How to Wash Linen Clothes

Laundry symbols for linen: symbols you’ll see on linen labels

Linen care labels often show wash 30 or wash 40, line dry or tumble dry low, and iron high. These laundry symbols for linen help you avoid excess shrinking and keep the fabric crisp.

Does linen shrink?

Yes. Linen can shrink, especially in the first wash. The natural flax fibre absorbs water and contracts when exposed to heat. Pre-washed linen may shrink 3–5%, while unwashed linen can shrink up to 10% or more. To minimise shrinking, wash in cool or warm water and avoid high-heat drying. Many linen garments are pre-shrunk, but always follow the care label—look for the wash 30 symbol or wash 40 symbol and stay within that temperature.

Best water temperature for linen

For most linen, cool (30°C) or warm (40°C) water is best. Cold water preserves colour and minimises shrinkage; warm water improves cleaning for everyday wear. Avoid hot water unless the care label explicitly allows it—it can cause excess shrinking and make linen feel harsh. When you see a wash cold symbol, use 30°C or the cold setting. Linen blends (e.g. linen-cotton) should follow the most delicate fibre’s instructions.

Drying tips for linen

Linen dries quickly, but heat can shrink it and increase wrinkling. When the label shows a tumble dry low symbol, use only the low-heat setting. Line drying is ideal: it preserves shape, reduces wrinkles, and is gentle on the fibre. For best ironing results, remove linen from the dryer or line while it’s still slightly damp. Over-drying makes wrinkles harder to remove. If the label shows do not tumble dry, hang or lay flat instead.

Wrinkle prevention

Linen wrinkles easily—it’s part of its character. To manage wrinkles: remove from the washer or dryer promptly and fold or hang right away; iron while slightly damp on medium-high heat; and store folded or on a hanger to avoid deep creases. When ironing, use the iron low symbol or medium setting for delicate linen; iron high is fine for heavier linen when the label allows. Steam helps relax wrinkles without scorching. Embracing a relaxed, slightly wrinkled look is also a valid choice for casual linen.

Common linen symbols

Linen care labels often use a small set of symbols. The ones you’ll see most are:

Linen labels also commonly show a do not bleach symbol—avoid chlorine bleach to protect the fibre and colour. Check the full symbol sequence (wash, bleach, dry, iron) for complete care instructions.