Can Your Machine Wash a Linen Shirt?

Linen shirts are renowned in men's clothers for their breathability and comfort., but when it comes to care, many people are unsure how to handle them. One common question that comes up is, "Can you machine wash a linen shirt?" The answer is yes, but the key is knowing how to wash it properly. If not cared for correctly, linen can shrink, wrinkle, and lose its shape.

We’ll  work you through how to do it safely so that it can keep its style. We will help you with everything, from picking the right water temperature and detergent to properly hanging up your shirt after washing. Let’s get started.

What Temperature and Detergent Should You Use to Wash Linen?

You can safely machine wash a linen shirt, but only if you pay attention to water temperature and the detergent you use.

Best Temperature for the Water

Linen is a natural cloth made from flax filaments. It’s strong, but it gets soft when it gets hot. Always use cold or lukewarm water (no further than 30 °C or 86 °F) to machine wash a linen shirt. Linen can shrink and lose its shape if you wash it in hot water. Use the gentle or delicate setting on your washer if it has one.

Detergents That Are Suggested

Don’t use bleach or strong chemical cleaners. Rather, use light liquid cleaners made for natural or delicate filaments. Powdered soaps can make linens stiff by leaving behind a film on the surface.

With gentle soap and the right care, you can wash these linen shirts:

Linen and soft cotton shirt: A comfy and airy choice that is simple to keep clean by washing it in the washing machine.

Eco-friendly 100% Linen Shirt: The shirt can be washed in a machine with a light cleaner and cold water.

Quick Tip: Don’t put too much in your washing machine.  Allow enough room for your shirt to move during the cycle.

How to Wash Linen So It Doesn’t Wrinkle or Shrink?

A frequent question is how to machine wash a linen shirt without making it look like a squished-up piece of paper. Luckily, taking a few steps can prevent wrinkles and shrinkage.

Use a Laundry Bag with Mesh

It will work best if you put your linen shirt in a plastic laundry bag before you wash it.  This keeps it safe from contact and keeps it from getting worn down.

Pick the Correct Spin Cycle

You should use a low-speed, slow spin cycle (600 – 800 RPM). When the machine spins the cloth too fast, it can stretch or change shape, especially around the collars and arms.

Do Not Use Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners can seal flax filaments, making them less suitable for breathing. Rather, add a little white vinegar to the wash cycle to make the clothes naturally soft.

How to Get Linen Dry

Do not dry your linen shirt on high heat after you wash it.  Instead: 

Hang it up on a soft hanger to dry naturally.

To keep from fading, stay out of strong sunlight.

To get rid of wrinkles, flatten the collar and bond while they’re still wet.

You can also use a medium-hot iron with steam on a shirt that’s still a little damp.

Consider this easy-care option, which keeps its shape well indeed after being washed:

Easy-going linen button-down shirt: Perfect for washing in a machine and drying naturally with minimal wrinkles.

Should You Wash Linen That Says Dry Clean Only?

You’re not sure if you can machine wash a linen shirt when the label says “Dry Clean Only”.

Please Carefully Read the Label

If it says “Dry Clean Only” on the label, it could be due to:

Very fine stitching

Different ways to treat dyes

Added some decorative pieces

If you wash these linen shirts in a machine, it could damage the fabric. For example, shirts with embroidery, like the exaggerated guayabera linen shirt, need to be handled with further care.

The Rule Is Not Always True

Some labels are too careful.  You might be able to wash the shirt by hand or on the gentle cycle if it’s made of 100% linen and does not have any synthetic materials. Still, you should first test it in a hidden area and see how it goes.

The right way to do it: If you are not sure what to do, follow the sign. More yet, take it to a professional cleaner who knows how to handle natural fabrics.

How to Store Linen Shirts to Keep Them Fresh?

Now that you know how to machine wash a linen shirt, let’s make sure it stays clean and wrinkle-free between wears.

Keep It Nearly Cool and Dry

Linen absorbs water easily and dries slowly. Keep it in a room with good air inflow, out of direct sunlight, and away from humidity.

Don’t Use Plastic Bags

Never put linen shirts that have just been washed in plastic clothing bags.  These hold on to water and make mildew grow. However, use cotton bags if you want to keep your clothes dry.

Hang, Don’t Fold (If Possible)

Linen needs to be kept away from wrinkles.  Wide cushion hangers should always be used to hang your linen clothes.  Before you fold, smooth out any crimps and put a paper kerchief between the folds to relieve wrinkles.

Keep Your Linen Shirts Fresh for Longer

Do you know how to machine wash a men's linen shirt? You can do it by following the steps. Linen is a natural fabric that responds well in cold water, with light cleaners, and on delicate cycles. This way will help it stay in great shape, clean, and smooth.

To add up:

Cold or warm water and a light cleaner should be used.

Try not to use hard spin cycles or tumble dryers.

Remove the starch from the clothes and use white vinegar instead.

Dry in the shade and iron while still a little wet.

Use flexible covers and cushion hangers to store it in cool, dry places.

Still, you should mean it if your linen shirt labels “dry clean only”. This is especially true for embroidery or unique particulars like the exaggerated guayabera linen shirt. But numerous new linen shirts can be washed in a machine as long as they’re treated precisely.

Pick high-quality linen shirts that can be washed in a machine, similar to the casual linen button-down shirt, the soft, solid cotton linen shirt, and the 100% linen shirt that is eco-friendly.

When someone asks, “Can you machine wash a linen shirt?” you’ll know what to say with confidence and care tips in hand.

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