Caring for wool and linen
Both materials are easy to live with. Treat them gently and they will last for decades.
Wool blankets
- Air your throw outdoors on a dry day. Wool refreshes itself and rarely needs washing.
- Spot clean small marks with cold water and a little wool detergent.
- If a full wash is needed, hand wash cold, press out the water without wringing, and dry flat away from radiators and direct sun.
- Do not tumble dry, and avoid bleach and fabric softener.
- A little pilling at first is natural. Remove it gently with a wool comb.
Linen placemats and runners
- Machine wash at 40 °C with a mild detergent. Wash darker colours separately the first few times.
- Iron while slightly damp for a crisp finish, or leave unironed for a relaxed, natural look.
- Treat wine and candle wax stains quickly. For wax, let it harden, lift it off, then press between paper with a warm iron.
Tea towels and oven gloves
- Wash at 40 to 60 °C. New linen tea towels become more absorbent after a few washes.
- Skip fabric softener: it coats the fibres and reduces absorbency.
- Oven gloves and pot holders should be fully dry before use. Damp fabric conducts heat.
