How to Care for Linen Kitchen Textiles: A Complete Guide

Linen, hemp, and cotton kitchen textiles are an investment in quality and sustainability. With the right care, they become softer and more beautiful with every wash — and last for decades. Here is everything you need to know to keep your handmade Ukrainian kitchen textiles in perfect condition.

Washing Linen and Hemp Towels

Machine wash at 40–60°C using a gentle cycle. Linen and hemp fibres are naturally antibacterial, so you do not need harsh detergents — a mild, plant-based liquid detergent works best. Avoid fabric softeners: they coat the fibres and reduce absorbency over time.

• Wash dark and light colours separately for the first few washes.
• Turn items inside out to preserve printed or woven patterns.
• Do not use bleach — it weakens natural fibres.

Drying

Air drying is always the best option for linen and hemp. Hang towels and aprons flat or on a line away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. If you use a tumble dryer, choose a low-heat setting and remove items while still slightly damp to reduce creasing.

Ironing

Linen irons beautifully when slightly damp. Use a medium-to-high heat setting and iron on the reverse side for embroidered or textured pieces. Hemp softens naturally with use and washing, so ironing is optional — many of our customers love the relaxed, lived-in look.

Storing Your Textiles

Store clean, dry textiles in a cool, well-ventilated space. Avoid plastic bags — natural fibres need to breathe. A linen or cotton storage bag is ideal. If storing for a long period, add a sachet of dried lavender to deter moths naturally.

Breaking In New Linen

New linen and hemp textiles may feel slightly stiff at first — this is completely normal. After two or three washes, the fibres relax and the fabric becomes noticeably softer. This is one of the most rewarding qualities of natural textiles: they genuinely improve with age.

A Note on Our Materials

All Kolo Pechi kitchen textiles are made from natural linen, hemp, and cotton — no synthetic blends. This means they are fully biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and safe for food contact. Caring for them properly is also caring for the environment.

Browse our full range of handmade kitchen textiles — from aprons and towels to oven mitts and bags — and find the pieces that will become part of your kitchen for years to come.