Each type of fabric requires a different approach when washing. Wool and cashmere, for example, need to be handled with the utmost care. There are even rules for washing terry towels. Delicate attitude requires washing polyester clothes. The same applies to linen fabric, which will be discussed in this review. How to wash linen so that they do not shrink and lose their original appearance?
In short, there are not so many rules for washing flax:
- Mandatory division into colored and white things;
- Compliance with the recommended washing temperature;
- Use of suitable detergents;
- Thorough rinse;
- Proper drying.
By following these extremely simple rules, we will keep linen things in their original form.
Preparing laundry for washing
At the first stage of preparation, we will divide the color and white clothes for washing into two separate stacks. Yes, modern dyes have excellent durability, but who said that the manufacturer always monitors the quality of the dyes used? Therefore, white and colored fabrics will be washed separately - for safety and preservation of the original appearance of our things.
Next, we need to decide how heavily polluted our things are. If there are serious stains, we will use any liquid bleach - Go to your nearest hardware store and buy a suitable stain remover. We soak the laundry for half an hour, after which we proceed to washing.
If the stains on your clothes are not so strong, you can do without bleach - even the most ordinary washing powder will cope with soaking.By the way, if the washing machine has a pre-soak function, then you can skip the previous step - let the washing machine do it.
For linen, hand wash is preferred. It is she who will retain all the properties of linen fabric and will not damage the fibers. Carrying out hand washing, we need to know one feature of this fabric - it absorbs moisture well, so there should be a lot of water. And don't forget to check the water temperature, it should not be higher than indicated on the tag.
Hand washing of linen items ends with an intensive rinse - it should be carried out until the water becomes completely transparent. At this stage, it would be nice to add a little vinegar to the water - it will help make the colors brighter and more saturated.
Which washing program to choose for linen
Natural linen, if it is not supplemented with synthetic threads, is a fairly delicate fabric. Therefore, it is advisable to use gentle programs for washing it. The same programs for washing delicate fabrics are suitable. If the capabilities of the washing machine allow, be sure to activate an additional rinse - it will help to remove the remnants of washing powder from the linen fabric to the maximum.
Is pressing necessary? As a rule, programs for washing delicate fabrics do not provide for spinning the laundry. Yes, and linen fabrics do not like strong twisting. If you are afraid for your things, get by with a light manual spin. And best of all, let the water drain on its own - it leaves the fabric fibers quite easily. After you remove the remaining moisture, you can start drying.
At what temperature should linen be washed?
We already know how to wash linen in the washing machine.But how to choose the right washing temperature? To do this, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the information presented on the tags. If the maximum temperature is +40 degrees, then this figure should not be exceeded. Some things can be washed at a temperature of +60 degrees, but what about +40? Then the maximum indicator should not exceed +40 degrees.
If we exceed the maximum allowable temperature, then linen items may shrink. Damage to the fabric structure is also possible - it will become rough and lose its former properties. The use of an inappropriate washing powder leads to similar problems, which will be discussed further.
What powder and bleach to use
Natural linen is best washed with low-foaming powders. Such properties are possessed by washing powders for automatic washing machines, where high foaming is unacceptable. Therefore, we can safely use such a powder for hand washing linen.
Does the selected washing powder contain oxygen bleaches and refreshing ingredients? It's okay - they are not able to damage the flax. But do not use such powders for washing colored thingsas the color may be damaged. It is best to first test the selected product on an invisible area of \u200b\u200bthe fabric.
As for stain removers, their use is quite acceptable. But before using the chosen product, you need to make sure that it is really suitable for removing stains from linen fabrics - this will be evidenced by the annotation placed on the stain remover label.
Drying linen
Now we move on to the most important step - drying. Many housewives are accustomed to drying clothes in direct sunlight, but this is fundamentally the wrong approach, as some fabrics are afraid of the hot sun. Linen should be dried in a well-ventilated place, such as a shaded balcony.If the sun hits it, then the structure of the fabric will begin to break down, as a result of which the linen will shrink and become quite rough.
For the same reason, linen items should not be dried in washing machines with a drying function. If you want to keep your things in their original form? Then hang them on a room dryer or on a coat hanger - linen dries very quickly.
You followed all the rules of washing, but things still sat down? Nothing to worry about - this is a completely normal reaction. Iron your clothes through a piece of fabric and they will return to their original size.. A similar effect will be observed when trying on - linen is easily stretched and takes on its original form. If all else fails, then this means that you have violated the rules for washing linen.
