Linen Care

Pure Irish Linen is probably the most amazing fabric known to man - the fabric reveals a new surface when washed. Given a reasonable amount of care, tablecloths and napkins of finely woven Linen Damask will render a lifetime of service. Fergusons Irish Linen fabric rapidly absorbs moisture, which accounts for its coolness and comfort as bed or apparel fabric. It is also the only fabric to be stronger wet than dry, so it does not become tender through washing.

Commercial soap powders and liquid detergents can be safely used and Fergusons Irish Linen is not critical to water temperature. As with other textiles always test for colour fastness. Remember detergents containing Optical Brightening Agents (O.B.A) may cause colours to alter slightly and will detract from the appearance of the subtle white Linen Damask pattern. Bleach must not be used as misuse can significantly degrade and weaken natural fibres.

The following washing cycles can be used:
1. White linen articles without special finishes may be washed at 95°C (203°F)
2. Linen without special finishes, where colours are fast at 60°C (140°F) (For 1 and 2 above 50°C (122°F) is generally sufficient)
3. Linen where colours are fast at 40°C (104°F) but not at 60°C (140°F) should be washed at 40°C (104°F)
4. Fine hand-embroidered linen needs to be treated with care and should be hand washed or machine washed at 40°C (104°F)

There is no need to use starch except perhaps for the finest linens, for linen has built in crispness. Fergusons Irish Linen should never be tumble dried - it will naturally dry quickly. Conventional machine wash and then hot iron after a fast spin while still damp. This will allow ease of ironing and maintain the appearance.

Fergusons Irish Linen sheds dirt far more readily than other materials and with thorough rinsing comes clean as new after every wash. All stains should be removed using a proprietary stain remover (such as Stain Devils™) before washing. Do not use bleach as a cleaning agent.

You can iron Fergusons Irish Linen at any of the normal temperatures - as long as it is not excessively hot. Always stretch the damp article to its natural size and shape before ironing. By using a hot iron creases and crumples disappear instantly and every piece comes up so crisp and smooth it is often hard to tell whether you have used starch or not. Always iron the wrong side first. In the case of coloured dress linens, iron the wrong side only. This preserves the texture of the weave.

Storing Irish Linen

Fergusons Irish Linen is naturally mothproof safely stored under normal conditions. Slatted shelves will allow air to circulate. Avoid cupboards with heating pipes running through them or cedar linen chests, as these can discolour linen. If by mischance it does become discoloured, wash as soon as possible and dry in the sun to whiten it again. Place items recently laundered at the bottom of the pile so that all articles receive an equal amount of wear.

Remember you do not have to save Fergusons Irish Linen for 'Best'. Fergusons Irish Linen articles of all kinds can take any amount of washing and keep coming up for more. They thrive with regular use and regular laundering

Recommended Detergent

Dreft Automatic, Proctor & Gamble Ltd. Hedley House, St Nicholas Avenue, Gosford, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE99 1EE, Or any other colour care detergent free from Optical Brightening Agents (O.B.A)