Linen Care Guide

How to Care for Your SCANDALINEN Bedding

By SCANDALINEN | Hanoi, Vietnam | Updated October 2026

Washing, drying and first-use guidance

Natural fiber bedding does not need complicated care. It needs the right care — and the right care for linen is different from cotton, bamboo linen is different from pure linen, and hand-dyed hemp is different from both. This guide covers all three SCANDALINEN product lines so you know exactly what to do, and what not to do, with each one.

100% French Linen Bedding

Stonewashed linen still needs gentle washing and careful drying. Check the care label before the first wash, especially for coloured fabrics and custom-size pieces.

Washing

1. Machine wash cold to warm.

30–40°C is the sweet spot. Cold water is safest for color preservation. Warm water (40°C) is fine for regular washing and helps with general hygiene. Never hot — above 60°C, linen fibers begin to weaken and colors fade permanently.

2. Use a gentle cycle.

A standard gentle or delicate cycle is ideal. Linen does not need heavy agitation — in fact, aggressive tumbling is what causes pilling at seams and edges over time.

3. Mild detergent only.

Follow the care label when choosing detergent and other washing products. Avoid bleach, optical brighteners and fabric softener where prohibited by the item’s instructions.

Drying

1. Check the drying instructions on your label.

Line dry in a ventilated area. Tumble dry only if the item’s care label permits it, using the setting on that label. Smooth the fabric after drying and make sure it is completely dry before use or storage.

2. Expect wrinkles.

Linen wrinkles. This is not a defect — it is what linen does, and it is part of the aesthetic. If you want a crisper look, iron while still damp on medium heat. If you don't mind the natural texture, shake well after drying and the wrinkles soften within minutes of being on the bed.

Shrinkage

Our French Linen has been stonewashed and pre-treated before production. Expect approximately 2–5% shrinkage. Wash before fitting your bedding for the first time, and follow the care label. Avoid high-heat drying.

Bamboo Linen — 45% Linen / 55% Bamboo Rayon

The 45/55 Bamboo Linen behaves differently from pure linen in two ways worth knowing before the first wash: it has a natural sheen when new that softens after washing, and it shrinks more than linen — about 10% on the first wash. Both are expected and already accounted for in how we cut and size our products.

First Wash — What to Expect

New 45/55 Bamboo Linen arrives with a slight sheen from the bamboo rayon content. After the first wash, this sheen softens into a matte, relaxed texture — and the fabric will wrinkle and drape the way natural linen does. This is normal and intentional. The first wash is when the fabric becomes what it is meant to be.

Shrinkage on the first wash is approximately 10%. This sounds significant, but our dimensions are cut with this in mind: after the first wash and 10% shrinkage, products fit standard bed sizes correctly. Do not skip the first wash before putting covers on your duvet or pillows.

Ongoing Care

1. Wash cold, gentle cycle.

Cold water (30°C maximum) on a gentle cycle. The bamboo rayon content is more heat-sensitive than pure linen — warm water accelerates color fading and can cause uneven shrinkage after the first wash.

2. No fabric softener.

Follow the supplied washing instructions; do not add fabric softener where the label advises against it.

3. Follow the label for drying.

Line dry, or use a dryer only if the item’s label permits it. Follow the specified heat setting and let the fabric dry completely before use or storage.

Bamboo Linen — 70% Bamboo Rayon / 30% Linen

First wash: Expect approximately 2–3% shrinkage. Wash before fitting your bedding for the first time.

For this blend, use the care instructions supplied with your particular product. Check the composition on the listing before washing; do not apply instructions for pure linen or a different bamboo-linen blend automatically.

H'Mong Hemp Products — Ha Giang, Vietnam

H'Mong hemp products require the most care of anything in the SCANDALINEN range — not because they are fragile, but because the natural indigo dye and beeswax patterns used by H'Mong artisans in Ha Giang need care suited to the individual textile. Follow the supplied instructions for the dye and decorative finish.

Washing — Hand Wash Only

1. Use cold water only.

Follow the item’s specified washing temperature. If it calls for cold hand washing, use cold water and wash separately. Ask us before washing if the care instructions are missing or unclear.

2. Follow the cleaning-product instructions supplied with your item.

Use only a cleaning product suitable for the item’s fabric, dye and decorative details, as directed on its care label. Do not assume hair shampoo is suitable for every textile. If the instructions are missing, contact us with the product name before washing.

3. Gentle hand washing only.

If the item’s label permits hand washing, handle it gently. Avoid scrubbing, wringing or twisting decorative panels and follow any separate instructions for embroidery, lining or other details.

4. Rinse thoroughly in cold water.

Residual soap left in hemp fiber can affect the color and stiffen the fabric. Rinse until water runs clear.

Drying

1. Dry flat or hang in shade.

Direct sunlight fades natural indigo significantly faster than shade drying. Dry in a shaded, ventilated area whenever possible.

2. Do not wring.

Press excess water out gently by rolling the item in a clean towel. Do not twist.

What to Expect Over Time

Colour changes depend on the fabric, dye, finish and care of the individual item. Follow its care label and contact us if you notice unexpected colour loss or have questions about a particular textile.

Care requirements depend on the weave, dye and construction of the individual hemp item. Handle decorative details gently and follow the supplied care instructions.

Quick Reference

At a glance — all four product types:

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: October 2026