Exactly How to Remove Stains From Linen

With a little know-how, you can say goodbye to stubborn marks.

Whether you've spilt a glass of red wine on your tablecloth or you've knocked over your morning coffee in bed, it's always a bit upsetting to have your day disrupted by having to quickly try get rid of a stain and worrying about whether or not it will ever come out.

When you've spent your hard-earned money on some beautiful linen, you hope that you have it with you for years and that it stays looking fabulous. Unlike other bedfellows that can be quite demanding, linen is actually one of the strongest natural fibres, making it one of the most durable materials with minimal upkeep. But stains happen! Below, we share how to help remove stains if you've had an accident.

Because linen is highly absorbent, you should launder any stains while they are still new to avoid permanent damage. For this very reason, use plenty of water when both washing and rinsing your linen to prevent stain absorption. Launder with plenty of water and wash separately, being careful not to overload the machine so your sheets can soak up as much water as possible.

A gentle detergent will work well to remove most stains, and for whites, we suggest an oxygen-type bleach instead of a chlorine-based alternative to minimise the risk of discolouration.

Not every stain is equal so you may need to treat them differently.

Ink stains: Ink can be a stubborn stain to remove. You can use hairspray, dish detergent, and vinegar, or rubbing alcohol to rub the spot followed by your regular wash. Make sure to test rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous spot to ensure it won't damage the fabric.

Red wine stains: Pour some vinegar directly onto the red wine spot. Then, squeeze some liquid laundry detergent on the same area and gently rub it with a cloth. Wash in the machine as usual.

Oil stains: As soon as you see the stain use a paper towel to dab away as much oil as possible. Sprinkle some bi-carb soda onto the area and let it sit for one hour. Spray the affected area with a vinegar and water solution and scrub with washing soap, then rinse. Wash in the machine as usual.

Coffee stains: Make up a solution of one part wine vinegar to three parts cold water, and add a little washing liquid or powder. Gently rub it into the stain. Launder the cloth as usual.

Blood stains: Soak your sheets in cold water only overnight. Pop a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice directly onto the stain and dab the area with a cold, wet rag. Put your sheets on a cold wash with detergent.