Drying

Natural fibers will wrinkle, but there are steps you can take while drying linens to minimize wrinkling. Line drying linens in soft, outdoor sunlight is ideal—it is the gentlest method of drying, and the sun provides natural bleaching—though this is not always practical.

• To machine dry bed linens, gently shake out and smooth damp linens before placing in the dryer (unraveling any items that may have twisted in the wash cycle). Do not use dryer sheet fabric softeners.
• Tumble dry bed and table linens on low heat until slightly damp. Tumble dry bath towels on low to medium heat until dry.
• Avoid overloading the dryer so items will dry evenly.
• Set to the lowest heat—high heat settings will weaken the fibers and increase shrinkage.
• Remove items from dryer promptly and while still slightly damp. Smooth and let air dry before storing, or press with an iron while damp to remove any remaining wrinkles. 

Ironing

Always check to make sure your steam iron is clean—mineral deposits may build up and cause brown spotting.

• Iron bed and bath linens while still slightly damp. Do not iron bath towels.
• Use a steam iron on a warm/hot setting for cotton or a hot setting for linen.
• Spray with water from a spray bottle for stubborn wrinkles, if needed.
• To restore the lustrous face of sateen and jacquard fabrics, iron on the reverse side.
• To preserve the three-dimensional effect of embroidery, iron on its reverse side, atop a white towel to give soft support to the thread work design.
• Linens with delicate lace and cut work should be ironed beneath a press cloth.

Tip: If you cannot iron immediately, roll linens in a towel or a plastic bag and temporarily store in the freezer for up to 24 hours. This trick will make your linens easier to iron while preventing mildew.