Washing Linen: Tips and Tricks for Your Linen Dirndl
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Time to read 8 min
Washing linen but how? Products made of Leinen have long held a firm and important place in Trachten fashion. But a Dirndl made of Leinen also needs to be washed at some point, so the question often comes up how washing linen actually works. So you can care for your Leinen fabric properly, here we give you tips and tricks on what to look out for when washing linen.
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What is Leinen fabric actually made of?
Pure nature: That is what makes Leinen fabric what it is, simple yet special! The flax fibres are obtained from the so called flax plant. In an elaborate process these are spun into threads. Through linen weaving, a textile fabric with the name "Leinen" is finally created.
The production process of Leinen:
- Cultivation of the flax plant
- Harvesting and retting of the plants
- Breaking and scutching of the fibres
- Spinning into threads
- Weaving into Leinen fabric
And it is precisely from this that all products are made. Dirndl in particular, which above all reflect tradition and naturalness, benefit from this natural product.
In the 19th century, rural romanticism gave rise to a homeland movement that triggered an unimagined trend. This trend of natural Trachten fashion continues to this day. The essential impulse for it was given to us back then by linen weaving!
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How long has the craft of linen weaving existed?
The textile trade around linen weaving is among the oldest industries in the world. The production is considered very labour intensive. As early as the Middle Ages, linen weavers began to grow the necessary flax themselves, because Leinen was a highly valued fabric!
Historical development:
- Middle Ages: Flax, hemp and nettle were processed into fabrics
- Farms: Linen weaving became widely established
- 18th century: Major turning point through cotton from England
- Decline: Leinen remained only as robust workwear
- Today: Revival through the trend towards natural materials
Thus, alongside spun flax, hemp and nettle were also processed into fabrics. While wool weaving was a small urban craft, linen weaving became established on a large scale, above all on farms.
During the course of the 18th century, a major turning point occurred in linen weaving. With the introduction of cotton from England, a finer fabric was on the market. Leinen itself remained at most as robust workwear.
Over time, former flax fields were converted to cultivation for food production. Even today, imports of cheap textiles displace linen fabric almost completely. The trend towards natural materials and the interest in environmentally friendly materials are ensuring a revival of linen weaving.
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Advantages and disadvantages of Leinen
Leinen is an incredibly great material, because Leinen has many advantages:
Advantages of Leinen:
- Climate regulating function: In summer it has a cooling effect, in winter it keeps you warm (perfect for summer Dirndl and winter Trachten)
- Perfect for allergy sufferers: Leinen is naturally antistatic, dust and dirt particles are not absorbed by the fabric
- Stays fresh for a long time: Flax fibres are bactericidal, bacteria cannot develop in them
- Robust and tear resistant: Very durable thanks to its good fabric structure
- Environmentally friendly: Natural sustainable material
- Breathable: Ideal for warm days
The only disadvantage that the fabric Leinen brings with it is the way it has to be cared for: with plenty of time and love!
Admittedly, Leinen does not require quite that much effort. So no reason to worry, because in the following paragraphs we have laid out everything important for you and show you what to look out for when washing linen.
What tricks are there for washing linen?
"Linen creases nobly", so goes an old advertising slogan for Leinen fabrics. In reality these are so called "crease breaks". The linen fibre has broken in those spots due to the mechanics of the washing machine drum. The creases that form this way are hard or even impossible to get out again, even by ironing.
The most important trick: soaking!
Important beforehand: always look first at the care label of your Dirndl. For Leinen almost always applies: 30 to 40 degrees, gentle cycle, low spin speed. Anyone who ignores this risks the item shrinking. Leinen can shrink by up to 5 percent during the first wash, especially if you wash hotter than 40 degrees. To avoid crease breaks when washing linen there is a super simple trick: place your Dirndl or your Trachten waistcoat in plenty of water before washing (for example in the bathtub).
This is how soaking works:
- Fill cold or lukewarm water into the bathtub or a large bowl
- Submerge the garment completely
- Let it soak for at least 30 minutes
- The garment should have soaked up completely
- This way the linen fibres swell up and are no longer so sensitive
The right washing temperature
If possible, select the "water plus" option on your machine. This lets more water than usual into the wash drum. That protects the fabric even further.
Temperature guidelines:
- Natural Leinen (untreated): Maximum 60°C
- Dyed Leinen: Maximum 40°C
- Blended fabric with Leinen: According to the care label, usually 30 to 40°C
The Leinen fabric should only be washed up to a maximum of 60°C. If it is dyed Leinen, then a maximum of 40°C is recommended.
Detergent tips:
- Only use detergent that is free of bleaching additives
- Liquid delicate detergent is best suited
- Do not use fabric softener
- A small amount of detergent is enough
A low spin cycle protects the fibres of the linen fabric. If you notice that your natural Leinen keeps getting lighter, then that is completely normal. This change simply happens because of the washing temperature.
Wash programme:
- Gentle cycle or delicates wash
- Plenty of water (water plus option)
- Low spin cycle (maximum 600 revolutions)
- No pre wash needed
Quick checklist for washing linen
Got it all? Here once again are the most important points you should keep in mind when washing linen:
The complete linen washing guide:
- Soaking: Soak garments in cold water (at least 30 minutes)
- Plenty of water: Wash with plenty of water on the gentle cycle (water plus option)
- Delicate detergent: Use liquid delicate detergent without bleaching additives
- Temperature: Maximum 60°C for natural Leinen, 40°C for dyed Leinen
- Spin little: Low spin cycle (maximum 600 revolutions)
- Hang up nicely damp: Dry in a place without direct sun
- Iron while still damp: Turn inside out and iron hot with a steam iron
With this guide your Dirndl or your Trachten waistcoat made of Leinen will stay beautiful for a long time!
Ironing linen, shrinking and removing stains
Ironing linen: Leinen is best ironed while it is still slightly damp. Do not let it dry completely and then iron, but hang it straight out of the machine and iron it once lightly dried. Use the steam setting. Temperature: medium heat (approx. 150 to 200 degrees). Always iron Leinen from the inside so the surface does not shine. If you iron often: place linen cloths or a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric.
Preventing shrinking: Always cold pre wash new Leinen before you wear it for the first time. This way most of the possible shrinking happens before wearing. When washing in the washing machine always use the gentle cycle and a maximum of 30 to 40 degrees. When spinning: low spin speed (max 600 rpm), as high spin speeds break the linen fibres and intensify creasing.
Removing stains from Leinen: Treat fresh stains immediately. Work the stain from the outside inwards, do not rub. For most stains the rule is: pre treat with cold water, apply delicate detergent directly onto the stain, let it work briefly, then wash out by hand. No hot water for protein stains (blood, milk), that sets the stain. Use fabric softener only sparingly on Leinen, it changes the texture of the natural fibre.
Conclusion
Now you know everything about the most important care instructions for Leinen fabrics. The most important points summarised briefly:
Leinen is a natural material made from the flax plant
Linen weaving is one of the oldest crafts
Leinen has many advantages: climate regulating, allergy friendly, robust
The only disadvantage: it needs special care
Most important trick: soak for 30 minutes before washing
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Frequently asked questions
What is Leinen fabric actually made of?
Leinen fabric consists of flax fibres that are obtained from the flax plant. In an elaborate process these are spun into threads and processed through linen weaving into a textile fabric. Leinen is a pure natural product.
How do I wash linen without creases?
The most important trick: soak the garment in cold water for at least 30 minutes before washing. This makes the linen fibres swell up so they are no longer so sensitive. Choose the gentle cycle with plenty of water and spin only a little.
At what temperature should I wash linen?
Natural Leinen can be washed at a maximum of 60°C. Dyed Leinen should only be washed at a maximum of 40°C, otherwise the colour fades. Use liquid delicate detergent without bleaching additives.
Can I put linen in the dryer?
No! You should never put Leinen fabric in the tumble dryer. Hang the Leinen up on a hanger while still nicely damp, in a place with air flow but without direct sunlight. The dryer would destroy the fibres.
How do I iron linen correctly?
Iron Leinen while still slightly damp with a steam iron. Important: turn the garment inside out before you iron. This way you avoid stains and shiny spots. Pure Leinen you can iron very hot, blended fabrics with less heat.
Does linen shrink when washed?
Yes, Leinen can shrink by 3 to 5 percent during the first wash, especially if you wash hotter than 40 degrees. To prevent this: cold pre wash new Leinen before wearing it for the first time, always use the gentle cycle and a maximum of 30 to 40 degrees, set a low spin speed (max 600 rpm) and follow the care label.
How do you iron linen correctly?
Leinen is best ironed while it is still slightly damp. Medium to high temperature (150 to 200 degrees), switch on the steam setting and iron from the inside so the surface does not shine. A damp cloth between the iron and the fabric protects the natural fibre. Lightly spray dry Leinen with water before ironing.
Which detergent for linen?
Delicate detergent or special wool detergent are ideal for Leinen. No aggressive heavy duty detergent, that attacks the linen fibres. Use fabric softener only sparingly, as it changes the natural texture of the Leinen fabric. For light Leinen do not use bleach, it weakens the fibres permanently.
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