Precautions for handling linen fabric

Linen fabric, which has a natural texture and excellent functionality, is used not only for clothing, but also for household goods, interior fabrics, and everything else in our daily lives. However, there are some points to be careful about when handling linen fabrics. Here, we will explain the precautions when handling and storing while checking the advantages and disadvantages of linen fabric.

Advantages and disadvantages of linen fabric

In order to handle linen fabric properly, it is important to first understand the characteristics of the material. If you know the characteristics of the fabric in advance, you will be able to understand the precautions when handling it smoothly.

What are the advantages of linen fabric?

Linen fabrics, known for their high quality and functionality, have the following advantages:

1. Excellent water absorption and quick-drying: The structure that contains air inside the fiber has the property of quickly absorbing moisture and moisture, and its water absorption is four times that of cotton. It also has the property of allowing moisture to escape naturally, so it dries quickly.

2. Durable, durable and long-lasting: With a fine structure, it has a strong pulling force and is hard to stretch, and is twice as strong as cotton. When it gets wet, it becomes stronger so you can wash it without hesitation, and because it is abrasion resistant, it is durable and long-lasting.

3. Hygienic because it is hard to get dirty and has a high deodorant effect: Pectin, which is an ingredient contained in linen fibers, has the effect of coating the fibers. Therefore, it has the characteristic that it is hard to get dirty and it is hard to get odor.

4. Heat retention that keeps the temperature constant: Due to the characteristics of the fiber, linen automatically adjusts the temperature to keep the temperature inside constant. It is a material that you can spend comfortably in any season.

5. High thermal conductivity: Linen material has the highest thermal conductivity of all natural fibers and warms faster than wool. It is an excellent material that can be used throughout the year regardless of the season.

What are the disadvantages of linen fabric?

Linen fabric has excellent functionality, but it also has disadvantages.

1. Prone to wrinkles: Due to the property of increasing strength when it gets wet with water, it is a material that is prone to wrinkles because the fibers are biased and the fabric becomes firm when washed. If you dehydrate it strongly, strong wrinkles will remain and you will not be able to remove it unless you iron it.

2. Possibility of shrinkage: It has the property of tightening by 5 to 10% when it gets wet with water, and it may shrink when washed. However, there are some fibers that do not shrink at all depending on the finishing method at the time of production. Basically, those woven with thicker threads tend to shrink more easily, and this also applies to cotton.

3. Easy to discolor: Natural materials have the property of being vulnerable to direct sunlight, and are easily discolored due to the effects of ultraviolet rays. However, the color that changes as you use it is also an attraction unique to natural linen fabrics.

Reference: Features and characteristics of linen fabric

Precautions for handling linen fabric (watering / washing)

Linen fabric can be used carefully for a long time by adding a little effort to handle it. Make sure you understand the advantages and disadvantages before handling it with care.

Precautions when watering linen fabric

Watering is a pretreatment before tailoring clothes (the state of the fabric), and is performed on fabrics such as linen and cotton that tend to shrink when wet. Linen, in particular, has a high rate of shrinkage when it gets wet, and shrinkage when washed can cause it to lose its shape or become distorted. In some cases, the preparation does not require watering, so it is a good idea to ask the purchaser when purchasing the fabric.

It is not always necessary to water the linen, but it is safe to water the linen before cutting to avoid the disadvantages of the linen material. Use the following method to drain water while checking the precautions.

1. Put plenty of water in a large container, add the dough and soak for about 1 hour. Avoid dipping multiple fabrics together as it can cause color transfer. Also, long-term flooding can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric, so keep it for about 1 to 2 hours.

2. Fold it neatly and tap it with your palm to drain the water. Do not squeeze as the texture will be distorted.

3. Spread the dough on the clothesline and dry it while smoothing out excess wrinkles. To avoid discoloration such as fading due to the influence of ultraviolet rays, turn the fabric inside out and dry it in the shade.

4. In a semi-dry state, iron from the back to correct any distortion of the texture. If you dry it until it is completely dry, wrinkles will remain, so be sure to iron it in a semi-dry state.

Precautions when washing linen fabric

Care must be taken when washing to avoid the disadvantages of linen fabrics such as wrinkles, shrinkage and discoloration such as discoloration as much as possible.

1. Wash alone with a neutral detergent: Washing heavily soiled items Strong detergents can damage the fabric, so use a neutral, fashionable detergent. It shrinks easily when the temperature is high, so it is recommended to use water and wash it alone to avoid color transfer. It is also recommended to use a laundry net when washing linen fabric. As for the laundry net, it is recommended to prepare one net for each linen product.

2. Choose a course with a short dehydration time: Long dehydration causes wrinkles on the dough. Since the normal washing course has a long dehydration time, do not use it, but choose a course with a short dehydration time such as soft washing or dry mark washing. And, if you leave it wet, it may cause wrinkles and damage to the fabric, so please dry it immediately after dehydration and let it air dry. Do not use the dryer as it causes the dough to shrink and can lose its shape.

3. Dry in the shade: Natural materials such as linen are vulnerable to direct sunlight and may cause discoloration such as discoloration and yellowing due to the influence of ultraviolet rays. Avoid direct sunlight and keep it inside out, smooth out excess wrinkles and dry in the shade.

4. Moisten the dough before ironing: If you iron it hard when it is dry, the dough will become shiny and damaged. If wrinkles are a concern, moisten the dough in a semi-dry state or with a spray bottle, and then apply a medium-pitched iron from the back to prepare it.

Reference: How to wash linen fabric "How to prevent wrinkles and fading"

Precautions when storing linen fabric

There are many cases where I was disappointed that the linen fabric had faded when I took it out of the linen fabric that I had kept carefully. Linen fabrics should also be stored with care.

What are the precautions when storing linen fabric?

Fading is the most annoying thing about storing linen fabrics. Keep this in mind to prevent fading as much as possible.

1. Store in a place out of the light: Natural materials such as linen fabrics will deteriorate due to fading and other discoloration not only due to ultraviolet rays from sunlight but also when exposed to indoor lights such as fluorescent lights. Store in a dark place out of the light, especially for long periods of time.

2. Refold and ventilate: Friction-sensitive natural fibers have the property of being shiny and easily faded. In the folded and stacked state, the fabric is pulled and puts a burden on it, so friction is likely to occur, and wrinkles and streaks are likely to occur. When storing for a long period of time, do not leave it in the same state. In order to reduce the burden on the fabric, it is important to refold it to a large size or hang it on a hanger to ventilate it.

Reference: How to store linen products

Summary

Linen fabric is a highly functional fiber with excellent water absorption and quick-drying properties, and is used in various items in our daily lives. Linen is said to be beautiful even after 10 years because it is durable, durable and long-lasting, but in order to use it carefully for a long time, be sure to understand the precautions for proper handling and storage. Linen, which has a gentle texture that enriches our lives, is a material that can be used for many years, so we want to cherish it. With a little care in daily handling, you can maintain the beauty and tenderness of linen and enjoy it for many years.