How Do You Whiten Linen Fabric?

There are a number of ways to whiten linen fabric, and most of them are very natural and safe to use. However, there are a few things you should remember before using any of these techniques to ensure that your linen gets the best results possible and is protected from the damaging effects of bleach.

1. Remove any stains before washing

There can be a lot of staining problems with linen fabric, especially if it has been in storage for a while or is older. You can remove most stains by simply treating them as soon as you notice them, and then washing the item as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Remove any unwanted yellowness

Sometimes, linen fabric can get a little too yellow over time due to age or bad storage practices. It can also become a little stained from liquid spills, especially wax.

If your linen has any of these issues, you can treat them by soaking the area in cold water to make the stain less visible. You can also place the affected linen in the freezer to harden up any remaining liquid.

3. Apply hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach to the spot

Hydrogen peroxide is another incredibly effective method for removing stains from linen and other fabrics. The best thing about this is that it won’t affect the color or dye in the linen or clothing.

Chlorine bleach, on the other hand, is a highly dangerous product and should never be used to bleach linen because it can damage the fibers in the linen. It can also react with ammonia to produce toxic fumes that can affect the environment and your health, so it is a good idea to avoid this method altogether.

4. Laundry bluing is a fantastic way to help counteract the yellowness of linen

There are special bluing agents available in stores that can be added to your regular wash cycle to counteract the yellowing of your linen. They will usually work well in both a hand-wash and a machine wash and can make your linens look whiter than they might otherwise be.

5. Oxygen bleach is an eco-friendly and non-toxic alternative to chlorine bleach

Sodium percarbonate or oxygen bleach is a wonderful, all-natural solution for cleaning your linens without harming the environment or the delicate flax fibres that are woven into them. You can add a few tablespoons of this to your laundry, although it is best to keep it away from coloured linens as it may tint them.

6. Baking soda and vinegar are a fantastic combination for removing stains

Finally, if you have any stains that are particularly stubborn, you can try a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar on the stain. This will help to loosen the stain and make it easier for you to remove.

Once the stain is removed, it is a good idea to soak the linen in cold water again before washing it as per the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that your linens stay as bright as they were before the stain happened, and will also help to prevent them from becoming dingy again in the future.