by Denise Neville

Created on: August 13, 2009   Last Updated: August 15, 2009

There is nothing quite as beautiful as a fresh crisp linen tablecloth spread on a table or fine linen sheets adorning a bed. It gives off a look of elegance all on its own. To keep linens looking this way takes a bit of tender care from its owner and one of these ways is ironing your linen. You may not look forward to doing this if you have not done it before but with tips for ironing fine linen the task should be very easy.

Iron linen damp

Never iron linen while it is completely dry. If your linen is dry all you have to do is fold your linen in half then fold it again always on the length of the linen. Lay your folded linen on your table lengthwise. Place some water in a spray bottle and start at one end of your linen. Spray the water on a section and start rolling the dampen linen tightly. This will help the moisture penetrate the material. Roll your linen as you water spray until all of the linen is rolled up. Place your damp linen in a plastic bag and set it aside for approximately one hour. Don't leave a dampened linen cloth longer than this. If left long enough it will cause mildew. You can also place linen in the dryer on a low setting for a short while and remove it while it is still damp.

How to iron linen

Set up your ironing board making sure you have good padding on top of the board. Set your iron on a moderate setting along with turning on the steam setting. Remove your linen from the plastic bag and open it up. Place it on the ironing board front side down and start ironing out the wrinkles. Once the material is smooth continue until you have ironed all your linen. If you don't want to collect more wrinkles as the linen gatherers under the ironing board, iron by your table so that you can spread out your linen on the table as you iron it. When you're finished ironing your linen should be still damp. You shouldn't fold your linen until it is completely dry. If you have a clothesline inside or out pin your linen the full length on the clothes line. You can touch up where the clothes pins were after it dries.

Colored linen

If you're using colored linen there are a few things that you have to do differently. Place your linen down on the ironing board, front side down and iron from the wrong side. If you are using spray starch use it now on the wrong side, you can also use sizing which can help set your linen and prevent your linen from future stains. Starch can build up on linen and this sometimes leaves starch flakes on the material but you really don't want these on the front of your linen. When you have finished starching your linen, turn over it over and lightly iron the front of your linen. This will help give it the sheen you're looking for.

Linen is one of the wonder fabrics in today's world and gives a look of luxury whether it's on your bed, on your table or on yourself. Linen comes with a little extra effort to keep it looking new but it can be so worth it. Once you know the tips for ironing fine linens they will stay fine for a long time to come.

Learn more about this author, Denise Neville.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.