hats - collecting and cleaning tips

Irish linen has a beauty all its own. It will last for years if provided the proper care. The real beauty of Irish linen is that it can be passed down from generation to generation. Here are three steps that will help you preserve your Irish linen.

Washing

Linen does well in the regular cycle of your washing machine. Unlike more delicate materials, linen can withstand the normal agitation of your washer. The one thing you should remember is that bleach should never be added to the water when washing Irish linen. Bleach can damage the natural fibers. For best results, fill the washer with warm water and 1 cup of liquid laundry detergent.

If your linen has stains, you can add ¼ cup of color-safe bleach. Once the washer is filled with water, add your linen. Adding the linen last will allow the right amount of suds to build up. To keep your linen soft, and preserve the sheen, you should add a small amount of fabric softener to the wash water.

Drying

When it comes to drying, your Irish linen should not be put in the dryer. The heat that builds up in the dryer can damage the fibers. Instead, send your linen through the final wash spin and hang them out on an outdoor clothesline. Take your linen off the line while it's still slightly damp. This will make ironing easier.

Ironing

Your Irish linen should be ironed before being placed in storage. For best results, the linen should be slightly damp. Ironing will restore the sheen and preserve the fibers. To iron properly, you should begin on the underside of the linen.

Beginning on the underside will help prevent creases in your linen and will help remove the deep wrinkles. Once you've completed the underside, you can flip it over and repeat the process on the right side. After you've finished ironing your linen, you can fold it for storage. If you don't feel comfortable ironing your Irish linen, you can hire a professional ironing service.

Storage

When you store your Irish linen, you should avoid areas where moisture can build up. Moisture can cause mold growth, which can destroy the fibers. Instead, store your linen in cupboards that are cool and dry.

If you have Irish linen, you want to make sure it receives proper care, especially if you want to pass it down to your family. Follow the above tips to extend your linen's lifespan.