Does Linen Shrink in the Dryer? Linen Drying Guide

Linen is a durable fabric. However, it requires your support to maintain its durability. Its luxurious texture and eco-friendly nature have helped it make its special place in a sustainable fashion. You might also be using this fabric’s garments and enjoying its breathability and luxury. But, do you know washing is the most essential aspect of taking care of linens? Yes, it would be best if you were very careful while washing and drying linen to ensure it maintains its allure for long. 

In this guide, we will help you understand in detail if linen drinks are due to tumble-drying and, if so, how you should dry them. So, continue reading this linen drying guide to take the right care of your garments. 

Does Linen Shrink in the Dryer?

The straightforward answer to this question is yes. Linen can shrink in the dryer. This is especially true if the linen is subjected to high heat. This is because this fabric is made from the fibres obtained from the flax plant that can shrink when exposed to high temperatures. 

New linen is more susceptible to shrinkage as the fibres are not yet fully relaxed. However, after a few washes, the fabric tends to stabilise. This results in less probability of shrinkage. However, this does not eliminate the chances for shrinkage. There will still be chances for shrinkage of linens in dryers by around 4-5%. 

To maintain the integrity of your linen garments, it's important to handle them with care when laundering. Let's walk through the best ways to wash and dry linen so you can avoid shrinkage and keep your linen items looking beautiful for years to come.

Linen Washing Tips

Before we dive into drying tips, it's important to start with proper washing. Linen is easy to wash. However, follow the precautions below to preserve its texture and avoid shrinkage. 

1. Use Cold or Lukewarm Water: Hot water is not an option for washing linens. You must always use cold or lukewarm water to wash them. This is because hot water can weaken the fibres and damage your garments permanently. 
2. Gentle Cycles are the best: Gentle washing cycles are the key to maintaining the integrity of linens. Use gentle wash cycles to reduce agitation that can damage linen fibres. 
3. Mild Detergent: Never use harsh detergents for linens. Use a mild detergent, as harsh chemicals can wear down its integrity over time.
4. Avoid Fabric Softeners: Linen softens naturally with each wash. Hence, do not use any fabric softeners on them as these agents can coat the fibres and reduce the fabric’s breathability. 

For more in-depth tips on keeping your linen garments in top shape, check out our guide on "How to Care for Linen Clothing", available on our blog.

Linen Drying Guide

Drying is the next step in line after washing your linen garments. Unlike other fabrics, tumble-drying is not appropriate for these garments. So, follow the below tips to dry linens while avoiding shrinkage. 

Air Drying is the Best for Linens

Air drying does not shrink linen. For linen clothes, first of all, it is necessary to avoid bright sunlight, and then you can either hang your clothes or spread them on a flat surface. Do not hang it in the sun since this will, over time, reduce the strength of the fibres and make the linens fade, particularly for dark ones. Even though it may require a few hours longer, drying in the shade is the most effective way to preserve the shape and texture of your linens. 

If You Still Have To Use a Dryer, Do This 

If air drying is impossible and you have to use a dryer, then some precautions can help you reduce the possibility and extent of shrinkage. 

• Use Low Heat or Air Dry Settings: You can prevent shrinkage in a dryer by using the lowest heat setting or none at all, such as the air-dry setting.
• Stop the Dryer While Linen is Slightly Damp: A good tip is to stop the linen in the dryer when they are still partially wet. This minimises the danger of overdrying and lets you control the fabric prior to when it gets stiff due to drying. 
• Tumble Dry with Care: It is always advisable to make sure that linen is always tumble-dried without causing any harm to it. You can include wool dryer balls to assist in drying linen by ensuring that it has equal distribution, which reduces the amount of time that it would take in the dryer. 

Ironing Linen 

To get rid of wrinkles, you can iron the linens gently to give them an excellent and fanciful appearance. However, it would be best if you always iron these garments while they are slightly wet. Also, set your iron-on linen setting to iron linens. This allows the fabric to regain its structure without the danger of shrinking. It should be pointed out here that excessive ironing of dry linen tends to degrade the fibre and may result in shrinking with time, which is why ironing is best done on a damp cloth. 

Best Practices for Storing Linen

In addition to washing and drying, the way you store your linen garments is also crucial. Follow these tips for their ideal storage. 

• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Linen garments need a cool, dry place for storage. You must keep them away from moisture and direct sunlight. This is because humidity can result in mould and mildew development. 
• Avoid Plastic Bags: Never store linen in plastic bags. Plastic bags can trap moisture and lead to yellowing of the fabric. Instead, opt for breathable cotton storage bags.
• Fold, Don't Hang: Hanging linens for long can alter their shape and stretch the fibres. So, it is always better to fold and store them in your wardrobe. 

Wrapping Up: How to Keep Your Linen Looking Fresh

Linen is a beautiful, timeless fabric that can last for years if properly cared for. While linen can shrink in the dryer, following the best practices outlined here will help you avoid shrinkage and ensure your linen items remain in excellent condition. For more tips on sustainable fashion and the benefits of linen, be sure to explore the rest of our blog at Rimore Store, where we share everything from styling guides to eco-friendly care tips. Explore our collection of breathable and hypoallergenic linen clothing here.