Everything you need to know about removing stains from linen clothes:
- General principles for removing stains
- How to remove specific types of stains
- Natural vs. chemical methods
Linen clothing is popular for its natural beauty, breathability and durability. However, this material requires specific care, especially if it gets dirty. Linen has a different fiber structure than cotton, for example, and some cleaning products can damage its delicate texture or cause undesirable changes in the appearance of the fabric.
Proper stain removal is key not only to maintaining the aesthetics but also to extending the life of your clothing. Harsh chemicals can weaken fibers and cause color fading, while improper procedures can set the stain permanently. That's why it's important to know how to remove stains effectively, yet gently.
General principles for removing stains from linen
Linen clothing is strong and durable, but it is also sensitive to some cleaning agents and methods. To remove stains without damaging the fabric, it is important to follow a few basic rules.
1) Respond as quickly as possible
The sooner you start cleaning the stain, the better your chance of removing it completely. Stains that dry and soak deep into the fibers are much harder to remove. If you notice a stain, immediately blot it gently with a paper towel or clean cloth – do not rub, as this will set the stain deeper into the fabric.
2) Use lukewarm water and mild detergents
Linen is a natural material that can be sensitive to hot water and harsh chemicals. It is best to use lukewarm water (never hot) and a mild detergent , soapy water or natural products such as baking soda or vinegar. Strong stain removers containing chlorine or other bleaches can damage the fibers or discolor the fabric.
3) Always test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous area
Before using any product directly on a visible part of the garment, test it on an inner seam or other inconspicuous area. Some cleaning products can cause fading, change the texture, or even damage the structure of the linen fabric. If you don't see any adverse changes after a few minutes, you can safely apply the product to the stain.
How to remove specific types of stains
Each type of stain requires a different approach. Some stains, like oil or red wine, soak into linen fibers more quickly, while others, like ink or grass, can leave deep pigment stains. Below, you'll find effective and gentle ways to get rid of the most common stains on linen clothing.
Food and drink stains (wine, coffee, fruit, oil, chocolate)
- Red wine – Sprinkle the stain immediately with salt to absorb excess liquid. Then gently dab with lemon juice or white vinegar and wash with lukewarm water.
- Coffee and tea – Mix baking soda with a little water and apply to the stain. After a few minutes, rinse and wash as usual.
- Fruit stains (berries, juices) – Soak the stain in lukewarm water and rub with lemon juice. Leave for a while and then wash.
- Oil and grease – Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the grease. Then scrub gently and wash in soapy water.
- Chocolate – First, gently scrape off the hardened chocolate. Then soak the stain in lukewarm water with a little detergent and rub gently.
Sweat and deodorant stains
- Sweat stains can be removed with a mixture of baking soda and water – create a paste, apply it to the stain and leave it for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- For more stubborn stains, try a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water . Apply, leave to work, and wash.
- If the stain is dried, soak the garment in a solution of water and lemon juice for several hours before washing.
Grass and mud stains
- Grass – Grass stains contain natural dyes that can be heavily absorbed into linen fibers. It is best to dab the stain with rubbing alcohol or vinegar , let it sit for a few minutes, then wash. Alternatively, you can use a paste of baking soda and water , which you gently rub into the fabric and rinse.
- Mud – Allow the mud to dry completely , then gently brush it out. If a stain remains after removing dried mud, wash the garment in lukewarm soapy water or apply a mild detergent directly to the stain before washing.
Makeup and lipstick stains
- Lipstick – Since lipsticks often contain oily ingredients, rubbing alcohol or a degreaser (e.g. mild dish soap) will work best. Apply to the stain, rub in gently, then wash.
- Liquid makeup (foundations, concealers) – Apply a small amount of shaving foam or mild shampoo to the stain and leave for 10 minutes. Then rinse and wash.
- Powder makeup (glitter, bronzer, eyeshadow) – Do not rub the stain immediately, but first gently tap off the excess powder. Then gently wipe with a damp cloth and soapy water.
Ink and marker stains
- Ink (ballpoint pen, fountain pen) – Rub the stain with rubbing alcohol , let it sit for a while and gently dry with a clean cloth. Then rinse with lukewarm water.
- Permanent Markers – These stains tend to be more difficult to remove. You can try rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover (non-acetone), or a mixture of milk and lemon juice . Apply to the stain, let it sit, then wash.
- Water-soluble markers – It is best to wash them immediately under cold running water , or add a little mild soap.
Blood stains
Blood is one of the protein stains that must be removed cold , as warm water will cause it to coagulate and soak deeper into the fibers.
Procedure for removing fresh blood:
- Rinse the stain with cold water – immediately after staining, run the fabric under running water to remove as much of the blood as possible. Do not use hot water, which will set the stain even more.
- Use a mild soap or bile soap – gently massage into the stain and leave for a few minutes.
- Rinse and repeat as needed – if the stain does not disappear immediately, repeat the process.
Procedure for removing dried blood:
- Soaking – soak the stain in cold water with a little salt or baking soda for several hours.
- Gentle cleaning – after soaking, apply bile soap or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water in a 1:1 ratio to the stain (only for white linen fabrics!).
- Rinsing and washing – rinse in clean water and wash as usual in a mild detergent.
Natural vs. chemical cleaning methods
When removing stains from linen clothing, we can choose between natural methods that use commonly available ingredients and chemical cleaners that are specifically designed for textiles. Each approach has its advantages and limitations, and it is important to know when to use which.
Natural methods – when and how to use them
Homemade cleaning products are ideal for gently removing stains, especially for common stains that are not too stubborn. They are also more environmentally friendly and safer for linen fibers.
- Lemon Juice – Great for removing fruit stains, sweat, and deodorant . It can also work as a natural bleach for light-colored linen.
- Baking soda – Helps loosen grease stains, sweat, and odors . Mix it with a little water into a paste and apply directly to the stain.
- Vinegar – A universal helper for deodorant, sweat, ink and grass . Mix vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and apply to the stain.
- Salt – Perfect for red wine . It absorbs excess liquid and helps prevent the stain from setting into the fibers.
- Shaving foam – Contains gentle cleansing ingredients that are great at removing makeup, lipstick, and oily stains .
- Bile soap – A natural yet powerful cleaner for grease, blood and organic dirt .
These methods work best on fresh stains , so it's a good idea to act as soon as possible.
Chemical methods – when are they necessary?
Sometimes natural remedies are not enough and it is necessary to resort to special textile cleaners , especially for dried, older or very resistant stains.
- Fabric stain removers – Suitable for ink, grass, grease and make-up stains. However, always read the label and test the product in an inconspicuous area.
- Laundry gels with enzymes – Effective on sweat, grease and biological stains , but may be too aggressive for some types of linen fabric.
- Hydrogen peroxide (3%) – Helps whiten yellow sweat stains on light-colored linen, but may cause fading of colored laundry.
- Professional dry cleaning – If you are unsure or the stain is very stubborn, it is recommended to have the garment professionally cleaned.
What approach should I choose?
- For gentle and natural stain removal, try homemade remedies. They are safe for linen and are usually sufficient for common stains.
- If the stain is persistent or older, use specialized cleaning products.
- For rare or very expensive linen garments, it is best to leave the cleaning to the professionals.
A careful approach to flax pays off
Linen is a beautiful natural material that becomes softer and more comfortable with every wash. With proper care, it will retain its appearance, quality and durability for many years . We therefore encourage you to adopt a gentle approach – choose ecological cleaning methods, treat linen with respect and give it the care it deserves. Your linen pieces will return the favor with timeless elegance and natural beauty. 💛
The key to success is to react quickly to stains , choose gentle cleaning products and respect the natural properties of linen. Whether you prefer natural methods or occasionally reach for special cleaning products, it is always important to test stains beforehand and work gently with the fibers to avoid damaging them.
