lifespan.
Process wise, dry cleaning is also suitable for many other fabrics meaning you don’t have to specially treat just your linen items in a certain way. Instead, you can add efficiency into the process of your laundry cycle as all clothing and household fabrics can be sent away for dry cleaning if you wish.
How Should 100% Linen Items Be Dried?
The best way to dry 100% linen items is to let them spend time out in the open. By hanging via a non-slip hanger, items can be left to meet the natural air without additional pressure. This is also the best method for eliminating creases and wrinkles.
You can also use a low to medium heat on 100% linen, but that should be limited. Too much exposure can damage and shrink, so only use this method at certain times.
Can Love2Laundry Dry Clean 100% Linen Items?
Are you searching for dry cleaners who can confidently dry clean 100% linen? Then stop your search, as we are experts in the task at Love2Laundry! By following our proven process, we have found a way to treat 100% linen without running the risk of causing any damage.
You only have to download our app or book your dry cleaning service online. There is also no need to specify if you have delicate items, as our team sorts through all items when they are received in our warehouse. You must choose the service you want, the collection time and date, and the return information.
Our fleet of eco-vehicles are then deployed to collect items. Our team then sorts through all items and separates them according to various factors such as washing style. For 100% linen, this ensures no accidental exposure to excessive heat or water. Items are then dry cleaned, dried and finished to ensure creases are removed. Once items have been quality-checked, they are returned to the customer in ready-to-wear condition.
For linen items, we recommend hanging pieces in a spot that is not crammed or pressing them against other items. This will maintain a crease-free finish for as long as possible, letting you enjoy the effects of professional dry cleaning to its maximum. Contact our team today to learn more about our dry cleaning and other services.
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