How to wash linen, and why you probably don't need to iron it

People are often nervous about washing linen for the first time. They shouldn't be. Linen is one of the most durable natural fibres in the world; it actually gets softer and more beautiful with every wash. Here's exactly how to care for yours.

Machine wash, not dry clean

Let's get this out of the way first: you don't need to dry clean your Covered linen. In fact, we gently discourage it. Dry cleaning uses chemicals that, over time, strip the natural fibres of exactly what makes linen feel so good.

Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 40°C. That's it. Use a mild, liquid detergent because powder can leave a residue. Avoid fabric softeners entirely; they coat the fibres and reduce that characteristic linen texture and absorbency over time.

Tip:
Wash your linen separately for the first one or two washes. New linen can release a little colour, especially in darker shades. After that, it's completely stable.

Drying: slower is better

Tumble drying on a low heat is fine for linen, but air drying is always our preference. Hang your tablecloth or napkins flat or draped over a rack, not pegged at one point, which can leave marks. If you're in Singapore, the humidity means you'll want good airflow; a
fan or the air-conditioning helps.

On ironing (and why you might not bother)

Here's the thing about linen wrinkles: they're intentional. A linen tablecloth with a soft, relaxed texture is part of the aesthetic. It reads as natural, not neglected. Many of our customers never iron their linen. They simply smooth it with their hands when they lay it on the table, and it looks exactly right.

If you do want a crisper look, for a formal dinner or a restaurant setting, for example iron on the reverse side while still slightly damp, on a medium-high linen setting. The steam does most of the work.

Stains: act fast, stay calm

The key to linen stain removal is speed, not force. Blot immediately with a clean cloth, never rub, which pushes the stain deeper into the fibres. Then:

For red wine: blot, apply sparkling water, blot again, then treat with a small amount of white wine or a little salt before washing.

For oil or food: let it sit for thirty seconds, then apply a tiny amount of washing-up liquid directly to the spot, work in gently with your finger, and rinse with cold water before the full wash.

For most everyday marks: a regular machine wash at 40°C is sufficient.
Don't panic. Linen is tougher than it looks.

Storing your linen

Store clean, dry linen loosely folded in a drawer or linen cupboard. Avoid airtight bags, which trap moisture and can encourage mildew in Singapore's climate. A natural cotton storage bag is ideal if you want to protect it from dust.

Linen benefits from being used, not stored. The more you wash and use it, the softer and more characterful it becomes. Think of it like a good cast-iron pan, it only gets better.

If your linen has been stored for a while and has a slightly stale smell, a wash with a tablespoon of white vinegar added to the drum (not the detergent drawer) will freshen it completely.

The best thing you can do for your linen is simply to use it. On Tuesdays. On special occasions. At Sunday breakfast. The more life it absorbs, the more beautiful it becomes, and that's exactly what we made it for.