How to Wash Linen Pants: Machine Washing Linen or By Hand
To wash linen pants without shrinking, use a gentle washing cycle with lukewarm water (less than 30°C/86°F) and never wash them on a full washing machine with other heavy items like towels, bedding sheets, or heavy jackets.
The general steps for washing linen pants are:
Check for stains and pre-treat them before washing them.
Prepare the pants by turning them inside out, buttoning up all the buttons, emptying pockets, zipping up zippers, tying up ties.
Select a gentle washing cycle with lukewarm water (less than 30°C/86°F).
Use delicate detergent without Sodium Borate, Sodium Hydroxide, Cellulase, Protease and Amylase.
Never wash with other heavy items like towels, bedding sheets, or heavy jackets.
Wash with similarly toned colors (separate whites, blacks, and colors).
Let’s dive into how to wash linen pants, so they last long and don’t shrink.
Before You Washing Linen Pants
Follow these steps to make your linen pants ready for washing:
Checking the Care Label for Special Instructions
Before washing any linen garment, always start by reading the care label. At Nomad the Label, we include detailed care instructions with each piece to help you look after your new favorite items. For example, our Sadhu French Linen Pants come with the following care guidelines:
Cool hand wash separately with mild detergent
Do not bleach, soak, rub, or wring
Do not dry clean
Do not tumble dry
Line dry in the shade
Cool iron on reverse
While most linen pieces are low-maintenance, some might have specific cleaning instructions that help maintain the fabric’s natural beauty. You can check the Garment Care tab on each product page for detailed care guidance.
Pre-treat Stains
If your linen pants have visible stains, pre-treat them before washing them. A mild stain remover or a paste from baking soda and water works well on linen. Dab the solution onto the stain (never rub), and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then, rinse with cool water before washing.
Emptying Pockets
We recommend emptying all pant pockets. This will help prevent metal objects from falling into the washing machine and causing loud noises or small items from getting caught and twisting the fabric. It’s a good habit to adopt, not just for linen but for all types of clothing.
Turning Pants Inside Out
Turning your linen pants helps remove bodily oils and sweat from the fabric and prevents surface fibers from breaking. By doing this, your pant fabric will look fresh and maintain its original texture.
Separating Light and Dark Colors
When washing your linen pants for the first time, separate light and dark colors. Some rich dyes may bleed during the initial washes, particularly on darker garments. Even after the first wash, washing your linens with like colors is a good idea to preserve their vibrancy.
Tying up Ties and Securing Loose Ends
Secure pants with drawstrings or ties before washing. Loose ties can quickly become tangled in the wash, which could lead to fabric being stretched out. Tie them into loose bows or knots to keep them from flapping.
Zipping Up Zippers
Always zip up any zippers before tossing your pants into the washer. A rogue zipper can catch on linen fabric, leading to rips or snags. This precaution will also protect the zipper's teeth from being damaged during the spin cycle.
Buttoning All the Buttons
Unlike zippers, buttons should be left undone before washing. Leaving buttons fastened can cause the threads around the buttons to loosen or even break, especially during the spin cycle.
Washing Linen Pants in a Washing Machine
Here, we’ll walk you through the key steps for washing linen pants in a washing machine:
Choosing the Right Detergent for Machine Wash
To maintain the quality of your linen, avoid using detergents with fabric softener. Most fabric softeners don’t work well with linen and can leave a residue that diminishes the fabric’s breathability.
You should also avoid using bleach. Bleach is harsh on linen fibers; it could make your linen pants wear out much faster and tear.
Instead, choose mild detergents free from harsh chemicals. These gentle detergents help protect the natural fibers of the linen and maintain its softness.
Setting the Washing Machine
Note that linen is strong but doesn’t respond well to excessive twisting or rough agitation. To set up the washing machine correctly, you should leave enough room in the machine for your linen pants to move freely. Also, use a mesh laundry bag to prevent linen from tangling or becoming overstressed by the wash cycle.
Selecting Water Temperature
The water temperature is a crucial factor when washing linen. The general rule is to keep it cool or lukewarm. A 30°C (86°F) wash is the sweet spot for most linen garments. Higher temperatures can cause shrinkage or warping of the fabric fibers.
Cold for Colors
When washing coloured linen pants, always use cold water. This helps prevent dye run-off, especially on the first few washes and keeps the colors vibrant for longer.
Warm for Whites
You can use a slightly warmer setting for white linen pants, but keep it below 30°C. This helps lift dirt and keep whites bright without compromising the integrity of the linen fabric.
Gentle Wash Cycle (Or Hand Wash)
To maintain the durability of your linen pants, always select a gentle or delicate cycle. Fast spins and heavy agitation can lead to unnecessary wrinkling or even weaken the fibers.
Cold Water Rinse for Machine Wash
Always finish your machine wash with a cold water rinse to ensure the detergent is thoroughly rinsed. This is important because leftover detergent can leave residues that dull the fabric or cause discolouration.
Linen rayon pants and linen viscose pants should be washed in the same way:
Machine or hand washed with cold or lukewarm water less than 30°C/86°F.
If machine-washed, choose a gentle cycle. Ensure the machine isn’t entirely without other heavy items (towels, bedding, etc.).
Rinse with cold water.
Washing Linen Pants by Hand
Hand washing is a gentler alternative that helps preserve your linen pants' natural beauty and longevity. Let’s explore the steps to hand wash linen.
Choosing the Right Detergent for Hand Wash
You can use the same detergent to hand wash your linen pants as you would in the washing machine. Just avoid detergents with fabric softeners or harsh chemicals.
Filling a Basin With Lukewarm Water
Start by filling a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water. The water should be comfortably warm to the touch but not hot. This temperature is gentle on linen fibers while still being effective at cleaning.
Adding Mild Detergent
Add your mild detergent to the lukewarm water. Wait until it dissolves fully, and then put your linen pants in the water.
Use a Teaspoon for Light Soiling
Just a teaspoon of mild detergent is enough for lightly soiled linen pants to refresh the fabric and remove any minor dirt or grime.
Use a Tablespoon for Heavy Soiling
If your linen pants are heavily soiled, use a tablespoon of detergent to ensure a thorough clean. Stir the water gently to help the detergent dissolve fully before submerging your pants.
Lukewarm Rinse for Hand Wash
Once your pants are in the water, gently press them through the soapy solution. Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric, as this can weaken the fibers. Let the garment soak for about 15 minutes.
After soaking, drain the soapy water and refill your basin with cold water. Rinse the pants thoroughly until the water runs clear and all detergent has been removed.
Drying Linen Pants
Here are the best ways to dry your linen pants:
Laying Flat to Dry
For heavier linen fabrics, lay them flat to dry. This method helps maintain the garment's shape, preventing it from stretching out as it would if hung up.
On a Clean Towel
When drying your linen pants flat, place them on a clean towel. Lay the pants evenly on the towel, then gently roll up the towel to absorb any excess moisture. Afterwards, unroll the towel and leave the pants to air dry completely.
Hanging to Dry
For lighter linen fabrics, such as shirts, trousers, blouses, or dresses, hanging them to dry is an ideal option. Hanging linen clothes outside overnight can remove odors and leave them feeling fresh and crisp by morning. Always use sturdy hangers that won’t stretch the shoulders of the garment.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
While air drying is best for linen, avoid hanging your clothes in direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can weaken the fibers and cause colors to fade. Opt for shaded areas when drying linen outdoors.
Ironing Linen Pants
One of linen’s best qualities is its natural crinkle texture, so we recommend not ironing it. However, if you prefer a more polished look, ironing your linen pants can help smooth out any wrinkles, especially for formal or professional occasions.
Setting the Iron to the Linen Setting
Linen irons are best when damp, so you can either iron the garment while it's still slightly wet from washing or use the steam setting on your iron. Set your iron to the linen setting or medium-high heat to avoid damaging the fibers.
Use Steam for Stubborn Wrinkles
For particularly stubborn wrinkles, a steamer can be a gentler alternative to the iron. Steam not only smooths out wrinkles but also refreshes your garment by eliminating odors and bacteria. If using an iron, apply the steam setting liberally for the same effect. Iron the reverse side of the fabric to avoid creating unwanted shine on the surface.
Storing Linen Pants
Linen must be stored correctly to avoid creasing, damage, or mildew. Here are some tips:
Hanging on a Padded Hanger
If you prefer to hang your linen pants, use padded or wide hangers to prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting, especially around the waistband. This is helpful for lighter linen garments.
Folding Without Creasing
For long-term storage, folding linen pants is a better option than hanging, as hanging can sometimes lead to misshaping. When folding, avoid creating sharp creases. Using acid-free tissue paper between folds can help prevent deep creases, especially in garments with delicate detailing or embroidery.
Lay Flat in Drawers
When storing your folded linen pants, lay them flat in a drawer to maintain their shape. Ensure the drawer is dry, well-ventilated, and free from direct sunlight to keep your linen fresh and in optimal condition.
FAQ
Can You Wash Dry Clean Only Linen Pants?
Washing dry clean only linen pants at home is not always advisable. By dry clean only, the fabric or the garment's construction requires special care that could be affected by regular washing. Always check the Garment Care section for specific instructions.
How to Get Stains Out of Linen Pants
When treating stains on your linen pants, always pretreat a stain before washing. Use a gentle stain remover or a simple water solution and mild detergent. Do not use bleach or hydrogen peroxide-based stain removers. These can damage the natural fibers and weaken the fabric.
Check out this comprehensive stain removal guide for a more detailed guide on how to remove specific stains from linen.
How to Make Linen Pants White Again
You can use chlorine bleach to restore the bright white color of your linen pants, but this should be done with caution. Always read and follow the instructions on the bleach packaging carefully. Be careful not to let your pants soak in the solution for more than 10 minutes, as bleach can weaken and damage the fabric if left too long.
Check out our comprehensive care guide for additional tips on how to whiten and care for linen garments.
How to Wash Linen Pants & Shirts Without Shrinkage
Wash linen clothes in cold water and avoid high heat when drying to prevent them from shrinking. Always air dry your linen shirt and pants, or use a tumble dryer on a low-heat setting for a short period, then hang dry to finish.
For more detailed tips on preventing shrinkage in linen clothing, check out our comprehensive care guide.
