The Best Way to Iron Linen Clothing & Bedding
Posted: 05 July 2025
Linen sheets are known for their natural wrinkle (and it's why we love them so much). But sometimes... we need to bring the iron out.
Putting an iron to your beloved linen might feel like a big no-no, but we’re here to take the stress out of the situation.
To make your linen shirts and trousers wrinkle free, here's everything you need to know.
To iron linen clothes and bedding effectively, follow these steps:
1. Start with damp linen and iron while it's slightly moist.
2. Use high heat, set your iron to the linen or cotton setting.
3. Iron your sheets or clothing inside out to protect the fabric’s texture.
4. Apply steam to relax the wrinkles without damaging fibers.
5. Iron in sections with smooth, straight strokes.
Let it cool flat or hang - to prevent new wrinkles from forming.
Tip: For extra-stubborn wrinkles, use a steam iron or garment steamer in combination with ironing.
Should you iron linen bedding?
It depends how you like your linen to look. At I Love Linen, we love our fabric to be perfectly wrinkled but we know everyone's different. But yes, you can iron your linen bedding especially if you want a polished, hotel-like finish.
Here’s how to iron linen bedding quickly:
- Fold sheets in halves or quarters to fit on your ironing board.
- Focus on pillowcases and visible edges for a clean look.
- Use lots of steam and iron in long strokes.
What's better? Ironing or steaming linen?
Ironing:
- Crisp, structured finish
- Best for shirts & bedding
- Requires a flat surface
Steaming:
- Relaxed, natural look
- Best for curtains & travel
- Can be done vertically
Both methods are effective, use ironing for polished looks and steaming for daily refreshes.
Mistakes to avoid when ironing linen
- Ironing dry fabric
- Using low heat
- Pressing too hard
- Skipping steam
- Not letting it cool flat
Whether you prefer a crisp finish or a more relaxed drape, knowing how to iron linen properly means you’ll get the best out of your clothes and bedding for years to come. So grab your iron (or steamer), follow the steps above, and enjoy that smooth, fresh linen feel.
